The NFC Conference in the 2020 campaign appears to be wide open more than any other time, with no side putting a strong claim down for the crown. The reigning NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers have been beset by injuries in key positions, which could leave the path for a new team to represent the conference in the Super Bowl.
The Green Bay Packers should be in contention to strike, and there’s no reason why Matt LaFleur’s men cannot go all the way. Being backed in the NFL odds on bet365 at +400 to win the NFC should give them confidence, the state of their rivals should too. So, let’s take a look at how the Packers’ competition is faring.
The Seattle Seahawks are seemingly the team to beat in the 2020 season – at least in the NFC. Russell Wilson is playing at an MVP level, although it is a complete role reversal from their previous run to the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2013. The Legion of Boom and the Seahawks’ defence were the strength of the team, while Wilson was required to make clutch throws.
Now Wilson and the offense are on the dominant side of the ball and the defence is porous, to say the least. They have lost to the Arizona Cardinals and the Buffalo Bills, allowing Josh Allen to cut them open with ease. It seems there’s not a lot to fear from Seattle now.
The New Orleans Saints pulled off a huge victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sweep Bruce Arians’ men. It was the first time Tom Brady has been defeated twice by a divisional opponent in his 20-year career. Drew Brees and company were outstanding, as they have been in the regular season for almost the entirety of Sean Payton’s tenure.
However, their problems have come in the post-season where they’ve managed to choke against the Minnesota Vikings twice. Another loss came during the NFC Championship Game to the Los Angeles Rams on a horrific pass interference no call. In addition, Brees has not been able to elevate his performances of late, struggling to throw downfield.
The Buccaneers crushed the Packers in an off day for Rodgers. But, in fairness, all the greats have games to forget – none more so than Brady’s shocker against the Saints. Tampa Bay have the propensity to be dangerous down the stretch. They have playmakers on both sides of the ball and have proven that they are capable of outstanding performances.
Brady is perhaps the most dangerous quarterback in the NFC given his experience and the weapons at his disposal. The questions surrounding Tampa Bay revolve around their maturity – they’ve already failed twice against the Saints – and their coaching. Arians tends to let his emotions get the better of him compared to his rivals. The lack of experience outside of Brady and Rob Gronkowski could hold them in check.
Unfortunately, the NFC East has no team worthy of reaching the playoffs, never mind troubling the elite sides in the conference.
With Rodgers, Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, and a stout defensive unit, Green Bay have all they need to make a run. Opportunity is knocking for the franchise in the 2020 season to end a 10-year title drought.