Who Leads the NFC in the NFL?
Who Leads the NFC in the NFL?

Who Leads the NFC in the NFL?

Who Leads the NFC in the NFL? This article outlines the NFC divisions, recent champions, and key factors influencing success. Teams like the Cowboys, Eagles, Packers, and Buccaneers are often contenders. Factors such as coaching, quarterback play, and team depth determine the NFC leader, which ultimately competes in the Super Bowl.

Who Leads the NFC in the NFL?
Who Leads the NFC in the NFL?


Determining the current leader of the NFC is dynamic and changes throughout the NFL season.
While we can analyze past champions, key contenders, and factors influencing success, the ultimate leader will be decided on the field.

Understanding the NFC

The National Football Conference (NFC) is one of the two major conferences in the NFL. It’s comprised of four divisions:

NFC East

  • Dallas Cowboys
  • New York Giants
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • Washington Commanders

NFC North

  • Chicago Bears
  • Detroit Lions
  • Green Bay Packers
  • Minnesota Vikings

NFC South

  • Atlanta Falcons
  • Carolina Panthers
  • New Orleans Saints
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West

  • Arizona Cardinals
  • Los Angeles Rams
  • San Francisco 49ers
  • Seattle Seahawks
Understanding the NFC
Understanding the NFC

Key Contenders for the NFC Title

While any team can make a run for the NFC championship, certain franchises have consistently shown dominance or have the potential to emerge as top contenders.

List of NFC champions

Analyzing past champions can provide insights into potential future contenders.

SeasonTeamRecordHead CoachQuarterbackLeading RusherLeading ReceiverAll-ProsRunner-Up
1970Dallas Cowboys10–4Tom Landry*Craig MortonDuane ThomasBob Hayes*HowleySan Francisco 49ers
1971Dallas Cowboys†11–3Tom Landry*Roger Staubach*Duane ThomasBob Hayes*Lilly*, Niland, Wright*San Francisco 49ers
1972Washington Redskins11–3George Allen*Billy KilmerLarry BrownCharley Taylor*Brown, Hanburger*Dallas Cowboys
1973Minnesota Vikings12–2Bud Grant*Fran Tarkenton*Chuck ForemanJohn GilliamEller*, Page*, Yary*Dallas Cowboys
1974Minnesota Vikings10–4Bud Grant*Fran Tarkenton*Chuck ForemanJim LashPage*, Yary*Los Angeles Rams
1975Dallas Cowboys10–4Tom Landry*Roger Staubach*Robert NewhouseDrew Pearson*NoneLos Angeles Rams
1976Minnesota Vikings11–2–1Bud Grant*Fran Tarkenton*Chuck ForemanSammy WhiteYary*Los Angeles Rams
1977Dallas Cowboys†12–2Tom Landry*Roger Staubach*Tony Dorsett*Drew Pearson*Harris, Herrera, Martin, Pearson*Minnesota Vikings
1978Dallas Cowboys12–4Tom Landry*Roger Staubach*Tony Dorsett*Tony HillHarris, White*Los Angeles Rams
1979Los Angeles Rams9–7Ray MalavasiPat Haden[a]Wendell TylerPreston DennardBrooks, Youngblood*Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1980Philadelphia Eagles12–4Dick VermeilRon JaworskiWilbert MontgomeryCharlie SmithJohnsonDallas Cowboys
1981San Francisco 49ers†13–3Bill Walsh*Joe Montana*Ricky PattonDwight ClarkDean*, Lott*Dallas Cowboys
1982Washington Redskins†8–1Joe Gibbs*Joe TheismannJohn Riggins*Charlie BrownMoseleyDallas Cowboys
1983Washington Redskins14–2Joe Gibbs*Joe TheismannJohn Riggins*Charlie BrownButz, Grimm*, Jacoby, Murphy, Nelms, Riggins*, TheismannSan Francisco 49ers
1984San Francisco 49ers†15–1Bill Walsh*Joe Montana*Wendell TylerDwight ClarkFahnhorstChicago Bears
1985Chicago Bears†15–1Mike Ditka*Jim McMahonWalter Payton*Willie GaultCovert, Dent*, McMichael*, Payton*, Singletary*Los Angeles Rams
1986New York Giants†14–2Bill Parcells*Phil SimmsJoe MorrisMark BavaroBavaro, Landeta, Morris, Taylor*Washington Redskins
1987Washington Redskins†11–4Joe Gibbs*Jay Schroeder[b]George RogersGary ClarkClark, WilburnMinnesota Vikings
1988San Francisco 49ers†10–6Bill Walsh*Joe Montana*Roger CraigJerry Rice*Craig, Rice*Chicago Bears
1989San Francisco 49ers†14–2George SeifertJoe Montana*Roger CraigJerry Rice*Cofer, Lott*, Montana*, Rice*Los Angeles Rams
1990New York Giants†13–3Bill Parcells*Phil Simms[c]Ottis AndersonStephen BakerJohnson, LandetaSan Francisco 49ers
1991Washington Redskins†14–2Joe Gibbs*Mark RypienEarnest BynerGary ClarkGreen*, LacheyDetroit Lions
1992Dallas Cowboys†13–3Jimmy Johnson*Troy Aikman*Emmitt Smith*Michael Irvin*Novacek, Smith*San Francisco 49ers
1993Dallas Cowboys†12–4Jimmy Johnson*Troy Aikman*Emmitt Smith*Michael Irvin*Smith*, WilliamsSan Francisco 49ers
1994San Francisco 49ers†13–3George SeifertSteve Young*Ricky WattersJerry Rice*Rice*, Sanders*, Young*Dallas Cowboys
1995Dallas Cowboys†12–4Barry SwitzerTroy Aikman*Emmitt Smith*Michael Irvin*Newton, Smith*, WoodsonGreen Bay Packers
1996Green Bay Packers†13–3Mike HolmgrenBrett Favre*Edgar BennettAntonio FreemanButler, Favre*Carolina Panthers
1997Green Bay Packers13–3Mike HolmgrenBrett Favre*Dorsey LevensAntonio FreemanButler, Favre*San Francisco 49ers
1998Atlanta Falcons14–2Dan ReevesChris ChandlerJamal AndersonTony MartinAndersonMinnesota Vikings
1999St. Louis Rams†13–3Dick VermeilKurt Warner*Marshall Faulk*Isaac Bruce*Carter, Faulk*, Pace*, Warner*Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2000New York Giants12–4Jim FasselKerry CollinsTiki BarberAmani ToomerNoneMinnesota Vikings
2001St. Louis Rams14–2Mike MartzKurt Warner*Marshall Faulk*Torry HoltFaulk*, Pace*, Warner*, Williams*Philadelphia Eagles
2002Tampa Bay Buccaneers†12–4Jon GrudenBrad JohnsonMichael PittmanKeyshawn JohnsonBrooks*, Rice, Sapp*Philadelphia Eagles
2003Carolina Panthers11–5John FoxJake DelhommeStephen DavisSteve SmithJenkinsPhiladelphia Eagles
2004Philadelphia Eagles13–3Andy ReidDonovan McNabbBrian WestbrookTerrell Owens*Dawkins*, Owens*, SheppardAtlanta Falcons
2005Seattle Seahawks13–3Mike HolmgrenMatt HasselbeckShaun AlexanderBobby EngramAlexander, Hutchinson, Jones*, StrongCarolina Panthers
2006Chicago Bears13–3Lovie SmithRex GrossmanThomas JonesMuhsin MuhammadGould, Hester, Kreutz, Urlacher*New Orleans Saints
2007New York Giants†10–6Tom CoughlinEli ManningBrandon JacobsPlaxico BurressNoneGreen Bay Packers
2008Arizona Cardinals9–7Ken WhisenhuntKurt Warner*Edgerrin James*Larry FitzgeraldFitzgeraldPhiladelphia Eagles
2009New Orleans Saints†13–3Sean PaytonDrew BreesPierre ThomasMarques ColstonEvansMinnesota Vikings
2010Green Bay Packers†10–6Mike McCarthyAaron RodgersBrandon JacksonGreg JenningsClifton, Collins, Jennings, Matthews, Woodson*Chicago Bears
2011New York Giants†9–7Tom CoughlinEli ManningAhmad BradshawVictor CruzPierre-PaulSan Francisco 49ers
2012San Francisco 49ers11–4–1Jim HarbaughColin Kaepernick[d]Frank GoreMichael CrabtreeBowman, Goldson, Iupati, Lee, Smith, Willis*Atlanta Falcons
2013Seattle Seahawks†13–3Pete CarrollRussell WilsonMarshawn LynchGolden TateSherman, ThomasSan Francisco 49ers
2014Seattle Seahawks12–4Pete CarrollRussell WilsonMarshawn LynchDoug BaldwinSherman, Thomas, WagnerGreen Bay Packers
2015Carolina Panthers15–1Ron RiveraCam NewtonJonathan StewartGreg OlsenDavis, Kalil, Kuechly, Newton, Norman, TolbertArizona Cardinals
2016Atlanta Falcons11–5Dan QuinnMatt RyanDevonta FreemanJulio JonesBeasley, Jones, RyanGreen Bay Packers
2017Philadelphia Eagles†13–3Doug PedersonCarson Wentz[e]LeGarrette BlountZach ErtzJohnson, KelceMinnesota Vikings
2018Los Angeles Rams13–3Sean McVayJared GoffTodd GurleyRobert WoodsDonald, Gurley, SuhNew Orleans Saints
2019San Francisco 49ers13–3Kyle Shanahan[f]Jimmy GaroppoloRaheem MostertGeorge KittleKittle, Sherman, BucknerGreen Bay Packers
2020Tampa Bay Buccaneers†11–5Bruce AriansTom BradyLeonard FournetteMike EvansDavid, WhiteGreen Bay Packers
2021Los Angeles Rams†12–5Sean McVayMatthew StaffordSony MichelCooper KuppKupp, Donald, RamseySan Francisco 49ers
2022Philadelphia Eagles14–3Nick SirianniJalen HurtsMiles SandersA. J. BrownJohnson, KelceSan Francisco 49ers
2023San Francisco 49ers12–5Kyle ShanahanBrock PurdyChristian McCaffreyBrandon AiyukJuszczyk, Kittle, McCaffrey, WarnerDetroit Lions

Factors Influencing NFC Leadership

Several key elements contribute to a team’s success in the NFC:

Coaching and Quarterback Play

Strong coaching and exceptional quarterback performance are often synonymous with NFC champions.

Factors Influencing NFC Leadership
Factors Influencing NFC Leadership

Team Depth and Talent

A well-rounded roster with depth at every position is crucial for sustained success.

Injuries and Bye Weeks

Injuries can significantly impact a team’s trajectory, while strategic bye week placement can provide a competitive advantage.

Top best teams in the NFC

RankTeam2023 RecordKey AdditionsKey DeparturesKey Issues/NotesOutlook
1San Francisco 49ers12-5Leonard Floyd, Dominick Puni, Ricky Pearsall, Isaac GuerendoChase YoungAiyuk extension/trades, Dre Greenlaw’s recoverySuper Bowl or bust year
2Detroit Lions12-5Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Sione Vaki, Kevin ZeitlerJonah JacksonJameson Williams’ developmentDeep playoff run potential
3Philadelphia Eagles11-6Saquon Barkley, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Bryce HuffJason Kelce, Fletcher CoxReplacing leadership, new pass rushCompete for Super Bowl
4Green Bay Packers9-8Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Javon Bullard, Xavier McKinneyOffensive line depthRising team in NFC North
5Dallas Cowboys12-5Tyler Guyton, Cooper Beebe, Eric KendricksTony PollardDak Prescott contract saga, CeeDee Lamb extensionRoster decisions pending
6Los Angeles Rams10-7Tre’Davious White, Kamren Curl, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kameron KitchensAaron DonaldOffensive line questionsPotential for another Super Bowl run
7Tampa Bay Buccaneers9-8Graham Barton, Jalen McMillan, Bucky IrvingUncertain ceiling, best in NFC SouthPlayoff potential
8Chicago Bears7-10Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, D’Andre SwiftOffensive line, Williams’ developmentPlayoff contender
9Seattle Seahawks9-8Byron Murphy, Christian Haynes, Laken TomlinsonNew head coach, revamped defenseWild card contender
10Atlanta Falcons7-10Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr., Rondale Moore, Darnell MooneyInternal QB drama, pass rush needs improvementPlayoff potential
11Minnesota Vikings7-10J.J. McCarthy, Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman, Andrew Van GinkelQuarterback situation, pass rush improvementsPlayoff potential
12New Orleans Saints9-8Taliese Fuaga, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Chase YoungDerek Carr’s performance, salary cap constraintsPlayoff miss potential
13Washington Commanders4-13Dorance Armstrong, Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, Jeremy Chinn, Johnny Newton, Jayden DanielsRebuild phase, focus on Daniels’ growthRebuilding year
14New York Giants6-11Jon Runyan Jr., Jermaine Eluemunor, Aaron Stinnie, Malik NabersQuarterback future, improved offensive lineRebuild and growth
15Arizona Cardinals4-13Marvin Harrison Jr., Isaiah Adams, Jonah WilliamsPass rush concerns, rebuilding stageRebuilding year
16Carolina Panthers2-15Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis, Xavier Legette, Diontae JohnsonBryce Young’s development, overpaid for O-line, defensive renovationsRebuilding, low expectations

The Road to the Super Bowl

The NFC champion is determined through a rigorous playoff system:

NFC Championship Game

The pinnacle of NFC competition, the NFC Championship Game decides which team will represent the conference in the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Showdown

The ultimate goal, the Super Bowl pits the NFC champion against the AFC champion for the NFL title.

Conclusion

Determining the ultimate leader of the NFC is a dynamic process that unfolds throughout the NFL season. While historical performance, team rosters, and coaching strategies play significant roles, the path to Super Bowl glory is paved with challenges. As fans eagerly anticipate each game, the question of who will reign supreme in the NFC remains a captivating storyline.

FAQs

Who Leads the NFC in the NFL?

The leader of the NFC changes throughout the season. While teams like the Cowboys, Eagles, Packers, and Buccaneers are frequent contenders, factors like coaching, quarterback play, and team depth determine the ultimate champion.

How is the NFC Champion determined?

The NFC champion is decided through a playoff system culminating in the NFC Championship Game. The winner advances to the Super Bowl to face the AFC champion.

What factors influence NFC success?

Several factors contribute to NFC success, including strong coaching, exceptional quarterback play, deep and talented rosters, and the impact of injuries and bye weeks.

When does the NFL season start?

The NFL season typically starts in early September.

How many teams are in the NFC?

There are 16 teams divided into four divisions in the NFC.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *