Heading into training camp most experts had the Arizona Cardinals on top of the power rankings and for good reason. This team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and has a veteran quarterback in Carson Palmer that is ready to win a title, but the Cards’ have struggled offensively and will need to have a better showing the next two weeks to begin the year as the team to beat.
New England is also a favorite, but with Tom Brady out for the first four games, the pressure will be on young quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to keep this team competitive to begin the year. The Patriots have a solid all-around squad, but its been a while since the team and its fans have seen this side take the field without Brady at the helm and their start could play a big role in where the finish the 2016 season.
The NFC West is going to be tough with Arizona figuring to battle Seattle for the division crown, but the winner will also get an advantage that is hard to beat, a home game come playoff time. The Seahawks will need to find a running game to take some pressure off Russell Wilson, but his growth as an NFL quarterback the last three years has many experts predicting big things for the young man and winning another championship this season could happen.
Every season a team comes from the back of the pack and makes the playoffs and this year has a good candidate. The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best offensive lines in the league. A veteran quarterback, when healthy, that is terrific and now they have the running game to match the passing game.
This team has good depth and plenty of star power, but unlike last season, Dallas must stay healthy to reach their expectations and become one of those teams that goes from a miserable season to one that becomes a contender and with the NFC East not that strong, first place in the division is within their reach.
