NFC Championship Betting Odds: The Eagles Are Favorites to Repeat

With 2023 OTAs starting up, we are now slightly more than three months away from the start of the NFL season.

Let's run through the eight squads with the best NFC Championship odds, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (+330)

Projected Win Total: 11.5 (-134 on the under)
Odds to Make the Playoffs: -400

Key Offseason Coaching Changes:

• Offensive Coordinator: Brian Johnson in for Shane Steichen
• Defensive Coordinator: Sean Desai in for Jonathan Gannon

Why They Could Win the NFC:

Talent on offense, talent on defense, and a weaker NFC.

The Eagles fell just short of winning the Super Bowl last season and enter this year with the second-best odds (+800) to win Super Bowl LVIII. Philadelphia is having a busy offseason, with several coaching changes and multiple players leaving and arriving on both sides of the ball. As it stands, the result is a roster that may be the most talented in the league on both sides of the ball.

On offense, the Eagles extended Jalen Hurts and replaced outgoing running back Miles Sanders with Rashaad Penny and D'Andre Swift. Hurts has the fifth-best odds to win the MVP (+1200), per the NFL MVP odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. All three of his top targets from last season are back, with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert forming one of the best pass-catching groups in the league. Brown has the 5th-best odds to lead the NFL in receiving yards (+1600), while Smith has the 16th-best odds (+4000).

Last season, the Eagles scored the second-most points (477) in the league. It was Hurts' second season as a starter, Smith's sophomore season, and Brown's first with Philadelphia. Entering their second season as a group, they could take another step forward this year. That's a scary thought for the rest of the league.

On defense, the Eagles lost defensive lineman Javon Hargrave to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. They responded by using both of their first-round draft picks to land potential difference makers on the defensive side of the ball in defensive tackle Jalen Carter (9th pick) and linebacker Nolan Smith (30th pick).

The result is a defense that could be better than last year's -- which is saying something considering the 2022 Eagles defense recorded 70 sacks, 2 shy of the single-season record. Last year, the Eagles allowed the fewest yards (3,057) and eighth-fewest points (344). The defense matching last year's success would be more than enough to keep Philadelphia near the top of the NFC. If the D improves, it could make Philly the best team in the NFL.

The Eagles also have the benefit of playing in an NFC that is much weaker than the AFC. Of the 13 teams with the best odds to win the Super Bowl, only 4 of them play in the NFC. Of the eight players with the best odds to win the MVP, seven of them play in the AFC; the only one who doesn't is Hurts.

Why They Could Lose the NFC:

Turnover at key coaching positions.

The downside to the Eagles' impressive run to the Super Bowl last season was the notoriety it generated for their coaching staff. Shortly after the Super Bowl, they lost their offensive and defensive coordinators to head coaching jobs, with Shane Steichen moving to the Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Gannon going to the Arizona Cardinals.

Nick Sirianni remains at the helm, but losing both coordinators could have an impact on the Eagles' season, especially early on. The good news for Philadelphia is that their early-season schedule is excellent. Only two of their first five opponents made the playoffs last year, and one of those teams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, lost Tom Brady to retirement this offseason. The Eagles' three toughest on-paper matchups don't come until Weeks 11 through 13, when they will face the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and 49ers.

Even the Eagles' potential weakness has a beneficial counter to it.

Barring significant regression from Hurts, the Eagles are just too talented on both sides of the ball to not be serious contenders for the NFC.

2. San Francisco 49ers (+400)

Projected Win Total: 10.5 (-142 on the over)
Odds to Make the Playoffs: -430

Key Offseason Coaching Changes:

• Defensive Coordinator: Steve Wilks in for DeMeco Ryans

Why They Could Win the NFC:

Kyle Shanahan, explosive playmakers on offense, and an elite defense.

The advantage Shanahan provides the 49ers is enormous. Despite never having an elite signal-caller, the 49ers have made the NFC Championship three times in the last four seasons. They are 1-2 in those three appearances, with a 17-point win over the Green Bay Packers, 3-point loss to the eventual champion Los Angeles Rams, and a loss to the Eagles partially due to not having a healthy quarterback for three quarters of the game.

Shanahan always seems to make it work on offense despite lacking a high-end signal caller. Whatever injuries or obstacles have been thrown the 49ers way, they handle it well thanks in large part to Shanahan's offense.

That offense relies on explosive playmakers with elite ability in open space, and this year the 49ers will have that in droves. At running back, Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell form a formidable one-two punch. In the passing game, the combination of Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk returns. The playmakers that make this offense go all have familiarity in the system and should continue to provide the 49ers with yards after the catch regardless of who is under center.

Finally, the 49ers will continue to operate with an elite defense. Last year, the 49ers' defense conceded the fewest points in the league (277), leading to the NFL's best point differential (173). They will be dealing with a change in defensive coordinator, but they have handled similar changes in the past without a decline. The addition of Javon Hargrave in free agency further bolsters their outlook.

Why They Could Lose the NFC:

Uncertainty at quarterback.

The 49ers are the only team on this list that isn't sure who will be under center come Week 1. Considering the importance of the quarterback position, it speaks to the 49ers' other organizational strengths that they can have the second-best odds to win the conference without knowing who their starting signal-caller is. While Shanahan has been successful multiple times without a high-end talent under center, it is still a potential concern that San Francisco enters the season with a three-way competition between Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold.

The competition itself is less of an issue than the track records of the players involved in it.

Purdy was an excellent steward of the offense last season, but he is coming off a major injury. He was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and while his play last year was impressive, the sample size is still rather small.

Lance is also coming off a major injury and has appeared in just eight games since being drafted third overall in 2021. In those games, he has a combined stat line of 56 completions on 102 attempts (54.9%) for 797 yards (7.8 yards per attempt), 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions -- adding 54 carries for 275 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. While the upside could still be there for Lance, there is plenty of uncertainty.

Darnold joined the 49ers after failing to secure the starting job for the New York Jets or the Carolina Panthers over the past five seasons. He has also battled injuries and has never played more than 13 games in a season.

The 49ers seem to get the best out of quarterbacks, but with this group, it is fair to wonder if their best might not be enough to win the NFC.

3. Dallas Cowboys (+600)

Projected Win Total: 9.5 (-158 on the over)
Odds to Make the Playoffs: -210

Key Offseason Coaching Changes:

• Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer in for Kellen Moore

Why They Could Win the NFC:

An elite defense and offseason acquisitions.

The Cowboys' offseason switch at offensive coordinator paints a clear picture that they intend to lean into their defense to reach their first Super Bowl since 1995. Last season, the Cowboys' defense surrendered the sixth-fewest points, so it's certainly a good unit.

Their offense scored the third-most points (467) but committed the eighth-most turnovers (23). Of those 23 turnovers, 18 were interceptions. Dallas' 18 interceptions were the third-most in the league. Of the 11 teams with at least 15 interceptions last season, only the Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings finished with more than 8 wins.

The tradeoff of points for interceptions was one that head coach Mike McCarthy clearly didn't agree with.

This offseason, he said, "Kellen (Moore) wants to light the scoreboard up, but I want to run the damn ball so I can rest my defense. I think when you're a coordinator, you're in charge of the offense. Being a head coach and being a play-caller, you're a little more in tune with [everything]. I don't have the desire to be the No. 1 offense in the league. I want to be the No. 1 team in the league with a number of wins and a championship. And if we've got to give up some production and take care of the ball better to get that, then that's what we'll do, because we have a really good defense."

If Dallas wins the NFC this season, expect their defense to be the reason why.

Dallas' chances this season are also bolstered by the offseason additions of wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Cooks provides the offense with a legit second option in the passing game opposite superstar CeeDee Lamb. Gilmore is 33 years old but still has some juice and pairs with Trevon Diggs in the secondary.

Why They Could Lose the NFC:

A change in offensive philosophy and the NFC East.

The decision to try to win games with their defense at the expense of an explosive offense could come back to haunt the Cowboys. Schottenheimer's last stint as an offensive coordinator came with the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2020. Under Schottenheimer, Seattle's offense enjoyed regular season success but produced a 1-3 record in the postseason, failing to score more than 23 points in any of their four playoff games. Their lone win was a 17-9 victory over the Eagles in which the Seahawks' defense held Philadelphia to only field goals.

When things remain on script, Dallas' defense-first, conservative strategy can generate wins. When the goal is to win the NFC and ultimately a Super Bowl, that same strategy could hurt them in the games they need to win the most.

Another issue for Dallas is the NFC East. While the NFC as a conference is weaker than the AFC, the NFC East will be challenging. First and foremost, the Cowboys have to deal with the Eagles. Among NFC squads, the Eagles have the second-best odds to win a division (-105) behind only the 49ers (-165). Dallas could have an excellent season and still not come out on top in their own division, forcing them into multiple road games in the postseason.

Outside of Philadelphia, the Cowboys also have to deal with a potentially ascending New York Giants team. After years of dysfunction, the Giants finally appear headed in the right direction under head coach Brian Daboll. If Daniel Jones takes the next step in his second season under Daboll, the Giants could put some pressure on Dallas. The Washington Commanders are projected to finish fourth, but they went 8-8-1 last year and could be slightly improved with new ownership and a new quarterback in Sam Howell.

It all adds up to a season with little margin for error for Dallas.

4. Detroit Lions (+900)

Projected Win Total: 9.5 (-122 on the over)
Odds to Make the Playoffs: -170

Key Offseason Coaching Changes:

• None

Why They Could Win the NFC:

Continuity, an explosive offense, an improved defense.

In 2021, the Detroit Lions finished the season with a record of 3-13-1. Two years later, they enter the 2023-24 season as favorites to win the NFC North (+145).

After a slow start under Dan Campbell, the Lions turned things around, finishing last year with 8 wins in their last 10 games. They kept both their coordinators this offseason and will enter the year with continuity at every key position. For the first time in a while, the Lions head into a season with an optimistic outlook -- not just for the long term but for the season ahead.

That optimism is primarily due to an offense that scored the fifth-most points in the league last season (453). With Jared Goff under center, the Lions outscored every team except the Kansas City Chiefs, Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and 49ers.

With a treasure trove of draft picks this offseason, the Lions bolstered their offensive strength while also addressing their defense. They added dynamic pass-catching running back Jahmyr Gibbs to replace the outgoing D'Andre Swift and selected tight end Sam LaPorta to fill the void left following the departure of T.J. Hockenson. After serving his six-game suspension, Jameson Williams will join the fray, as well. It's a high bar, but Detroit could be better on offense this year than they were last campaign.

The Lions were the only team to finish inside the top 11 in total points last season and not make the playoffs. Their defense, which allowed the fourth-most points (427), was the reason why. If their offense remains prolific, Detroit needs to just marginally improve on defense to be in the mix come playoffs. To that end, they selected a defensive player in each of the first three rounds of the draft -- linebacker Jack Campbell, safety Brian Branch, and defensive tackle Brodric Martin. In free agency, they added cornerback Cameron Sutton and safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.

The pieces are there for the Lions to drastically improve their largest weakness.

Why They Could Lose the NFC:

A lack of postseason experience and Jared Goff.

While excitement is high in Detroit, the goal of winning the NFC is one that even highly experienced teams have failed to achieve. Despite dominating the NFC North for more than a decade, Aaron Rodgers won the NFC only once. It is a very difficult task. If Detroit makes the playoffs, the Lions will enter the postseason with little playoff experience on the roster. Even a successful season for the Lions could see them fail to advance to the Super Bowl simply because they couldn't get past the Eagles or Niners.

Detroit is well-positioned to make the postseason for the first time since 2016. If they do so, they will be trying to win their first playoff game since 1991. It's possible they accomplish those goals and take the next two steps on their journey to eventually winning the NFC but ultimately fall short of a Super Bowl appearance this coming year.

While Goff provides the Lions with postseason experience from his time on the Los Angeles Rams, his ceiling as a quarterback could keep Detroit from reaching the Super Bowl. Goff was fantastic last year, completing 382 of 587 pass attempts (65.1%) for 4,438 yards (7.6 yards per attempt), 29 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. It was his first season with more than 22 passing touchdowns since 2018.

Having elite play at quarterback isn't necessary to make a Super Bowl, but it is incredibly helpful. In a weaker NFC, the Lions will have the advantage under center over many teams, but in the playoffs, in potential matchups against impactful defenses such as the Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys, Goff will be tested. If Goff can take the next step and further elevate the Lions' offense, the sky is the limit. If he can't, he may be the factor that limits the ceiling of this Detroit team.

5. Seattle Seahawks (+1300)

Projected Win Total: 8.5 (-142 on the over)
Odds to Make the Playoffs: -122

Key Offseason Coaching Changes:

• None

Why They Could Win the NFC:

Continuity and an offense that takes the next step.

Like the Lions, the Seahawks will enter the 2023-24 season with continuity at both coordinator positions, head coach, and quarterback. Seattle defied expectations last year following the departure of Russell Wilson. Geno Smith won a preseason quarterback competition and never looked back, completing 399 of 572 pass attempts (69.8%) for 4,282 yards (7.5 yards per attempt), 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Seahawks finished the regular season with the ninth-most points scored (407).

Now, with an entire season under their belt, the Seahawks will have to take the next step. The expectations are higher after Seattle signed Smith to three-year contract extension this offseason. In the draft, they were the first team to take a wide receiver when they selected Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the 20th overall pick. They have the fifth-best odds to win the NFC, a drastic difference from their preseason outlook a year ago.

Seattle will need to improve on defense, as well, to be a true contender, but the offense needs to excel in their second full season together. In Smith-Njigba, D.K. Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks have one of the best wide receiver trios in the league. In the backfield, second-round draft pick Zach Charbonnet joins Kenneth Walker III to form a formidable duo.

All the pieces are there for Seattle to take the next step and join the league's elite, but to do so, Smith will need to prove that last year was his floor moving forward and not his ceiling.

Why They Could Lose the NFC:

The 49ers, a porous run defense, and Geno Smith.

The largest issue for the Seahawks in their quest to make the Super Bowl is the presence of the 49ers in their division. Like the Cowboys having to deal with the Eagles, the Seahawks will have a difficult time winning their own division. The 49ers have the best odds to win their division (-165) of any team in the league. If the Seahawks can't dethrone San Fran, they will likely have to win multiple road playoff games to win the NFC. That's a difficult task for any team, even more so for one with a quarterback with no postseason wins.

Adding to the difficulty of defeating San Francisco is the Seahawks' primary weakness: their run defense. Last year, Seattle surrendered the third-most rushing yards (2,554), seventh-highest yards per carry (4.9), and fifth-most rushing touchdowns (21). The Seahawks didn't use either of their two first-round picks in the draft to address the issue, instead waiting until the second round to select linebacker Derick Hall, and fourth round to nab defensive tackle Cameron Young.

Seattle did address the issue in free agency, signing defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones from Denver to a three-year, $51 million contract. At the very least, Seattle's run defense remains a question mark heading into next season. That is a major concern when the 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys, and Lions all ranked inside the top 11 in rushing yards per game last season.

Outside of the defense, the Seahawks also have to hope that Smith can overcome a lack of postseason experience. Like Goff, Smith needs to prove that he can take the next step and not limit the ceiling of Seattle's offense. Unlike Goff, Smith has never been to a Super Bowl and does not have a postseason victory in his career.

6. Minnesota Vikings (+1400)

Projected Win Total: 8.5 (-142 on the over)
Odds to Make the Playoffs: +116

Key Offseason Coaching Changes:

• Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores in for Ed Donatell

Why They Could Win the NFC:

A prolific passing game and an improved defense.

The Vikings' offense scored the seventh-most points in the league last season. The in-season addition of tight end T.J. Hockenson bolstered a passing game led by superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The Vikings' 4,818 passing yards ranked second in the NFL, behind only the Chiefs. Their 30 passing touchdowns ranked fourth. This offseason, they used their first-round draft pick to select wide receiver Jordan Addison 23rd overall.

Entering the 2023-24 season, the Vikings could take the next step and become the top passing offense in the league. Hockenson will have an entire offseason and preseason under his belt. Addison will have the monstrous advantage of working opposite Jefferson and exploiting the opportunities created by the additional attention Jefferson commands. Kirk Cousins' 4,547 passing yards last year were his most as a Viking and the second-most of his career. Unfortunately, he set a career-high in interceptions with 14. If Cousins can cut down on the turnovers, the opportunity is there for him to set career-best marks in yards and touchdowns.

If he does so, the Vikings could become real contenders assuming their defense improves under Brian Flores. Last year, Minnesota allowed the fifth-most points in the league (427), resulting in a point differential of -3. Minnesota was the only team inside the top 10 in points scored that finished the year with a negative point differential.

To address this, they drafted cornerback Mekhi Blackmon in the third round and signed cornerback Byron Murphy, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and defensive end Dean Lowry. Considering Minnesota gave up the second-most passing yards last year (4,515), more help may be needed. If it doesn't come, Flores will have a difficult task on his hands. If he can pull it off, Minnesota will have anything they need to contend for the NFC.

Why They Could Lose the NFC:

Kirk Cousins, a defense that doesn't improve, and the NFC North.

It's fair to have the same concerns with Cousins as some of the other quarterbacks discussed in this list. When the lights are brightest, can he step up? So far, the answer has been no. Cousins is 1-3 in four playoff appearances. In his three playoff games in Minnesota, he is averaging 229 passing yards and 1.33 passing touchdowns per game. Cousins did have the best playoff game of his career in last year's Wild Card loss to the Giants but was still outplayed in the passing game by Daniel Jones, who also posted a game-high 78 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Until Cousins shows he can win big games in the playoffs, the potential for him to fail remains a real concern for the Vikings' path to winning the NFC.

The downside to Minnesota using their first-round pick on Addison is they failed to use their most valuable draft asset to address their secondary. The defense could make notable improvements under Flores and still be a liability for the Vikings. The same Giants' passing offense that picked apart the Vikings' secondary in the Wild Card Round was limited to just 135 passing yards against the Eagles in the Divisional Round. Minnesota has a long way to go on D, and if they don't get there, they will struggle to be a true contender in the NFC.

The state of the NFC North is another obstacle for the Vikings. Minnesota won the division last year for the first time since 2017. With Aaron Rodgers leaving Green Bay, the Vikings should be in a prime position to take over the division. Instead, the Lions are favored to take the crown. Among teams with the second-best odds to win their division across the NFL, the Vikings have the third-worst odds to do so (+270).

Even with Rodgers gone, the Packers' odds to win the NFC (+1800) and the NFC North (+350) are only a bit behind Minnesota's. Plus, the Chicago Bears have made several impactful additions this offseason and could be a real threat if Justin Fields takes the next step.

Despite the absence of Rodgers, the NFC North remains a difficult obstacle for the Vikings.

7. New Orleans Saints (+1700)

Projected Win Total: 9.5 (-148 on the under)
Odds to Make the Playoffs: -164

Key Offseason Coaching Changes:

• Defensive Coordinator: Joe Woods in for Ryan Nielsen and Kris Richard

Why They Could Win the NFC:

Derek Carr's floor and the NFC South.

The New Orleans Saints scored the 11th-fewest points in the league last season (330). Their struggles on offense hindered a strong defense that allowed the ninth-fewest points (345), just one point more than the Eagles. With Dennis Allen at the helm and Joe Woods joining from the Cleveland Browns, the Saints' defense should remain a strength. But to win the AFC, they have to support their defense with an above-average offense.

Enter Derek Carr, who the Saints signed in free agency to a four-year deal worth up to $150 million. Carr wasn't perfect during his nine seasons on the Las Vegas Raiders, but he was reliable, starting at least 15 games in each year. Availability is a valuable attribute for a Saints team that has started Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, and Ian Book over the last two years.

With consistency under center, the Saints' playmakers will have a chance to shine. Sophomore wide receiver Chris Olave will have the opportunity to build on an impressive rookie season. Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara need to stay healthy, but the opportunity will be there if they can. The addition of Jamaal Williams in free agency gives the Saints a thunder-and-lightning approach that they have utilized effectively during Kamara's time in New Orleans. In Carr, the Saints have a stable foundation to build their offense on, something they have lacked since Drew Brees' retirement in 2021.

The biggest advantage the Saints have in their quest for the NFC crown is their division, the NFC South. Despite being seventh on this list, the Saints are the favorites to win their division (+165). The Atlanta Falcons (8.5), Carolina Panthers (7.5), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6.5), are all projected to finish with a losing record this season, per the NFL win total odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. The Saints' defense will have the advantage of facing inexperienced quarterbacks on all three teams.

The NFC South gives the Saints an excellent opportunity to start the playoffs at home.

Why They Could Lose the NFC:

Derek Carr's ceiling, the health of Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara, and the upside scenarios for young quarterbacks.

While Carr's availability is a welcome change for the Saints, his ceiling may not be high enough to win the NFC. In his nine seasons on the Raiders, he threw for more than 30 touchdowns only once (2015). He tossed 14 interceptions in each of his last two seasons and has just one playoff appearance and no postseason wins in his career. Carr should provide New Orleans with improved play at the quarterback position and is a perfect fit to guide them to an NFC South title. From there, he will have to achieve several career firsts and play at a level he hasn't shown before to win the NFC.

Any upside scenario for the Saints this year assumes both Thomas and Kamara remain available. Thomas has played just three games since 2021. Kamara has battled multiple injuries over the past couple of seasons and faces potential legal issues for an off-field incident. The loss of either would place a further strain on a Saints offense that will need to be firing on all cylinders to compete with the best teams in the NFC.

Finally, the NFC South could be more of a challenge than is expected. While the division's outlook is weak on paper, that is primarily due to uncertainty at quarterback for the Falcons, Panthers, and Buccaneers. Carolina has a reason for optimism with first-overall pick Bryce Young under center. The outlook is less positive for Desmond Ridder and the Falcons and Kyle Trask/Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, but Ridder and Trask surpassing expectations is a possibility. If one of Young, Ridder, or Trask does impress, it will make things more difficult for the Saints and threaten their clear path to opening the playoffs at home.

8. Green Bay Packers (+1800)

Projected Win Total: 7.5 (-105 on the over)
Odds to Make the Playoffs: +138

Key Offseason Coaching Changes:

• None

Why They Could Win the NFC:

Jordan Love is ready and youth steps up.

For the first time since the 2005 season, Aaron Rodgers is not on the Packers' roster. For the first time since the 2008, Green Bay will begin a campaign with someone other than Rodgers as the focal point of their franchise's future. The Jordan Love era begins now. Any chance the Packers have of winning the NFC this season starts and ends with Love.

Of course, the Packers can support Love with improved play on defense and an impactful running game led by Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, but if the 24-year-old former first-round draft pick is not up to the task, Green Bay is not winning the NFC.

Love has had the opportunity to sit behind a four-time MVP in Rodgers but has very little NFL experience because of it. In his 10 career appearances, Love has attempted fewer than 100 total throws, completing 50 of 83 (60.2%) pass attempts for 606 yards (7.3 yards per attempt), 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

In addition to Love, the Packers will also need to rely on youth at wide receiver. Their projected starting wide receivers include sophomore Christian Watson, sophomore Romeo Doubs, and rookie Jayden Reed. As a unit, the Packers' offense has very little experience both playing in the NFL and playing together. The good news is, they all have upside scenarios that can still pan out as they gain experience.

For the Packers to be serious contenders for the NFC this year, Love and their trio of wide receivers will need to excel in their first season together. It's a tall task, and the focus in Green Bay is understandably more long-term with this group, but if they gel quickly, they could hit the ground running.

Why They Could Lose the NFC:

Inexperience on offense and an uneventful offseason.

The downside to inexperience, of course, is that it often leads to bad results. Love is entering his first full season as a starter. He could have an above-average season and still not make the playoffs, let alone contend for the NFC. The same could be said for the trio of wide receivers. All of them could impress and make improvements as they gain experience, and Green Bay could easily fall short of a trip to the Super Bowl. Winning the conference is a big ask, one not many teams this young have accomplished.

The Packers haven't helped themselves with their moves this offseason. In free agency, their notable losses included wide receiver Allen Lazard, defensive end Jarran Reed, defensive end Dean Lowry, and tight end Robert Tonyan. Outside of their draft class, they have not made any impact acquisitions to balance those losses.

The Packers appear set on entering the 2023 season with an influx of youth and little in the way of veteran additions to support them. Their focus is likely on the future, which is understandable, but it certainly hurts their chances of winning the NFC this year.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.