Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

What's Wright - Nick Wright Predicts the NFC: Cowboys WIN East, Bears DISRESPECTED, 49ers/Rams/Seahawks in West? | NFL

Date: March 27, 2026

Hosted by Nick Wright with analyst Damanze

Overview

In this episode of "What's Wright," Nick Wright breaks down his “way-too-early” NFC win total predictions for the 2026 NFL season, analyzing over/under lines, divisional strengths, potential surprise trades, and organizational trajectories. The show follows a division-by-division approach, with a focus on value in betting lines and identifying which teams are disrespected (notably the Bears), and who might win each NFC division. Wright is clear that these predictions are not set in stone—acknowledging the volatility of the NFL offseason before the draft.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Potential Blockbuster: The Case for Trading Myles Garrett

• [02:54] Wright delves into recent moves by the Cleveland Browns—altering Myles Garrett’s contract, making him more tradable—and speculates about the franchise’s intentions.
  • “Why would the Cleveland Browns one week say teams should be able to trade picks in the 2030 draft and the next week rework Miles Garrett’s deal just to make him more tradable?” (Nick Wright, 03:42)
  • Wright believes Garrett could fetch "three firsts…more capital than any non-quarterback ever" if dealt.

NFC East Predictions

Dallas Cowboys (8.5 Wins, -135 Over)

• [07:38] Wright calls this number “too low,” emphasizing Dallas’ strong offense and potential defensive upgrades in the draft.
  • "I think Dallas wins 11 games…right now is my preseason lean for divisional winner." (Nick Wright, 09:14)

New York Giants (7.5 Wins, -110 Over/Under)

• [09:24] Wright believes this line is “just right," citing improved coaching but modest offensive upside.
  • “The Giants are…a seven or an eight win team, which would be an awesome year for the Giants.” (Nick Wright, 10:20)

Philadelphia Eagles (10.5 Wins, +105 Over, -125 Under)

• [10:46] He takes the under due to potential AJ Brown trade, aging O-line, and defensive losses.
  • “Sirianni enters the year on the hottest seat…some of the players they lost defensively in free agency…I think this is an under.” (Nick Wright, 11:07)

Washington Commanders (7.5 Wins, -110 Over/Under)

• [12:18] Also an under—Wright doubts Jaden's durability & offensive coaching.
  • “My preseason prediction would be the Commanders finish last in that division.” (Nick Wright, 13:34)

NFC North Predictions

Chicago Bears (9.5 Wins, -105 Over, -115 Under)

• [18:09] Wright says the number is too low—the Bears are “disrespected.”
  • “I think the Bears find a way to 10 wins…Caleb in year two with Ben Johnson.” (Nick Wright, 18:36)

Detroit Lions (10.5 Wins, -125 Over, +105 Under)

• [19:58] He calls the line “just right” but notes OL deterioration and lack of pass rush.
  • “That last place finish is really doing them a lot of favors…so I’ll say it’s just right.” (Nick Wright, 20:41)

Green Bay Packers (10.5 Wins, +100 Over, -120 Under)

• [21:09] Slight under due to a tough schedule and injury uncertainty.
  • “I just don’t know that I expect [Micah] to be out there week one.” (Nick Wright, 21:39)

Minnesota Vikings (8.5 Wins, +110 Over, -135 Under)

• [21:58] Strong under—Wright feels bettors are too high on potential QB upgrades.

  • “This is really a fade the public play…people are way too high on Kyler Murray to the Vikings.” (Nick Wright, 22:05)

• Division Futures: “I think it’s a coin flip Detroit and Chicago for the division…the fact that I’m getting double the odds on Chicago as I would on Detroit, I’ll take Chicago.” (Nick Wright, 22:50)

NFC South Predictions

Atlanta Falcons (7.5 Wins, +105 Over, -125 Under)

• [22:41] Under—pessimistic on the QB situation, doesn’t believe in a turnaround.

Carolina Panthers (6.5 Wins, -150 Over, +125 Under)

• [23:56] Over—calls line “insulting” for a defending division champ.
  • "Six and a half wins for a defending division champion...is a slap in the face." (Nick Wright, 24:06)

New Orleans Saints (7.5 Wins, -120 Over, -105 Under)

• [24:39] Under—the team is still “pulling themselves out of the abyss.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8.5 Wins, -115 Over, -105 Under)

• [25:26] Over—likes them as Division winners, says Baker Mayfield and coaching can produce a rebound.
  • “I think Tampa bounces back.” (Nick Wright, 25:32)

NFC West Predictions

Arizona Cardinals (4.5 Wins, +110 Over, -135 Under)

• [26:55] Under—sees a likely 0-6 division record and limited upside.
  • “I think Arizona’s got the makings of the worst team in their conference.” (Nick Wright, 27:04)

LA Rams (10.5 Wins, -160 Over, +130 Under)

• [28:35] Over, assuming Stafford’s health; feels offseason improved their only major weakness.
  • “I still think they’re a 13-win team. That’s an over.” (Nick Wright, 29:33)

San Francisco 49ers (10.5 Wins, +125 Over, -150 Under)

• [29:39] “Just right”—projects a tough division but maintains respect for Shanahan and roster.

Seattle Seahawks (10.5 Wins, -135 Over, +110 Under)

• [30:04] Over—expects them to win 11 games; likes their schedule for a first-place team.

  • "I got two teams in that division with big win totals that I would go over on: Seattle and the Rams…and the Niners just right." (Nick Wright, 30:18)

• Divisional Winner: “For the division, I like the Rams. The Rams are the slight division favorite. I think the Rams are a 13-win team.” (Nick Wright, 30:26)

Quick Recap of Picks

(As summarized by Nick Wright at [31:44])

• Overs:

  • Dallas (8.5)
  • Chicago (9.5)
  • Carolina (6.5)
  • Tampa (8.5)
  • Rams (10.5)
  • Seattle (10.5)

• Unders:

  • Philly (10.5)
  • Commanders (7.5)
  • Green Bay (10.5)
  • Minnesota (8.5)
  • Atlanta (7.5)
  • New Orleans (7.5)
  • Arizona (4.5)

• Just Right:

  • Giants (7.5)
  • Detroit (10.5)
  • 49ers (10.5)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Sirianni enters the year on the hottest seat of just about any coach in the league this side of Todd Bowles.” — Nick Wright, [11:07]
• “Six and a half wins for a defending division champion...is a slap in the face.” — Nick Wright, [24:06]
• “I think Arizona’s got the makings of the worst team in their conference.” — Nick Wright, [27:04]
• “For the division, I like the Rams. The Rams are the slight division favorite. I think the Rams are a 13-win team. Chip on their shoulder. Love their offseason.” — Nick Wright, [30:26]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:54 Browns, Myles Garrett contract/trade speculation
• 07:13 Start of NFC East win total breakdown
• 08:55 Cowboys as divisional favorites
• 10:46 Philadelphia’s “under” case and Sirianni’s job security
• 12:18 Commanders skepticism
• 18:09 Bears “disrespected”/NFC North analysis begins
• 21:09 Packers concerns and Green Bay under
• 22:41 Division picks and start of NFC South
• 23:56 Panthers over, line “insulting”
• 25:26 Tampa Bay as a bounce-back candidate
• 26:55 NFC West, Cardinals predicted as the bottom of the conference
• 28:35 Rams as division favorite and 13-win team
• 30:04 Seahawks over; division summary
• 31:44 Full recap of all picks

Overall Tone and Style

Nick Wright delivers his takes with characteristic confidence, analytical depth, and a touch of humor—often referencing specific NFL storylines and speaking directly to fans (“I know some people might be a trendy worst to first pick…”). The dialogue with Damanze maintains a conversational, accessible style, peppered with insider insights and betting wisdom.

Utility for Non-Listeners

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the predictions, rationale, and key takeaways for each NFC division entering the 2026 NFL season. Nick Wright’s analysis, matched with specific team situations and quotes, offers actionable insights for fans and sports bettors alike.