SCU staff makes their 2018 NFC Predictions

The SCU staff makes their 2018 NFL season predictions. Let’s have a look at who everyone thinks is championship material this upcoming season.

SCU NFC Predictions

 

Joe Kuzma

Playoffs: Eagles, Vikings, Packers, Saints, Falcons, Rams
NFC Champion: Vikings

The Eagles made some changes but should still be the class of their division. The Giants were attempting to make similar changes but had Ben McAdoo in the way. Now with a coaching change and the addition of Saquon Barkley, they will contend again. The Cowboys and Redskins still have some catching up to do. I think Dallas can be competitive and a fringe playoff team, but losing leadership with Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, plus the health of Travis Frederick could be hard to overcome.

The Minnesota Vikings are loaded this year. They will be a juggernaut to contend with and were ready to be the first Super Bowl host city to have its team play in the big game. They’ll correct that this year. Aaron Rodgers’ return puts the Packers in the conversation automatically. Flip a coin on the Lions or Bears for this division’s basement.

The NFC South will be a tight race between the top three teams once again, with the Saints and Falcons edging out the Panthers for the postseason. The West is the Rams’ to lose. Jimmy G will help San Francisco improve but they’re not quite there yet in terms of playoff quality. Seattle could very well end up in the basement, but I’m choosing the better quarterback to at least elevate them from falling to rock bottom.

Brian Roach

Playoffs: Saints, Eagles, Rams, Packers, Falcons, Vikings
NFC Champion: Saints

The Eagles, barring injuries should still be the team to beat in the NFC North. I was tempted to push the Cowboys into second because Barkley is dealing with a hamstring, and those issues can often be tough to get over. I am not a Kurt Cousins truther so I like a Rogers led Packers team to take the Central, with the Vikings nabbing a wild card spot.

The Rams certainly should distance themselves in the West, but I am not sold on the Jimmy G Niners just yet, so have the Seahawks managing to slip into second into the division but not into the playoffs. The Saints may be the best team in the NFC with a young and improving defense that surprised me last season. The South may be the toughest division in the NFC (maybe even in the NFL) and the Falcons will manage to grab the second wild card spot.

But it’s the Saints year grabbing the number one seed and managing to get all the way to the Super Bowl.

Tina Rivers

Playoffs: Saints, Eagles, Rams, Packers, Panthers, Vikings
NFC Champion: Saints

With a healthy Carson Wentz, the Eagles look to be ready to make another run. I’m still on the fence between the Giants and Cowboys as to who takes that second spot, but Eli Manning got help in the off-season and the Cowboys lost key veterans that might be the determining factor. If you aren’t on board with the Vikings, you should probably start paying attention. The resurgence of the Purple People Eaters?

Maybe not, but I expect explosive play from the pillagers in the North.

The Packers are still a huge contender, so I think they’ll grab that top spot in the division. This could be the year for Drew Brees to take the Saints deep into the post-season if he can get a young roster to bond and win critical matchups. It feels like he’s “due”.

I’ve lost my faith in Atlanta and see the Panthers being competitive unless they get so thin on the offensive line that they allow Cam Newton to get pounded by opposing defenses. The Rams are clicking on a ton of cylinders and should force the Seahawks and 49ers to try to keep pace. In the postseason, the NFC should get a bit crazy with the division leaders all utilizing momentum for the championship spot. My gut says the Vikings get off to the biggest start and can’t quite get all the way while the Saints allow Brees to use his veteran pedigree for the win.

Chase Hammes

Playoffs

  • Falcons vs Saints (Falcons)
  • 49ers vs Rams (Rams)
  • Rams vs Eagles (Eagles)
  • Vikings vs Falcons (Vikings)
  • Vikings vs Eagles (Eagles)
  • Super Bowl (Eagles over Steelers)

Ryan Lippert

Playoffs

  • Panthers vs Saints (Saints)
  • Packers vs Rams (Rams)
  • Vikings vs Saints (Vikings)
  • Eagles vs Rams (Eagles)
  • Vikings vs Eagles (Vikings) – NFC Champs
  • Super Bowl (Steelers over Vikings)

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