1 question for all 16 NFC teams entering 2026-2027 NFL season

The NFC successfully secured the Super Bowl title, with the Seattle Seahawks winning against the New England Patriots last year. The NFL is witnessing a wave of new coaching talent across various teams, and the NFC continues to showcase an impressive roster of dominant players. Here is one question facing every team entering the season.

Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Detroit Lions: Can the Lions stay healthy?

The Lions have a great roster with Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Aidan Hutchinson as their main core. The team's expectations should be high as their schedule gets a little easier, and it should be a great division race this season. The team had some injuries last year that hurt them.

Chicago Bears: Can the Bears execute back-to-back strong seasons?

The Chicago Bears shocked many NFL fans by getting to the playoffs and having a strong year. Caleb Williams took a big leap this past year, and the team has lots of weapons for him. Ben Johnson is one of the most creative coaches in the NFL, and the Bears should compete in this division

Minnesota Vikings: Can Kyler Murray fix the offense?

The Vikings were towards the bottom of the league in EPA/Pass and will need to be better in that category. Justin Jefferson is still one of the best in the league at the WR position, and the defense under Brian Flores last year was a solid unit. If Kyler Murray fixes this offense, this team will be better than people expect.

Green Bay Packers: Will the team stay healthy?

Micah Parsons will start on the PUP list, Josh Jacobs has off-field issues, Jayden Reed suffered an injury last year that kept him out for some time, and Tucker Kraft suffered a gruesome injury. Jordan Love and Matt Lafleur have shown resilience, managing to secure victories even with injuries affecting their roster. However, the competition within their division remains challenging. If Jordan Love and the team can maintain their performance while key players are sidelined, their prospects will improve significantly once Parsons and Jacobs return.

Jun 2, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (left) and coach Sean McVay react at press conference at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

When you bring in Aaron Donald, that means the team wants to win another ring. The team is super good and will be the team to beat in the NFC. Trading for Myles Garrett is one thing, but adding Aaron Donald on top of it is another significant addition. The Rams are going to be very fun to watch with all of their new additions.

San Francisco 49ers: Can the team stay healthy?

For the 49ers, you have to give Kyle Shanahan lots of credit for last year. Multiple injuries on both sides of the field, and the team still made the playoffs and won a playoff game on the road versus the Philadelphia Eagles. When this team is healthy, they can compete with all teams in the NFC. Shanahan is incredible as an offensive mind, and Brock Purdy should have a great year. Lots of questions about the health of this team, but we shall see what they are capable of.

Seattle Seahawks: Can the Hawks repeat dominance?

First year under Mike Macdonald, they win a Super Bowl. The Rams upgraded their team, the 49ers are still a strong team, and the Cardinals are rebuilding. Why can't the Seahawks have another big year? They lost Kenneth Walker but replaced him with Jadrian Price.

Arizona Cardinals: Can Jerimayeh Love have a strong rookie year?

The division for the young running back Jerimayeh Love is not easy, and it will be interesting to see how Love does in his first season. It isn't easy to run the football when the offensive line is a question mark. The team will need to find ways to get him out in space.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) carries the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Philadelphia Eagles: Can Jalen Hurts and the offense be on the same page?

The big question for the Philadelphia Eagles is their offense. Towards the middle of the pack offensively this past year. A brand-new offensive coordinator for the Eagles, Sean Mannion, will be a big reason why the Eagles either thrive or fail. Lots of pressure on Nick Sirianni this year and on the team. If a bad season occurs, don't be shocked if the Eagles have a new head coach.

Dallas Cowboys: Will the team be better defensively?

Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens are one of the best duos in the NFL offensively. Defensively, they drafted Caleb Downs, who will make an immediate impact on this team. Defensively, they had the least success on defense out of any unit in the NFL. Allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFC and the most passing yards, and allowed the 2nd most passing touchdowns too. Teams will be successful against the Cowboys if they can't stop their opponent.

New York Giants: Can the culture finally change in New York?

The New York Giants have made a significant move by hiring John Harbaugh. His reputation brings high expectations for a cultural shift within the team, and early signs indicate positive changes. The crucial question remains: will the Giants rise to compete and secure victories? Can he turn Jaxson Dart into a superstar? Some of those answers will unfold during the regular season, starting with their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, where Harbaugh has historically excelled in opening weeks.

Washington Commanders: Will Jayden Daniels be able to stay healthy?

With Jayden Daniels, the offense thrives and can be a solid unit. But when he is not, the team is not going to perform well. Daniels was banged up last year and couldn't stay healthy. Can the offensive line hold up with Laremy Tunsil out with a major injury? Lots of questions for the Commanders this season that will need answers quickly.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Carolina Panthers: Will we see another good year from Bryce Young?

The Panthers had a great year, and despite being eliminated in the playoffs last year, they put up a strong fight against the Los Angeles Rams. For Bryce Young, there was some inconsistency. He threw for 23 touchdowns while suffering 11 interceptions. He had the 20th-longest time to throw the football (2.70). If Young succeeds, this team can win the NFC South.

New Orleans Saints: Strong year or regression coming for Tyler Shough?

Tyler Shough showed lots of promise this season for the Saints despite dealing with some issues. The Saints' offensive line did not give him much time to throw, as he only had 2.54 seconds to throw the ball. He still finished with 10 touchdowns but turned the ball over 6 times. With improved offensive line play, those numbers should be able to be better. Chris Olave, Travis Ettiene, and Jordyn Tyson will all be reliable targets for him. Tyson is dealing with a hamstring injury, but when he is back, he will be an awesome target for Shough.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Baker Stay with the Team?

The Buccaneers are an interesting squad. They have some fun pieces like Emeka Egbuka, Baker Mayfield at QB, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving. Reuben Bain Jr, the rookie from Miami, should be a rookie of the year candidate. He has strong hands and the power to beat the tackles that he will go against. The Bucs may be able to contend, but if they don't, Baker Mayfield's days of being a Buccaneer are getting shorter.

Atlanta Falcons: Will this offense be successful?

The Falcons brought in Tua Tagovailoa and will be competing against Michael Penix Jr. Both QBs are good enough to create some offense. A brand-new head coach, Kevin Stefanski, enters the building. For Tua, health has been an issue, and Penix hasn't been able to be a consistent starter. This team has multiple weapons in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. The offense should be run through Bijan, as he is one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL. It will be interesting how they utilize all of their pieces.