For the last couple of years, I’ve stated that the NFC is more like the old Western Conference in the NBA. People started to come around to this opinion last year until Lamar Jackson started owning the league. Baltimore and Kansas City are the new blood in the AFC. But for the most part, the conference is weaker than its counterpart. Add to the fact that two teams who missed the playoffs last year adding big pieces with Tampa Bay signing Tom Brady and Arizona acquiring DeAndre Hopkins. This does not make things easier on the Packers.

Last year when the season began, the NFC felt like they had 12 teams that could potentially make the playoffs. Those did not include Arizona and Tampa Bay. What will that number look like by the end of summer? Check in with us later and see. But I will not be surprised if it ends up around that number again. NFC West could be the best conference in football next year with all four teams having potential Super Bowl aspirations. The other thing to consider about Tampa Bay and Arizona is they will play easier schedules than others.

Tampa Bay faces the NFC North and the AFC West which means there is some tough competition lurking for them. But most of their most difficult games like Green Bay, Kansas City, Minnesota are all at home. Arizona gets the AFC East and NFC East. That might be more favorable than what Tampa Bay is looking at next season. If you had to bet which team finishes with the better record, it would not shock me if it’s the Cardinals more than the Buccaneers.

Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if NBC loads up Brady vs. Rodgers or Brees Week 1 on primetime. That feels inevitable, right?

Charlie.