The NFC has turned into the power conference in the NFL. While the AFC has just a few teams at the top, the NFC is much more balanced. For proof, just look at the Giants' success last season. Without further ado, here are my preseason power rankings in the NFC.

  1. Aaron RodgersGreen Bay Packers +250 NFC, +500 Super Bowl

No surprises here. The Packers are the kings of the NFC for now and, according to the NFL futures odds, they are the favorites to win it. With Aaron Rodgers under center, you don’t need much else, but they have it. If their defense can improve from last season, watch out. 

  1. San Francisco 49ers +350 NFC, +700 Super Bowl

The Niners are my pick for the two slot, and NFL odds makers agree. This team wasn’t expected to do anything last season, but they went on to destroy the NFC all the way until the NFC Title game, where they just ran out of gas. While there were some key special teams mistakes in that game, the Niners defense was and still is killer. They have improved their offense ten fold for this season, and if Alex Smith can continue to play solid, the Niners could knock off the Packers in a title game.

  1. New Orleans Saints +800 NFC, +1500 Super Bowl

I’m skipping over the Eagles here and putting in the Saints. If it wasn’t for all the bounty-gate stuff, they would be #2. However, they are 4th in the odds, and 3rd on my power rankings. Look, I know they will miss Sean Peyton, but he was just the oil in that engine. You can change oil. The engine just signed a new contract, and Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense are both still very dangerous. I still consider the Saints Super Bowl contenders. They have a chip on their shoulder and, in football, that’s bad news for opposing teams. 

  1. Chicago Bears +1000 NFC, +2000 Super Bowl

OK, maybe this is the fanboy in me coming out in this pick, but I don’t think it’s that farfetched to put the Bears above the Eagles. They have just as good a quarterback, they have two very good running backs, their receivers are a lot better this season, and their defense makes Philly’s defense look preschool. The Bears could surprise a lot of people this season, so don’t write them off. If Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall can recoup some of that Denver chemistry, watch out. 

  1. Philadelphia Eagles +400 NFC, +800 Super Bowl

If the Eagles would have made the playoffs last season and made some waves, they would be higher on this list. This is the preseason power ranking. Michael Vick and company still lack the solid defense and offensive consistency to put them any higher. They could bust out and fly (no pun intended) up the list once the season starts, but for now, they are top 5.