2024 NFL preview, part 1

 The last preseason games of 2024 are playing today. On September 5, it all begins "for real". Today, we're taking a look at the NFC.

NFC East:

Dallas welcomed back Ezekiel Elliott after a forgettable season in New England. However, backup QB Trey Lance looked like he was already washed up, throwing 5 interceptions in the preseason finale vs. the LA Chargers. They definitely need Elliott to be the Zeke of old. Philadelphia fortified their offense by picking up Saquon Barkley (Giants), and trading for Jahon Dotson (Washington), while Kenny Pickett came over from Pittsburgh to caddy Jalen Hurts. Giants QB Daniel Jones did not look good vs. Houston, and that spells trouble for Big Blue. Why the Commanders traded Dotson, I don't know, but rookie QB Jayden Daniels (LSU) could be a keeper.

Now, all Dallas needs to do is have Dak Prescott take a break from selling Sleep Number mattresses....!

Projected order of finish:

1. Philadelphia.

2. Washington.

3. Dallas.

4. Giants.

NFC North:

Minnesota drafted JJ McCarthy out of Michigan to be a successor to Kirk Cousins (Atlanta), but stupidly let Joshua Dobbs walk as well (San Francisco). Unfortunately, McCarthy is out for the year with a torn ACL. There goes the playoffs for the Vikings.

In Chicago, they're raving about Caleb Williams (USC), and why not? It makes the Bears braintrust look smart in letting Justin Fields leave (Pittsburgh). Someone check the schedule to see if the Bears & Steelers play each other, this could ultimately backfire on Chicago. Green Bay & Detroit stood pat.

Projected order of finish:

1. Detroit.

2. Chicago.

3. Green Bay.

4. Minnesota.

NFC South:

If Tampa Bay taught us anything last year with Baker Mayfield, they are going to stay in the hunt, as long as the pieces remain in place. Carolina is hoping for a better year from Bryce Young, who led the Panthers past Buffalo in the preseason finale on Saturday. There are already issues with Cousins and Atlanta, and that does not sound good for the Falcons. New Orleans? Who knows?

Projected order of finish:

1. Tampa Bay.

2. Carolina.

3. New Orleans.

4. Atlanta.

NFC West:

Los Angeles would like to see Stetson Bennett see some time on the field this year, backing up Matthew Stafford, after missing most of 2023. Seattle got burned letting Drew Lock, for whom they traded Russell Wilson (now in Pittsburgh) leave (Giants), but time will tell. Arizona may not wait long before tanking like they did last year. They teased a playoff run, then faded before Christmas. That leaves San Francisco, which has the vibe of its glory years of the 80's, and that's a scary thought.

Projected order of finish:

1. San Francisco.

2. Los Angeles.

3. Seattle.

3 (tie). Arizona.

Of course, I could be wrong. We'll look at the AFC next week.