Training camps are underway, and we figured this would be an appropriate time to make our 2024 NFL season predictions.
In doing so, we used NFL Playoff Predictor to project the standings and playoff picture for the upcoming season. Today, we specifically look at its predictions for the NFC.
Predicting the 2024 NFL Regular-Season Standings in the NFC
NFC East
- Dallas Cowboys (13-4)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- New York Giants (6-11)
- Washington Commanders (2-15)
Amid an offseason featuring constant contract chatter involving Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, the Cowboys still repeat as NFC East champs — a first for them since 1996.
The Eagles and Giants end up matching last season’s marks. Washington, unfortunately, places itself in a position for the No. 1 overall pick by succumbing to a 2-15 campaign in Dan Quinn’s first season as head coach.
NFC North
- Detroit Lions (12-5)
- Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Green Bay Packers (8-9)
- Minnesota Vikings (5-12)
The Lions repeat as division champs for the first time since 1953 and 1954. Chicago, meanwhile, returns to the playoffs behind Caleb Williams leading the charge.
Green Bay takes a slight step back at 8-9. Minnesota, by likely turning to rookie J.J. McCarthy behind center, falls to 5-12 and in last place.
NFC South
- Atlanta Falcons (11-6)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
- New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Carolina Panthers (5-12)
The return of Raheem Morris and the arrival of Kirk Cousins pays big dividends for the Falcons — as they win the franchise’s eighth division title but first since 2016.
Despite losing the division to Atlanta, Tampa Bay still produces a 10-win season off the simulator. New Orleans drops to 6-11 but avoids the bottom of the division. Carolina, despite its fourth-place record, still shows a three-win improvement under first-year head coach Dave Canales.
NFC West
- San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (9-8)
- Seattle Seahawks (7-10)
- Arizona Cardinals (4-13)
Once again, the 49ers reign supreme at the top of the NFC West at 13-4. However, with Dallas clinching the top seed, it means the Niners lost in the head-to-head regular-season matchup that eventually decided the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
The Rams, meanwhile, produced their seventh winning season under Sean McVay but missed the playoff cut. Seattle, with Mike Macdonald taking over, goes 7-10 in his first season. Arizona ends up with a repeat of 4-13 off the predictor.
Projecting the NFC Playoff Picture
- Dallas Cowboys
- San Francisco 49ers
- Detroit Lions
- Atlanta Falcons
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Chicago Bears
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Cowboys force teams to come to AT&T Stadium by sealing the top spot and the first-round bye, while San Francisco positions itself as the No. 2 seed.
The NFC South, often considered annually as the league’s weakest division, winds up producing two playoff teams in the Falcons and Bucs. Detroit settles for third but welcomes rival Chicago into Ford Field. Finally, the Eagles once again accept the No. 5 seed and draw an NFC South opponent to start the postseason.
