NFL: Best NFC Team, Packers or 49ers?

The New Orleans Saints. The Atlanta Falcons. The Detroit Lions. The New York Giants. The Philadelphia Eagles (they’re a dynasty, you know).

However, two are playing at a higher level than the rest: the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers put together a record-setting offensive display in 2011 and look poised to pick up right where they left off. Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson are expected to repeat their 2011 numbers, and James Jones, Jermichael Finley and Randall Cobb add even more explosiveness to the offense. Add in Cedric Benson to help out in the run game, and the offense is as good as last year.

Even more important, the horrific defense is better. Rookies Jerel Worthy and Nick Perry are looking like first-year hits, the move of Charles Woodson to part-time safety is paying dividends, and when he’s not there, Morgan Burnett will have a hard-hitting partner in Jerron McMillian.

So, the one thing this team had that was a flaw, they went and corrected big-time.

If there is another team worth talking about to challenge them, it looks like it will be the San Francisco 49ers. A fantastic defense is the motor that runs this Super Bowl hopeful, claiming ownership of one of the best front sevens in the league. With this group, you know the game will be close enough to where the offense, even when it has issues, is within striking distance.

Speaking of the offense, Alex Smith finally found his mojo and, along with Frank Gore on the ground, has been able to effectively move the ball and threaten the end zone far more often than anyone expected. The team also went out and added guys like Randy Moss and Mario Manningham.

Some might see them as gambles—Manningham is somewhat unproven, while Moss had a dreadful 2010 and took 2011 off—however, like the Packers and their defense, it is a calculated risk that appears to be paying off.

Both teams have some question marks but have an area of tremendous strength, as well as one they made huge efforts to improve.

Who do you think is the best NFC team? Make sure you let us know in the comments.

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