Not only has there been a bunch of player movement in free agency, but with the legendary Tom Brady stunning almost everyone by leaving New England to sign with the rebuilding Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NFC looks like it could be one helluva’ ride in 2020. Let’s take a look at the Odds to Win the NFC Championship.
Updated NFL NFC Championship Odds March 27th Edition
Can the defending conference champion San Francisco repeat or could the Niners be beaten out for first place in the NFC by one of the top title contenders in the conference – or better yet – by a middle-of-the-pack challenger. With all of that said, let’s take a look at the most recent odds to win the NFC Championship in 2021.
The Favorites to win 2020-21 NFC Championship
- San Francisco 49ers +450
- New Orleans Saints +650
- Philadelphia Eagles +800
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers +800
The reigning NFC champion 49ers will be virtually intact as they were when they complete Super Bowl 54 with just a couple of notable changes. Frisco parted ways with defensive lineman DeForest Buckner and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Still, the Niners have a stout defense and a powerful rushing attack that should put them back in the title mix next season.
The Saints have suffered a trio of heartbreaking playoff losses in each of the last three years, but as long as Drew Brees and Sean Payton are joined at the hip, I expect the Saints to challenge for the NFC championship. Philadelphia and Tampa Bay are identical +800 picks to win the NFC, mostly because the Birds have been perennially good the last few seasons and the Bucs landed Brady.
The Top Contenders to win 2020-21 NFC Championship
- Seattle Seahawks 10/1
- Green Bay Packers 11/1
While I think Green Bay overachieved a year ago, as long as Aaron Rodgers is under center and the Packers play at least competent defense, Green Bay will have contend. As far as Seattle is concerned, I can easily make a case that Russell Wilson and not Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson, is the best quarterback in the game today. If the Seahawks can improve their defense – and stay healthy – they’ll contend.
They’ll Have a Shot to win 2020-21 NFC Championship
- Dallas Cowboys 10/1
- Los Angeles Rams 13/1
- Minnesota Vikings 13/1
- Chicago Bears 16/1
Dallas is loaded with talent and new head coach Mike McCarthy is a serious upgrade over former head coach Jason Garrett. The Rams are just a year removed from reaching the Super Bowl and although they took a big step backwards last season, Los Angeles has also been perennially good ever since Sean McVay took over. The Vikings are elite defensively and all they need is some decent play from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Bears are just one season removed from winning 12 games. If Nick Foles can replace Mitch Trubisky under center at some point this coming season (he will), the Bears could get back to being a very legitimate contender thanks to their stingy defense.
Not Gonna’ Happen!
- Atlanta Falcons 20/1
- Arizona Cardinals 22/1
- Detroit Lions 28/1
- New York Giants 28/1
- Carolina Panthers 35/1
I like the Falcons to be a lot better in 2020 than they were a year ago when they got off to a miserable start before finishing strong last season. In Arizona, the Cards are well on their way to respectability after landing DeAndre Hopkins while the Lions, and Giants already have the look of six-win teams at best. Last, but not least, I love Carolina’s hiring of Matt Rhule as their new head coach and their additions of veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and XFL star P.J. Walker who starred for Rhule when he led Temple a few years back.
