Every NFL season there are stories of teams that defy the odds and outplay expectations, while others struggle to live up to the expectations that were projected. This season was no different with many teams playing drastically different than where they were projected. Here are two teams from the NFC that surprised everyone and two that did not live up to expectations.

Surprises

New York Giants:

Coming off of a 4-13 record last season, the New York Giants were not expected to be successful again this season. After hiring former Bills Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll as Head Coach, the Giants were projected to finish last in the NFC East. This was not the case, as the team looked rejuvenated under Daboll. Players with question marks by their name stepped up to lead the team with quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley being key parts of their offense. The Giants finished the regular season with a record of 9-7-1 topped off with a wild card win over the number two-seeded Minnesota Vikings. Along with this, the Giants improved drastically on offense. Their offense ranked 31st overall in 2021 and improved to 18th in 2022. This team was projected to finish with a similar record to 2021, and their success was a surprise this season.

Seattle Seahawks:

Last season the Seahawks finished 7-10 just barely missing out on the playoffs. After a disappointing season, it was capped off with a blockbuster move, trading franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. In the offseason, there was constant talk about the negatives of this trade as it seemed like Denver had gotten a steal for Wilson. Many, including myself, thought that Seattle would be one of the worst teams in the NFL. Seattle did not listen to the doubters and performed at a higher level than anticipated. Seattle was led by free agent QB Geno Smith and was a team on fire. WR’s DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett continued to show why they are a great duo as they were key components in their offense. Geno Smith also played well this season and finished first in the NFL in completion percentage. Topping off a list of great seasons, Rookies Tariq Woolen (DB) and Kenneth Walker (RB) stepped up and played like seasoned veterans. The Seahawks finished 9-8 in the regular season and are now in a great position for next season after what was projected to be a nightmare. 

Underwhelming

Los Angeles Rams:

After winning the Super Bowl last season, the Los Angeles Rams were a team projected to have another competitive season. While the hopes were high for this season, it was one to forget as injuries terrorized the Rams. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford missed most of the regular season which led to the team having to rotate backup quarterbacks before signing Baker Mayfield toward the end of the season. Stars like Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp were sidelined with injuries. The Rams could not escape injuries and their success on the field reflected this. The former Super Bowl winners finished with a record of 5-12 and no first-round draft pick due to the Stafford trade from last season. Overall this was a season to forget for the Rams.

Arizona Cardinals:

In a similar fashion to the Rams, the Cardinals had high expectations that they did not live up to. There were concerns when Star wide receiver Deandre Hopkins was suspended for part of the regular season for failing a drug test due to PED’s. Along with Hopkins, the relationship between head coach Cliff Kingsburry and quarterback Kyler Murray began to part. The Cardinals were a team distracted this season and drastically suffered. The team was not the same from the 11-6 finish last season as the Cardinals fell to 4-13 in a tough NFC West division. The team will hope to improve and return to the success they once had.