Five Things to Expect from the Future NFC

All hail the mighty soothsayer and prophet!
Here are my hasty generilzations and predictions about the NFC over the next 4 years-

1. The Lions will rise to a playoff contender: This had been the doomed declaration of many NFL prophets throughout time. If anything has been consistent in the NFL the last ten years it is that the Lions are terrible. But failure can only accumulate so long, look at the Saints for example. The Lions are stocked with talent. They have two electric running backs in Jahvid Best and Kevin Smith. Their quarterback in Matthew Stafford is young, smart, and talented. With the stellar WR Calvin Johnson and the underrated Nate Burleson at his disposal, Stafford should be licking his chops.

Defense and coaching are the only question marks. Jim Schwartz must be patient with his talent and develop them into complete players, not one year wonders. The defense can not always be a list of B veterans. They must invest in the defense within the draft, building a youthful coalition on that side of the ball. DT Ndamukong Suh is an excellent start. If this happens expect to see the Lions consistently in the playoffs for the next 6 years.

2. Green Bay Packers will be dominant force: Plain and simple, Aaron Rodgers is an excellent quarterback. He will be a dominant quarterback as long as he is surrounded by the current wide receivers who are comfortable with him. Keeping Greg Jennings and Donald Driver around is essential. Donald is getting up in years, but as long as he can catch the ball its not that big of deal. If they can get a consistent running back, and their defense does not age too quickly, the Packers will be a frequent attendee of the NFC Championship.

The only thing that could ruin the Green Bay Packers return to dominance is the impatient tendecies from within its own organization. They will win every season but can they produce in the playoffs? The organizations own pride might jumpstart a hasty decision and damage the excellent foundation in football operations they have currently founded.

3. The Saints, Vikings, and Cowboys will last as long as their stars: The Saints, Vikings, and Cowboys are all veteran teams that are slowing down in terms of contention. In the next two seasons all three will be in the playoffs but after that who knows when they will return. The Saints have Drew Brees, the Vikings have Adrian Peterson, and the Cowboys have Tony Romo. The problem is that each of these players only have three years left of game changing talent.

They might be pro-bowlers for another five years, but them carrying their teams through the playoffs will come to an end. It is only natural for other teams who have consistently invested in young players and development to overtake the ones that rely so heavily on their stars.

4. Atlanta will be a contender: The Atlanta Falcons built aroud Matt Ryan who is an smart and young quaterback will consistently be in the playoffs. It will take two years until they reach the NFC title game, but I believe they will be consistently battling the Packers for NFC superiority. The running of Michael Turner along with the recieving of Jamaal White will keep Ryan well tuned, and the offense will consistently challenge defenses

The only question mark is the defense and if they can inject enough youth into their secondary. To win in the NFL for any team you must playmakers on defense specifically in the defensive line or secondary. A game changing corner or defensive end can make the rest of your defense seem spectacular. Atlanta has Dunta Robinson for CC and Donnie Abraham for DE, so they are set if the surrounding cast can up their game.

5. 49ers are in the mix: I hate to make so many hasty generalizations, but the 49ers are going to a be a force as long as Mike Singletary is head coach. I do not really like them since I am a Vikings fan and they so roundly smashed us in 2009 we barely won. Their defense is fantastic and plays inspired football. They will be able to smash the toughest offense, and I expect them to consistently meet the Packers and Atlanta in the post season.

The only concern of the 49ers is the lack of quarterback. They have a great set of offensive weapons in Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore. They need a real quaterback and Alex Smith will be great someplace else but he will never get past the stigma of failing in San Fransisco. Once they get a quarterback and if the defense can stay healthy, watch out NFC.