Goal #1: Take Back the NFCN - Does it happen in 2022?

8. Minnesota Vikings

Votes: 8-10-8-5-10 | Avg: 8.2 | Median: 8

Execs had the Vikings eighth and with the same 8.2 average and a slightly higher median (seven) one year ago, which seems appropriate for a team some have considered "stuck" in the middle. One of the execs who ranked the Vikings only 10th this year did think the team would benefit from the transition to a new, more positive head coach. "But I don't know who they are better than," he said. "Is it going to make Kirk Cousins be an MVP candidate?"

Not likely, but execs have seen enough offensive skill for the Vikings to put up points consistently.

"They haven't been able to get a corner, so you worry a little bit about the coverage," another exec said. "And then you are going to a new scheme and philosophy on defense, and I'm not sure they have the personnel to do it. That is their limitation."

Since the start of training camp, The Athletic polled 18 people around the NFL to get their thoughts on the regular season. The panel included eight general managers, three front-office executives, five head coaches and two assistant coaches.

They were each asked to make predictions on the same seven topics, although some abstained from certain questions. All voted on the condition of anonymity.

The answers from some of the league’s prominent decision makers yielded enlightening insight on the state of the NFL.

Name three teams that will surprise people in a good way. (14 votes)

Jets: five votes

Dolphins: five votes

Vikings: five votes

Broncos: four votes

Colts: four votes

Panthers: four votes

Lions: three votes

Jaguars: three votes

Chargers: two votes

Raiders: one vote

Texans: one vote

Eagles: one vote

Seahawks: one vote

Patriots: one vote

Giants: one vote

Ravens: one vote

Not all ballots were created equal.

For example, the Broncos have massive expectations due to the Russell Wilson trade, but they got votes because they missed the playoffs last season. Similarly, the Dolphins, Vikings, Colts, Chargers, Raiders and Ravens have obviously talented rosters, but the voters thought they’d make marked improvements from a season ago.

“Matt Ryan,” a voter simply said of his reason for picking the Colts. “They don’t need him to be great.”

And for other teams like the Jets, Lions, Jaguars, Texans, Seahawks and Giants, who aren’t necessarily expected to contend for playoff spots, the panel believed they’d be more competitive than they were in 2021.

“(The Lions) played their asses off last year,” another voter said. “I like the way they built their team this offseason.”

On the Texans, a voter opined, “Just better than people think. I’m not saying they go 12-5, but it isn’t going to be 2-15.”

Sixteen teams — half the league — got votes.

The AFC is viewed as the deeper conference with 12-13 teams that have legitimate playoff aspirations. Maybe the Dolphins or Chargers get over the hump, or the new quarterbacks in Denver and Indianapolis yield postseason berths. Or the Ravens get back to the postseason with better injury luck. It could create a starkly different field than in 2021.

The NFC is probably more top-heavy, meaning the wild card race could be wide open. Based on the results of this panel, the Vikings and Panthers have a chance to return to the postseason.

“Baker (Mayfield) could help (the Panthers),” a voter said. “Their defense is sneaky good, and they play hard.”