The Battles In The NFC

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

The talk in Dallas is about their defense. This season, Christian Parker will take over the defense from last year’s defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus (Parker having the distinction of being the third defensive coordinator in three years).

Last year’s defense allowed the most points per game (30.1), the third most total yards per game (377.0), while tying for the second fewest interceptions (6) and the fifth fewest sacks (35).

So, this off-season is about the free agents and the first-rounders. Will first-rounder Malachi Lawrence beat out free agent acquisition Rashan Gary? Can PJ Locke take over for Malik Hooker? And what will Parker do with rookie Caleb Downs?

New York Giants

New head coach John Harbaugh, new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson are tasked with making the Giants relevant in a highly competitive division.

The wide receiver battle is the watch. The Giants currently have the following in the wide receiver room:

• Malik Nab
• Darius Slayton
• Calvin Austin III
• Darnell Mooney
• Malachi Fields
• Odell Beckham Jr.
• JuJu Smith-Schuster
• Braxton Berrios
• Isaiah Hodgins

Something has gotta give.

Philadelphia Eagles

New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion takes over an offense that wallowed in the middle to the bottom of the pack in every offensive stat last season. The Eagles were 24th in total yards per game (311), 23rd in passing yards per game (192.8), 16th in rushing yards per game (118.2), and 19th in points per game (22.1). And their WR1 from last year is now in New England.

The watch is on as to how Mannion will navigate quarterback Jalen Hurts’ strengths with the receiving corps that currently consists of DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore, Johnny Wilson and Hollywood Brown.

Washington Commanders

The battle for WR2 begins. The Commanders signed Stefon Diggs to compete for WR2 with Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown.

NFC West

Los Angeles Rams

The only question is: will Aaron Donald play this season for the Rams? This is the watch of the preseason.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals played a highly competitive game against the Carolina Panthers in the HOF game. Even with a loaded running back room, the watch is on for Zonovan Knight and Corey Kiner.

Knight finished the game with 12 touches for 60 yards, while Kiner finished with 14 touches for 57 yards, two targets, and one touchdown. With Jeremiyah Love planted as RB1, Tyler Allgeier as RB2, and James Conner as RB3, the RB2 position is also a watch as Kiner and Knight fight for relevance.

San Francisco Niners

Besides their head coach being in a horrific car accident, and the shadow of the electrical substation over their practice facility, and their top two defensive players coming off season-ending injuries last season, and Ricky Pearsall being out for the season, and yeah, Deebo Samuel is back, the Niners are “all good”, nothing to see here.

Seattle Seahawks

The defending Super Bowl Champions lost their offensive coordinator, Super Bowl MVP, outside linebacker Boye Mafe, and Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen in the secondary. To replace the Super Bowl MVP and hold a place for the injured Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks added Jadarian Price and drafted Emmanuel Wilson.

The preseason watch is not only who will be RB1 but also the status of a once-prolific running back room.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

The Bears receiving corps will be the preseason/training camp watch. After trading DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, will free agent Kalif Raymond be the answer? Are the tight ends the primary receiving weapons in Chicago?

Detroit Lions

Armed with what Sharp Football Analysis calls the sixth-easiest schedule this year, the Lions’ offseason focused on the defense that was 22nd in points allowed last season (24.3) and 17th in total yards given up to opponents (332.8).

While the departure of running back David Montgomery and the acquisition of Isiah Pacheco deserve a passing glance during preseason, everyone knows this is Jahmyr Gibbs’ backfield. So preseason and training camp will focus on Dan Campbell’s defense, who will emerge alongside Adian Hutchinson as the one-year contracts of D.J. Wonnum, Malcolm Rodriguez and the late acquisition of Devin White all will fight for the honor.

Green Bay Packers

Preseason/training camp is all about the Packers running back room. Josh Jacobs, the Packers RB1, has a legal issue he is facing and now has a “minor” groin injury. The players who will be looking to step into the RB1 position if necessary include: Chris Brooks, Marshawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr., Damien Martine,z and Jaden Nixon.

It’s a battle for RB1 if Jacobs faces suspension.

Minnesota Vikings

This is all about the quarterback battle, incumbent Kyler Murray versus J.J. McCarthy. Seriously, nothing else matters in Minnesota right now.

NFC South

This could end up being the most interesting division in the league this year.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons and new head coach Kevin Stefanski also have a quarterback battle on their hands. Last year’s starter Michael Penix Jr. is coming off a left knee ACL tear suffered in November. The Falcons then went and acquired the services of Tua Tagovailoa for a veteran’s minimum (while Miami foots the bill).

Stefanski has said this is an “open competition”. This preseason/training camp battle is worth monitoring.

New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough and head coach Kellen Moore offered a glimmer of hope for Saints fans last season. This year they doubled down and drafted receiver Jordyn Tyson, acquired running back Travis Etienne, and paid Chris Olave.

This preseason is all about the ability of Moore to sustain and build upon the momentum the team put on display as the season came to an end. For the 2025 season, the Saints were 28th in points per game, averaging 18.0; until their last three games, when they doubled their average, averaging 26.7 points per game. The same upward trajectory was found in their yards per game. For the season,n they averaged 313.6; in their last three games, they averaged 391.7.

Will training camp and preseason give a glimpse of how Moore utilizes his new offensive weapons to keep the momentum?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield feels disrespected, and Mike Evans is gone. Vita Vea is requesting a trade and head coach Todd Bowles is on the hot seat.

The preseason for the Bucs is just another people-watch in sunny Florida.

Carolina Panthers

After their HOF game, it is clear that this preseason/triaining camp is all about the QB2 position. While many were penciling in Kenny Pickett as the presumptive QB2, rookie Haynes King threw his helmet into the ring with his 180 passing yards on 34 attempts, two passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown, averaging 13 yards per rushing attempt.

Preseason Week 1

Preseason Week 1 games officially start Thursday, August 13. While it is unexpected that players who are solidified in their starting status will suit up for these games, the battles for rookies and those hoping to make the roster don’t make it any less interesting; yes, we are looking at you, King.