Will the Seattle Seahawks be able to fend off the Los Angeles Rams and win the NFC West again? Who will win the tight battle for the NFC North?Â
With the regular season quickly approaching, Colin Cowherd provided his division predictions and projected playoff field for the NFC on Wednesday’s edition of The Herd.Â
Highlighting a mix of returning contenders and rising rosters, Cowherd forecasted three new playoff teams across the conference while breaking down all four divisions.
“I’ve got three new playoff teams in the NFC: the Lions, the Saints, and the Giants,” Cowherd said.
Here’s how Cowherd predicts the placement of all four divisions in the NFC.
Starting with the NFC East, Cowherd picked the Philadelphia Eagles to retain the division crown, pointing to roster continuity along the offensive line and past success under Jalen Hurts.Â
“Jalen Hurts, since he became a full-time starter, has the winningest record in the NFL. I’m just going with this very, very well-run organization,” Cowherd said.
Despite losing A.J. Brown, Philadelphia added Dontayvion Wicks and drafted USC receiver Makai Lemon, returning all five offensive line starters with the seventh-easiest schedule in the league.
Behind Philadelphia, Cowherd projected the New York Giants to finish ahead of the Dallas Cowboys for second place, should Jaxson Dart stay healthy.
“They were one and seven last year in those one-score games, worst in the league,” Cowherd said about the Giants. “And in fact, they blew five games in which they had a fourth-quarter lead. That is going to, even if it evens out, even if it doesn’t totally flip, it will even out. If Jackson Dart can stay out of the blue tent, I think it’s a playoff team.”
Following a tough year in close games in 2025, Cowherd thinks the scales will balance out for the Giants in 2026.
Cowherd pointed to a trend from last season as the reason why he thinks the Cowboys could hold themselves back.
“Here’s the other thing, which has become a disturbing trend for the Cowboys. They were the most penalized team in the NFL last year. They did some big things well, like scoring. They did a lot of little things poorly. I have the Cowboys better, but not a playoff team.”
Washington was placed fourth in the division, pointing to roster turnover at key positions like left tackle and overall roster age as major obstacles for their prospects.
“Washington just doesn’t have enough talent. They lost Laremy Tunsil, their left tackle, who’s a beast. Second-oldest roster in the NFL. I just don’t like Washington right now going forward,” Cowherd said.
Moving to the NFC North, Cowherd went with the Detroit Lions to win the division, citing offensive firepower and draft adjustments.
“I think the Lions have a combination of the best roster in the division and the easiest schedule in the entire league this year,” Cowherd said. “I would argue quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receivers, they have the best group in the NFL.”
Cowherd added last year was considered a down year for Detroit and the offense still wound up amongst the league’s best.
“They were the only team to have a top-five scoring offense in the last four years. Even last year, when they struggled, it was top five.”
Last year’s NFC North champions, the Chicago Bears, were picked to finish second in 2026 by Cowherd.
“They were a great fourth quarter team last year. They probably can’t quite equal that magic, but when they won the turnover battle, and nobody talks about this one, Chicago, they were 10-1 when they won the turnover battle,” Cowherd said.Â
Cowherd also pointed to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who does not have a history of turning the ball over.
“Caleb Williams doesn’t turn the ball over. He didn’t in high school. He didn’t in college. Even in the Eberflus year, 20 touchdowns, six picks. He is not a turnover quarterback. I have them for second.”
