Carolina Panthers

NFL breakdown: An early look at the teams in the NFC after week 2

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The NFC is looking to be an extremely competitive conference in the NFL this season. Some teams are off to great starts while others are struggling.

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and forces a fumble in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The NFC is filled with competitors this year. From the Cardinals to the Panthers and the Eagles to the Giants, there are dangerous teams scattered throughout the conference which could make huge noise during the 2016 NFL season.

The NFC was expected to be dominated by the Seahawks, Panthers, Packers, and Cardinals this season. Seattle and Green Bay are off to rocky starts, while the Vikings, Giants, and Eagles are undefeated.

Let’s break down where each team stands in the NFL’s National Football Conference after two weeks of action with the division standings and playoff scenario starting with the NFC South:

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) rolls out against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last week: 1-1

The Buccaneers crushed the Falcons at home in week 1 to start off the season. The Cardinals put them back in their place after winning 40-7. The Bucs had a rough game, but this team could still make a playoff run.2

Carolina Panthers

Last week: 1-1

The Panthers are one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. They are good on both sides of the balls with two superstars guiding the way. They are likely to win the South and will probably have bye.3

Atlanta Falcons

Last week: 1-1

The Falcons went into Oakland and beat a good Raiders team. The Falcons ended last season in an awful way after starting off 5-0. Matt Ryan will have to be great for the Falcons to make a wild-card run, but he can do it.4

New Orleans Saints

Last week: 0-2

The Saints could very easily be undefeated instead of winless. They played in two very competitive games losing to Oakland on a successful two-point conversation and then to the Giants largely due to a blocked field goal. The Saints are good, but they are most likely missing the postseason.Next: NFC West

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after he scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers

Last week: 1-1

San Francisco was great week 1. They were competitive for much of the fame vs the Panthers, and they will be decent throughout the season. Not a playoff team though.2

Los Angeles Rams

Last week: 1-1

The Rams got rocked in week 1 by San Fran. However, they came back and beat Seattle last week in their first game back in LA. The defense looked awesome, but the offense has yet to score a touchdown. This will be a problem the rest of the year.3

Arizona Cardinals

Last week: 1-1

The Cardinals were shocked week 1 when the Patriots came in on Sunday Night Football and won without Tom Brady. They responded by beating the Bucs 40-7 and are right back in the discussion as an NFC power.4

Seattle Seahawks

Last week: 1-1

The Seahawks do not look the same. The defense is good, but the offense has struggled. It seems Russell Wilson is dealing with an ankle injury as well. Seattle will probably come back, but things have been interesting.Next: NFC East

Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) motions to fans after a call in the game against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

NFC East

New York Giants

Last week: 2-0

The Giants should win their division this year. They are the best team in the NFC East, unless Carson Wentz really turns it on. The offense is filled with weapons and the defense is much improved.2

Philadelphia Eagles

Last week: 2-0

Carson Wentz is not playing like a rookie. He looks very good and the team is playing great. They have played the Browns and the Bears, so we won’t be able to tell how good this team us until they play better opponents.3

Dallas Cowboys

Last week: 1-1

The Cowboys are in a good place. Their young players look good and they are actually competing. Dallas may have a chance at a wild-card, but it will be tough.4

Washington Redskins

Last week: 0-2

Washington is in a lot of trouble. The locker room is falling apart and the team is in a must-win situation in week 3. Things are not looking good in D.C.Next: NFC North

Sep 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings

Last week: 2-0

The Vikes defense is insane. The injuries are an issue, but as long as the defense is in tact, the team will be okay. Bradford will have to carry the offense, and Stefon Diggs is an emerging star.2

Green Bay Packers

Last week: 1-1

The Packers are having offensive troubles. Rodgers has struggled to start the year and people are overreacting. The Packers will be fine. Green Bay has a very easy schedule and things will most likely turn around.3

Detroit Lions

Last week: 1-1

The Lions looked good in week 1, going into Indianapolis and leaving with a win. Then they lost to Tennessee at home. Matt Stafford is really going to have to carry this team to get them to the postseason.4

Chicago Bears

Last week: 0-2

So far this has been an interesting season. Carson Wentz has come in and played better than expected the first two weeks. No one saw Bradford playing the way he did Sunday night. And Seattle has gotten off to another bumpy start. The NFL is just underway and things are already happening at a rapid pace, it should be a fun season.

Here is the extremely early playoff scenario in the NFC: