Colin Cowherd has unveiled his predictions for the NFC divisions and projected playoff field, forecasting three new teams to make the postseason. The predictions, shared on "The Herd," highlight a mix of returning contenders and ascending rosters.
NFC East
Cowherd anticipates the Philadelphia Eagles will win the NFC East again, citing roster continuity on the offensive line and the team's success under quarterback Jalen Hurts. "Jalen Hurts, since he became a full-time starter, has the winningest record in the NFL," Cowherd stated. Despite losing A.J. Brown, Philadelphia added Dontayvion Wicks and drafted Makai Lemon, returning all five offensive line starters and facing what Cowherd identified as the seventh-easiest schedule.
Projected to finish second are the New York Giants. Cowherd noted their struggles in close games last season, where they were 1-7 in one-score contests and lost five games with a fourth-quarter lead. He believes this trend will even out, especially if quarterback Jaxson Dart remains healthy. "If Jackson Dart can stay out of the blue tent, I think it's a playoff team," Cowherd said.
The Dallas Cowboys are predicted to finish third. Cowherd pointed to their status as the most penalized team in the NFL last season as a significant issue. "They did some big things well, like scoring. They did a lot of little things poorly," he observed, concluding, "I have the Cowboys better, but not a playoff team."
Washington is placed fourth in the division, with Cowherd citing roster turnover at key positions like left tackle and the team's overall age as obstacles.
NFC North
The Detroit Lions are Cowherd's pick to win the NFC North, due to their offensive strength and schedule. "I think the Lions have a combination of the best roster in the division and the easiest schedule in the entire league this year," he said. Cowherd added that even in a season considered down for Detroit, their offense remained among the league's best.
Last year's division winners, the Chicago Bears, are projected to finish second. Cowherd highlighted their strength in the fourth quarter and their record when winning the turnover battle. He also noted that Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has a low history of turnovers. "Caleb Williams doesn't turn the ball over. He didn't in high school. He didn't in college," Cowherd stated.
The Green Bay Packers are predicted for third place. Cowherd mentioned the potential return of key players like Michael Parsons and Tucker Kraft, but suggested the team might have reached its ceiling. "They've not been a great September team, but they've been a wild card team in the last three seasons," he said.
Minnesota is predicted to finish fourth, with Cowherd acknowledging their coaching staff and offensive line talent but expressing doubts about their backup quarterback situation.
NFC South
Cowherd made a surprise pick in the NFC South, selecting the New Orleans Saints to win the division. He cited their favorable schedule and strong finish to the previous season. "Second easiest schedule in football is the Saints," Cowherd noted. "This is a division where you see teams go from last to first on a regular basis."
The Carolina Panthers are predicted for second place, with Cowherd praising the leadership of coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, and improvements expected for Bryce Young.
Tampa Bay is projected for third. Cowherd pointed to recent offensive struggles, defensive regressions, and coaching pressure following late-season defeats.
Atlanta rounds out the division in fourth place, with Cowherd citing challenges from an early road schedule and unanswered questions at the quarterback position.
NFC West
In the NFC West, Cowherd favors the Seattle Seahawks to win the division over the Los Angeles Rams. He highlighted Seattle's strong performance in road games over the past two seasons. "Here's what I love about Seattle: the last two years best road team in the league, and I mean a fantastic road team, 15 and two," Cowherd said.
The Rams are placed second, with Cowherd acknowledging their Super Bowl potential. "They return all 11 offensive starters. There's no reason to debate this. They could win the Super Bowl," he stated. However, he ultimately gives the edge to Seattle, predicting them to win 12 games compared to the Rams' 11.
San Francisco is picked for third place, with Cowherd citing an aging roster, struggles in the defensive pass rush, and reliance on veterans returning from injuries.
Arizona is projected to finish fourth as the team undergoes a rebuild.
