What a few days in the NFL world, specifically the NFC. The San Francisco 49ers welcome back an old friend in DeForest Buckner
, Seattle welcomes the NFL’s best guard, and now the Bears send two first-round picks for DT Jeffrey Simmons in a clear “all-in” move. What was once an NFC West arms race has become an NFC arms race. With the conference pretty wide open, this is the best opportunity for any team that believes they are close.I am going to attempt to rank the NFC contenders at 12:55 PM EST.
Let’s hope some other news doesn’t break before this is published.
Now, in my humble opinion, there are four NFC contenders. San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and Minnesota. I would be remiss if I didn’t include the lone undefeated team in the league.
San Francisco 49ers
I’m open to criticism for being biased, but I still truly believe in this team as the best in the NFC and the league. Kyle Shanahan is still the coach; the defense has Raheem Morris, and Nick Bosa is returning with Buckner. Chicago’s move today gives me the sense that Khalil Mack is closer than ever to becoming a 49er. Offensively, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Demarcus Robinson are returning. Additionally, I expect the 49ers to add another receiver to the fold.
The caliber of receiver is up in the air. Will the 49ers add a high-floor receiver to bolster their depth, or is a high-end receiver who blows the doors off defenses on the way? One way or another, the health of the returning 49ers and the experience of the core, with a 6-1 start, have the 49ers still in the driver’s seat.
Seattle Seahawks
You may not like to hear this, 49ers fans, but the margin between the 49ers and Seahawks is closer than you think. I held this opinion before the Nelson trade. Look, don’t let the numbers confuse you; Minnesota is statistically the best defense in the NFL, but Seattle is the real best defense in the NFL. Getting their running game going with the return of Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price will alleviate the need to rely on Sam Darnold. Oh, that JSN guy is pretty good.
On any given day, Seattle’s defense can choke off an opposing offense. It is imperative that the 49ers add another playmaker for their potential third meeting in January. Expect Seattle to round into form right in time for a run down the stretch. Monday’s game against Chicago just got a hell of a lot more interesting. Speaking of….
Chicago Bears
The cheat code for the Bears is the cheap contract of Caleb Williams. The ascending quarterback allows the Bears to swing big on Simmons. They have receivers, an offensive line, and one of the top play callers and designers in the NFL, Ben Johnson. Simmons is a game wrecker and an opportunistic defense that can create turnovers.
The only reason the Bears are third is that they are still a notch below both Seattle and San Francisco defensively. Plus, Seattle and the 49ers have experience winning deep into January. Last season was a good first step for Chicago, and clearly the organization believes that is the beginning of something special. Rightfully so, by the way. I just have more faith in the two NFC West teams come January.
Minnesota Vikings
You can’t leave the Vikings off this list, but the reason they are fourth on this list is the scuffling offense (what happened, KOC? Thought you were the QB whisperer), and the defense is on a heater against offenses that are less than stellar. Until this offense can produce anything valid, they will remain low on this list. Is the remedy a trade for Jonathan Taylor? It’s better than nothing. I’m also not sure adding Josh Downs will help the passing offense. I mean, if you’re having issues getting a top-three receiver like Justin Jefferson the ball?
One small secret about Minnesota’s defense is their explosive play rates. The defense is tenth overall at 6.5%, which is very solid. On the ground, Minnesota has allowed ten-yard runs at a 9.9% rate. That’s 13th in the NFL. The pressure applied by their blitzes and Brian Flores’ excellent defensive mind can’t be discounted. However, those gambles leave them vulnerable to big plays. It’s up to the offense to execute and decipher the pressures coming.
