The 49ers have played in 4 of the last 5 Finals, but the Lions are an increasingly credible alternative. And watch out for the Eagles and Cowboys
September 3 – 11:42 – MILAN
The continuity of San Francisco or the freshness of Detroit? The NFC is the Conference of which the 49ers have been the North Star, finalists in 4 of the last 5 seasons, at the Super Bowl in 2024. And yet they have never triumphed. Will it be the right year? The first alternative seems to be the Lions. Young, lively, growing, but already well-oiled. The outsiders? Philadelphia and Dallas, eternal contenders who have always lacked something at the most beautiful, the Los Angeles Rams rebuilt compared to those champions in 2022 and Green Bay plus perhaps Atlanta, young and trendy teams. Here is the general picture, with the possible candidates for the 7 playoff spots. The Super Bowl 2025 will take place on February 9 in New Orleans.
NFC EAST
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The Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders are competing for the title. Philly, which reached the Super Bowl two seasons ago, collapsed from a 10-1 start to 11-6 last season, then immediately exiting the playoffs with Tampa Bay. To accommodate the game, Kellen Moore and Vick Fangio were hired as offensive and defensive coordinators and Saquon Barkley as the new running back. The Eagles, however, have lost their monument center Jason Kelce, who has retired. Dallas is the other contender for the Division, having won it last season with a 12-5 record, but was immediately eliminated from the playoffs by Green Bay. Dak Prescott, the quarterback, is out of contract, while CeeDee Lamb, the super receiver, has extended his contract. For Coach McCarthy, it is the last chance: owner Jerry Jones will change the management in the absence of a playoff exploit. New York (6-11 in ’23) recovers quarterback Daniel Jones and took Malik Nabers as a target in the Draft. However, it is not enough to aspire to the playoffs. Washington (4-13) will also remain “short” after taking quarterback Jayden Daniels in the Draft. The offensive line allowed 65 sacks last season and if you don’t protect a rookie, it’s too late.
NFC NORTH
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NFC SOUTH
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The Division of shards, but someone has to win it. The Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Bucs, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers face off. Atlanta has strengthened on the market after a 7-10 season with a record: they signed veteran Kirk Cousins at quarterback, Matthew Judon on defense for the pass rush plus safety Justin Simmons. The favorite side, considering the not irresistible competition. Tampa Bay won the Division in ’23 with a modest record, 9-8, but then beating Philly in the playoffs. Baker Mayfield earned a three-year extension, now comes the hard part: confirming himself. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are quality receivers, Coach Bowles however is a diminution as a tactician in the game. New Orleans, 9-8 in 2023, losing 6 times on one possession, missed the last playoffs. Now or never for Coach Allen, 16-18 record with the Saints, and Derek Carr after a disappointing first season in the Big Easy. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, quarterback Bryce Young, was a disaster as a rookie with the Panthers (2-15). To help him regain confidence, they brought in a new offensive specialist coach, Coach Canales. And they took Dion Johnson to reinforce the otherwise modest receiving department.
NFC WEST
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The Wild West is set to be a duel between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams with the Seattle Seahawks as a third wheel and the Arizona Cardinals trying not to be extras. San Francisco (12-5 in 2023) has solved the Brandon Aiyuk problem by renewing the receiver who, with Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, forms a stellar trio of playmakers. Brock Purdy excels in the pocket, but must be protected and the collapse of the offensive line in the Super Bowl and the tantrums of tackle Trent Williams, who is demanding cash, worry Shanahan. Rookie receiver Pearsall was injured resisting a robbery: out of action, but out of danger of life. Los Angeles (10-7 last year) has lost defensive ace Aaron Donald, who retired, but the Kupp-Nacua-Williams trio allows Matt Stafford to orchestrate an attack that is fearsome for any defense, also thanks to Coach McVay’s calls. Seattle (9-8, no playoffs in ’23) is without Coach Carroll for the first time since 2009. Macdonald, former Ravens defensive coordinator, replaces him. Geno Smith is who he is, but boasts a trio of luxury targets: Metcalf/Lockett/Smith-Njiba. Arizona (4-13) has a special attraction: rookie receiver Marvin Harrison. Little else, though.