Football fans have watched the power dynamics across the NFL shift rather drastically from the end of the 2021 season and over the course of 2022.
Most of the strongest consensus Super Bowl contenders for the 2023 season happen to be in the AFC, as was the case last year, but will it be that way by the time the playoffs roll around?
The Eagles tied with the Kansas City Chiefs at 14-3 for the best record in the NFL and every NFC team save for the 49ers had trouble competing with them. Philadelphia nearly defeated Kansas City in a thrilling Super Bowl matchup, but will their path back to the championship game be more arduous after a busy off-season?
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Here are some key storylines surrounding the 16 teams vying for an NFC title and what each front office got up to this summer.
NORTH
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2022 record: 13-4, first in NFC North, lost to Giants in wild-card round
Notable roster additions: WR Jordan Addison, LB Marcus Davenport, DE Dean Lowry, CB Byron Murphy
Notable roster subtractions: RB Dalvin Cook, WR Adam Thielen, TE Irv Smith Jr., LB Eric Kendricks, CB Patrick Peterson
Storyline we’re watching: Is 2,000 yards possible for Justin Jefferson? The star WR led the NFL with 128 receptions and 1,809 yards in 2022. Earlier this off-season Miami’s Tyreek Hill said he’s aiming to become the first receiver to hit 2,000 yards in a single season. Jefferson is the consensus best at the position heading into Week 1 and has Kirk Cousins in another contract year throwing him the ball with added support from T.J. Hockenson and rookie Jordan Addison.
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DETROIT LIONS
2022 record: 9-8, third in NFC North, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Jack Campbell, TE Sam LaPorta, RB David Montgomery, WR Marvin Jones, CB Cameron Sutton, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Notable roster subtractions: RB Jamaal Williams, RB D’Andre Swift, WR D.J. Chark, CB Jeff Okudah
Storyline we’re watching: Will bold draft selections pay off in a year where Detroit is projected to win the NFC North? The Lions had two first-round picks and they used them on a running back and linebacker, which was unconventional by today’s standards to say the least, but if Jahmyr Gibbs can help Jared Goff and the offence and Jack Campbell is a positive addition to Aidan Hutchinson’s defence then Detroit could be eyeing double-digit wins. Gibbs’s versatility on offence will be relied on especially while Jameson Williams is out serving his suspension for gambling.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
2022 record: 8-9, third in NFC North, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: DE Lukas Van Ness, TE Luke Musgrave, WR Jayden Reed
Notable roster subtractions: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Allen Lazard, TE Robert Tonyan, K Mason Crosby
Storyline we’re watching: Does Jordan Love have what it takes to be a quality starter? With Aaron Rodgers out of the picture, the 2020 first-round pick finally takes over as the team’s starter. He won’t have rookie jitters and has a well-rounded roster supporting him including three young WRs (Christian Watson, Romeo Dobbs and rookie Jayden Reed), a pair of running backs (Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon) capable of carrying heavy workloads, plus a quality offensive line led by left tackle David Bakhtiari.
CHICAGO BEARS
2022 record: 3-14, fourth in NFC North, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: WR D.J. Moore, OT Darnell Wright, OG Nate Davis, DE DeMarcus Walker, DT Andrew Billings, LB Tremaine Edmunds, LB T.J. Edwards
Notable roster subtractions: RB David Montgomery, WR Equanimeous St. Brown, OT Riley Reiff
Storyline we’re watching: The evolution of Justin Fields. Chicago could’ve had their pick of a strong rookie QB class but decided to roll with Fields and trade out of the No. 1 spot in a massive vote of confidence. The third-year pivot rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022 and now has a legit top target in D.J. Moore and better protection including a top-10 pick at right tackle in Darnell Wright.
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EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2022 record: 14-3, first in NFC East, beat Giants in divisional round, beat 49ers in conference championship, lost to Chiefs in Super Bowl
Notable roster additions: DT Jalen Carter, RB D’Andre Swift, RB Rashaad Penny, S Terrell Edmunds, QB Marcus Mariota, OC Brian Johnson, DC Sean Desai
Notable roster subtractions: DT Javon Hargrave, OG Isaac Seumalo, QB Gardner Minshew, RB Miles Sanders, DE Robert Quinn, DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Linval Joseph, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S Marcus Epps, DC Jonathan Gannon, OC Shane Steichen
Storyline we’re watching: Adjustments on defence. Philly underwent a number of notable changes on the defensive side of the ball this summer. They lost Javon Hargrave at the line and their two starting safeties but potentially got a steal in first-round pick Jalen Carter. New defensive coordinator Sean Desai has plenty of talent to help him implement a game plan and they’ll be aided by a relatively easy first five weeks of the schedule (@NE, vs. MIN, @ TB, vs. WAS, @LAR).
DALLAS COWBOYS
2022 record: 12-5, second in NFC East, beat Bucs in wild-card round, lost to 49ers in divisional round
Notable roster additions: CB Stephon Gilmore, OC Brian Schottenheimer, WR Brandin Cooks
Notable roster subtractions: OC Kellen Moore, RB Ezekiel Elliott, TE Dalton Schultz, OG Jason Peters, OLB Anthony Barr, K Brett Maher
Storyline we’re watching: Dak’s turnovers. The Cowboys starter led the NFL with 15 interceptions in 2022 and that was despite missing five games. The year prior, he had a league-high 14 fumbles only half of which he recovered. An aging Tyron Smith is back but the Dallas offensive line is not as deep or imposing as it has been in recent years. Can Dak get back on track or will there be a QB controversy brewing with Trey Lance now in town?
NEW YORK GIANTS
2022 record: 9-7-1, third in NFC East, beat Vikings in wild-card round, lost to Eagles in divisional round
Notable roster additions: TE Darren Waller, WR Parris Campbell, LB Isaiah Simmons, DT A’Shawn Robinson, LB Bobby Okereke, CB Deonte Banks, C John Michael Schmitz
Notable roster subtractions: OG Nick Gates, C Jon Feliciano, LB Jaylon Smith, WR Richie James, WR Kenny Golladay
Storyline we’re watching: Can the defence catch up to the offence in the second year under Brian Daboll? The Giants ranked in the bottom half of the league defending the pass in 2022 and the team was even worse against the run, ranking 30th against opposing rushing attacks. The addition of Isaiah Simmons could pay huge dividends this season. New York exceeded expectations last year and won’t have the luxury of catching teams by surprise in 2023.
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WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
2022 record: 8-8-1, fourth in NFC East, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: OC Eric Bienemy, QB Jacoby Brissett, OT Andrew Wylie, C Nick Gates, CB Emmanuel Forbes, DB Quan Martin
Notable roster subtractions: QB Taylor Heinicke, QB Carson Wentz, C Chase Roullier, OG Trai Turner
Storyline we’re watching: Bienemy’s impact. Eric Bienemy joins a veteran coaching staff to take over Washington’s offence after years of immense success with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. What will he be able to do with Sam Howell behind centre? Washington finished with a respectable record in a division that had three playoff teams so it’s conceivable Washington can be a surprise group especially given its low expectations.
SOUTH
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
2022 record: 8-9, first in NFC South, lost to Dallas in wild-card round
Notable roster additions: QB Baker Mayfield, DT Calijah Kancey, OG Cody Mauch, OC Dave Canales
Notable roster subtractions: QB Tom Brady, OT Donovan Smith, G Shaq Mason, RB Leonard Fournette, WR Julio Jones, DE Carl Nassib, DT Akiem Hicks, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, S Logan Ryan, S Keanu Neal
Storyline we’re watching: Can Mayfield prevent or slow Tampa’s downward trajectory? The Bucs are but a shadow of the storybook team from three seasons ago that won the Super Bowl when Tom Brady came to town. Mayfield is set to start for his fourth team in the past three years and he’ll have to do so with a worse offensive line than what the sub-.500 Bucs had last year.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
2022 record: 7-10, second in NFC South, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: HC Frank Reich, OC Thomas Brown, QB Bryce Young, QB Andy Dalton, RB Miles Sanders, WR D.J. Chark, WR Adam Thielen, TE Hayden Hurst, DT Shy Tuttle, DT DeShawn Williams, S Vonn Bell, WR Jonathan Mingo
Notable roster subtractions: WR D.J. Moore, RB D’Onta Foreman, DT Matt Ioannidis
Storyline we’re watching: Will Bryce Young be able to live up to the hype? Carolina didn’t merely select Young No. 1 overall. They did so after trading D.J. Moore and a haul of picks to Chicago to secure the 2023 top pick. This season will be about tracking Young’s progress under new head coach Frank Reich, making sure he has proper protection and the right pieces around him to ensure long-term success there.
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NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2022 record: 7-10, third in NFC South, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: QB Derek Carr, RB Jamaal Williams, DT Bryan Bresee, DE Isaiah Foskey, RB Kendre Miller
Notable roster subtractions: QB Andy Dalton, RB Mark Ingram, WR Jarvis Landry, DE Marcus Davenport, DT David Onyemata,CB Bradley Roby, CB Chris Harris Jr.
Storyline we’re watching: Is Derek Carr the answer for the post-Drew Brees Saints? Jameis Winston wasn’t. Andy Dalton wasn’t. Taysom Hill wasn’t. The former Raiders QB begins his stint in New Orleans coming off arguably his worst season since his rookie year. Can Carr run a Pete Carmichael offence that has a returning Michael Thomas but is missing Alvin Kamara to begin the year?
ATLANTA FALCONS
2022 record: 7-10, fourth in NFC South, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: QB Taylor Heinicke, TE Jonnu Smith, DE Bud Dupree, DT Calais Campbell, DT David Onyemata, CB Jeff Okudah, CB Mike Hughes, S Jessie Bates, S Tre Flowers
Notable roster subtractions: QB Marcus Mariota, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, G Elijah Wilkinson
Storyline we’re watching: Is a star rookie running back and revamped defence enough to complete a turnaround? The Falcons haven’t made the playoffs in five seasons but after selecting Bijan Robinson in the first round and bringing in some new starting talent to help the likes of Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell there’s optimism in Atlanta for the first time in a while. Starting QB Desmond Ridder needs to take a step forward in his development and luckily for him he’ll have an imposing rushing attack to rely on for support.
WEST
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
2022 record: 13-4, first in NFC West, beat Seahawks in wild-card round, beat Cowboys in divisional round, lost to Eagles in conference championship
Notable roster additions: DT Javon Hargrave, QB Sam Darnold, K Jake Moody,
Notable roster subtractions: DC DeMeco Ryans, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, OT Mike McGlinchey, S Jimmie Ward, CB Jason Verrett, CB Emmanuel Moseley, QB Trey Lance
Storyline we’re watching: Brock Purdy proving he’s not a one-hit wonder. The 2022 Mr. Irrelevant is coming off off-season elbow surgery and now faces lofty expectations he didn’t a season ago. The team felt confident enough with Purdy and free agent addition Sam Darnold that they recently traded 2021 third-overall pick Trey Lance to Dallas. Kyle Shanahan’s offence should again be a dominant unit in the NFC with Christian McCaffrey leading an elite group of playmakers. The 49ers might just have the best defence in the NFL too, on paper at least, however, the unit needs to adapt to a handful of new starters plus reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa being a pre-season holdout.
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SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2022 record: 9-8, second in NFC West, lost to 49ers in wild-card round
Notable roster additions: CB Devon Witherspoon, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba,
Notable roster subtractions: RB Rashaad Penny, DT Shelby Harris
Storyline we’re watching: Building off the momentum generated in 2022. Seattle was one of the feel-good stories of the NFL last season with a surprise playoff appearance thanks to a career year from Geno Smith and huge contributions from a strong rookie class. The team re-signed Smith and added touted prospect Smith-Njigba in the draft who’ll join the receiving duo of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. If the sophomore starters, particularly those on the defensive side of the ball, avoid dreaded second-year slumps there’s no reason why Seattle can’t compete in the relatively thin NFC this year.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
2022 record: 5-12, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: OC: Mike LaFleur, OG Steve Avila, LB Byron Young
Notable roster subtractions: CB Jalen Ramsey, QB Baker Mayfield, WR Allen Robinson, OC Liam Coen
Storyline we’re watching: How does Aaron Donald fit in with a young, rebuilding Rams team? L.A.’s best player could potentially be its biggest asset should the Rams decide for a major shakeup near the trade deadline. Despite only being a few years removed from a Super Bowl championship, there is a serious dearth of top-end talent on this Rams roster.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
2022 record: 4-13, missed playoffs
Notable roster additions: HC Jonathan Gannon, OC Drew Petzing, OT Paris Johnson, EDGE BJ Ojulari
Notable roster subtractions: HC/OC Kliff Kingsbury, LB Isaiah Simmons, WR DeAndre Hopkins
Storyline we’re watching: Will the on-field results be as bad as many are predicting for Arizona this season? First-year head coach Jonathan Gannon takes over the consensus 32nd-ranked team entering Week 1 that is without its starting quarterback Kyler Murray (PUP list) for at least the first four games and once he’s eligible to be activated the question becomes is it worth it? Murray is locked into a lucrative contract and the franchise will need to take a cautious approach to him returning. The Cardinals currently hold their own, plus Houston’s, first-round selection for the 2024 draft.
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