Analysis

9/8/21

3 min read

Most Important Storylines Heading Into the 2021 NFL Season: NFC

By The 33rd Team

Two-quarterback system

Last week, we offered up the top storylines for the AFC in advance of the start of the 2021 NFL season. Here’s a look at the top NFC storylines and the key questions facing each team: 

NFC North

Green Bay Packers:

  1. This team has lofty expectations coming into this season, will the Rodgers drama impact their performance?

Minnesota Vikings:

  1. Will the new additions on defense this off-season vault the Vikings back into the playoffs?
  2. How will Justin Jefferson be able to follow up his spectacular rookie season?

Detroit Lions:

  1. How will Jared Goff perform this season with a subpar receiving core?
  2. Will new head coach Dan Campbell bring a spark to this team?

Chicago Bears:

  1. Is Justin Fields the answer? When will he start?
  2. Will the Bears be able to compete with their division rivals in order to make the playoffs?

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys:

  1. Will Dak Prescott be the same QB as he was prior to the injury?
  2. What will Dan Quinn’s defense look like, and can they take a big step up from last season?

New York Giants:

  1. Is Daniel Jones the QB of the future?
  2. How will the offense look with the return of Saquon Barkley and the addition of Kenny Golladay?

Philadelphia Eagles:

  1. How will Jalen Hurts look in year two + will he have a shorter leash with Minshew added to the roster?
  2. Will a true #1 wide receiver emerge from their roster?

Washington Football Team:

  1. Will their offense be able to take a step forward with Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB?
  2. Can their defense carry them back to the playoffs?

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks:

  1. How will Jamal Adams rebound after an underwhelming first season in Seattle?
  2. Will this finally be the year the Seahawks become less Russell Wilson dependent?

San Francisco 49ers:

  1. If Jimmy G is the starter, how long will he last?
  2. Can they stay healthy?

Los Angeles Rams:

  1. Can Darrell Henderson fill the void that Cam Akers left?
  2. Will the addition of Matthew Stafford take them to the next level?

Arizona Cardinals:

  1. If Pressure is a Privilege, how will the Cardinals handle the pressure this year, Kyler Murray's 3rd as a pro?
  2. Can the Cardinals avoid another second-half slump?

NFC South

New Orleans Saints:

  1. Will Jameis Winston’s patience pay off after sitting behind Drew Brees for a year?
  2. Will a receiver emerge to take the role as their number one option until Michael Thomas returns?

Carolina Panthers:

  1. Will a change of environment unlock Sam Darnold’s potential?
  2. Will Christian McCaffrey be able to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2020?

Atlanta Falcons:

  1. Will Kyle Pitts be able to live up to his draft capital immediately?
  2. How will first-time head coach Arthur Smith perform?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

  1. Will the Buccaneers be able to do what Tom Brady and the Patriots did one time in six attempts–repeat as champions?
Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott, Dan Campbell See More

The 33rd Team

The 33rd Team is a Football Think Tank created by Mike Tannenbaum and Joe Banner.

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