I am going to do my NFC playoff predictions, seeds 1-6. Again, these choices are my personal opinion and thoughts of who I think will be in the thick of the NFC playoffs next season. I have put my schedule prediction in parentheses.

Here it is:

1. New Orleans Saints (12-4)

In what was considered a miracle for the Vikings, it was considered heartbreaking for the Saints. Head coach Sean Payton has said that play will be used as fuel for this season and I think it pays massive dividends. Returning a loaded offense and a suddenly intimidating defense, I am going bold by saying the Saints will be the 1 seed in the NFC. Drew Brees is not slowing down, and with Kamara and Ingram, this offense should continue to wreak havoc on defenses. Getting Kurt Coleman and Demario Davis should help a defense with Cameron Jordan and studs in the secondary, Lattimore and Williams. I think the Saints will edge out the Falcons and Panthers in the division while ascending to a 12-4 record.

2. Minnesota Vikings (12-4)

Though the Packers will certainly be back, I see the Vikings as the better overall team. Thus, I have them winning the division again while using both offense and defense to climb to the top tier of the NFC yet again. Kirk Cousins will make the most of his offensive arsenal, with Dalvin Cook and elite WR duo Thielen and Diggs by his side. On the defensive side, Sheldon Richardson joins an already elite crew with Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Harrison Smith, and others. The defense will continue to stuff foes. I see the Vikings once again in the thick of the Super Bowl hunt.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)

This may feel a little low for the defending champs, but only by one loss. The Eagles will once again rule the division, breaking the streak for different division winners each season. Simply put, the other teams are not as elite or well put together as the Eagles. For the Giants and Redskins, chemistry may take time to form. For the Eagles, they are hoping to get back Carson Wentz Week 1, and I expect him to pick up where he left off last season. The Eagles are simply a solid built team, and I see them making the Super Bowl again even though I have them at a 3 seed. Jay Ajayi, Alshon Jeffery, and co. will continue to help the offense roll with Ertz. On the defense, Michael Bennett, Fletcher Cox, and Brandon Graham will bring back a suffocating unit that hardly allowed any large plays last season. Eagles are here to fly high for the next few years.

4. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)

This was an easy pick for me, as the NFC West is still in a transitioning state with the Rams the only complete team that is ready to compete for a title. The Rams made big name acquisitions this free agency, making a splash with the signings of Suh, Peters, Talib, Cooks. This team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and a more confident Jared Goff and Sean McVay only help the case. With the Seahawks losing defensive studs, and the 49ers still building chemistry, the Rams should be able to take this division. Though last year ended in disappointment in the Wild Card, the Rams will be looking to bounce back against foes such as the Eagles, Saints, and Vikings this year, all of whom I have placed ahead of these Rams.

5. Green Bay Packers (11-5)

I have no doubt Aaron Rodgers will perform at a high level. Because of that, the Packers look to begin a new streak of consecutive playoff appearances. In a loaded NFC, it will be hard for the Packers to run the table in the playoffs, especially with recent defensive woes. The addition of Jimmy Graham and the emergence of Davante Adams means Rodgers has no shortage of help. On the defensive side, the Packers got Muhammed Wilkerson and drafted CBs to fill the gaping holes in this unit. Though I think the Vikings will edge out the Packers in the division, I don’t see them too far behind. They will make the playoffs again in an Aaron Rodgers redemption tour.

6. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)

Last year was a transition year for the Falcons with their new OC. This year, I expect them to pick it up and make yet another run for a title. The main crew is back with the devastating RB duo of Coleman and Freeman. Alabama wideout Calvin Ridley now joins the crew with Julio Jones and Sanu. And Matt Ryan is back with an extension, though he regressed last season. Though I don’t have a clue whether he will progress or regress this season, I expect the young Falcons to make the playoffs again. The defense is getting stronger, like the Legion of Boom. Takk McKinley, Keanu Neal, Vic Beasley and Desmond Trufant are ready to prove themselves as an elite defense, though underrated now. The Falcons will compete with the Saints for the division, but will ultimately lose it, I believe. Still, the talent that has accumulated on this team makes them a worthy 6 seed. It really depends on which Matt Ryan show up, but I think it will be the good one. I see them edging out the Panthers, Lions, Cowboys, Seahawks, and Redskins, who I think will be average teams this year.