"Some of the more reactionary members of the fan base actually believed the 49ers were tanking the season after retooling their roster. What they really did was make themselves better and kept their contention window open for at least two more years."
"Wild cards Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears. The Rams have been very good for two years running with tough playoff losses to Detroit and Philadelphia. They develop young talent as good as any team in the NFL. The Packers will need an uptick in terms of quality play from quarterback Jordan Love but it appears doable. Coach Ben Johnson will be the best thing that ever happened to quarterback Caleb Williams."
"I've totally underrated Tampa Bay (and quarterback Baker Mayfield) for the last two seasons. No longer. Hard to believe they won't run away with the weakest division in the NFC."
The 49ers retooled their roster and remain contenders, keeping their contention window open for at least two more years. The Detroit Lions surrendered 34 or more points four times in their last six games, including a 45-31 playoff loss to Washington; with Aidan Hutchinson healthy and an explosive offense, they should defend their NFC North title. Tampa Bay and quarterback Baker Mayfield are underrated and project to dominate the NFC South. The Philadelphia Eagles may face bumps after a Super Bowl season but possess explosive balance on both sides and should win the NFC East. Wild-card candidates include the Rams, Packers, and Bears, while the Vikings and Commanders could be on the outside looking in.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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