NFL Week 15 roundtable: Which is the most dangerous team in the NFC?
In this strange-but-true NFL season, it seems everyone can agree that the most dangerous foe facing any team is COVID-19. With the playoffs approaching, players must do their best to avoid a breakout that could sideline them for the postseason.
But when games actually are played, some teams will be more feared than others for a variety of reasons. That's just the way it is.
After this weekend, there will be just two games left before the run to Tampa and Super Bowl LV begins in earnest. With that in mind, our NFL staff was asked to address the question: Which team should be considered the most dangerous in the NFC?
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Their answers:
Jarrett Bell
The Packers. And it will stay that way if Green Bay nails down the No. 1 seed and if Aaron Rodgers keeps his body intact. The top seed has added value this year because just one team in each conference will earn a bye, but in Green Bay’s case it’s so much about the frozen tundra, too. Rodgers has had an MVP season, and that balance on the Packers offense — including the running of the other Aaron, Jones — allows them to strike in multiple ways.
The defense, with heat coming from Smith & Smith (ZaDarius & Preston) is good enough. What about the Saints? They can be dangerous, too, but more so in their Dome and more so with Drew Brees, because of the reliability he brings when you’re in a pinch that requires throwing the football. New Orleans has had a glimpse of what life will be without Brees. Taysom Hill has skills, no doubt, but there’s so much more for him to prove as a passer. Sure, the Saints can win in many ways, too, thanks to a deep roster. And having knocked on the door of the Super Bowl over the past few years, you’d think that adds a layer of will. Yet the slip-up at Philly was so costly. Remember, if the Saints and Packers tie for the NFC’s best record, the top seed goes to the Packers due to their win at NOLA in September … which means if there’s a rematch it happens at frigid Lambeau Field. Now that’s dangerous.
Nate Davis
I’ve been riding with the Saints since the spring, and I’m not jumping off this wagon now. Sure, it could be suboptimal trying to get QB Drew Brees back into the groove this late in the year, but maybe a late-season pause for a 41-year-old passer might ultimately prove beneficial. Brees’ return for Sunday's showdown against the Chiefs should help RB Alvin Kamara – his numbers have dipped with backup QB Taysom Hill under center. And just imagine if WR Michael Thomas is ready for the playoffs, and this unit is finally at (relatively) full strength. But the undervalued aspect of this squad – one that arguably boasts the deepest, most talented roster top to bottom in the league – is a stout defense ranked second overall. Though the Saints’ postseason bugaboos could lurk, they’ve otherwise got the means to compete with anybody and win in a variety of ways ... though an extra week off sure would help.
Jori Epstein
Aaron Rodgers need not channel his inner Baker Mayfield to tell us he’s feeling dangerous. His stats and film speak clearly for themselves. Rodgers is perennially one of the league’s best quarterbacks. Perhaps Green Bay doubted that when it eschewed the chance to pick a weapon in the first round of the 2020 draft and instead selected quarterback Jordan Love. Rodgers’ fire has only burned brighter since as he continues to announce his case as not only individually great but also a leader who elevates his team. He’s powered the Packers to a league-best 31.5 points a game, 397.6 yards a game (second best) and the league’s fewest turnovers (nine in 13 games). Rodgers’ touchdown to interception ratio has shined throughout his career, and his 39-to-4 clip this year is no exception. His connection with Davante Adams (104 yards per game) is special. Paired with a defense that’s solid if imperfect, that’s enough to make the Packers the most dangerous team in the NFC.
Mike Jones
I’m going with the Rams, for now. I like the Packers. I like the Saints (if Drew Brees is healthy). I think Tampa could be a problem this postseason. And I’m not counting out the Seahawks. But I feel like top to bottom, the L.A. Rams are the most dangerous team out there. They have a great defense, a strong offense that can hurt you in a lot of ways, and they have the experience factor on their sides. They’re actually better now than they were in 2018 when they reached the Super Bowl. I think they’ll match up well with any team in the conference, and just might be able to give the Chiefs a run for their money.