Eagles added some pieces and should have Wentz back healthy.
I read that there is a reasonable chance he will be able to start the season on the field rather than the sideline. They have a capable guy in Foles though if he needs a couple of weeks into the year to fully heal.
They are the defending champs and didn't get worse so they have to be #1 overall in the NFC.
The Vikings were very good last year and improved the important position on the field.
They are the X Factor this year. Cousins makes them a legit threat to the entire NFL, not just the NFC.
Those are the top 2.
After that who stacks up..........
For my money the Panthers lucked into the 11-5 record, they were middle of the pack but had a very easy schedule IIRC. They would more likely be a 9 win team if they had the Rams schedule last year.
That leaves the Saints and Falcons. The Rams beat the Saints and got beaten by the Falcons. In one game they dominated and it wasn't as close as the score. In the other they lost because of two really killer turnovers and a slew of three and outs and stalled drives.
The Saints also had an easy schedule but if not for that miracle pass by Keenum the would have been playing in the NFC Title game.
I'd say it's a toss up between the Rams and the Saints, either can have a case easily biult for them.
I'll also say if you rank top 5 in the NFL the Rams make that cut in some peoples opinion. The Steelers and Rams would be in the conversation for sure.
I know the talking heads like to talk about the Rams rapid ascension but this team has been getting assembled for a few years and was really waiting on a QB and OC. Goff and McVay unlocked this teams potential. The real discussion IMO goes beyond who is top 3 next year and has to center on who is built to win. One year isn't meaningful, go ask the Patriots or Steelers. Those two franchises build a team properly and it seems we may have that working for us now.