NFC divisional odds: Can any of the favorites dethrone the 49ers?

After covering the AFC, it's time to turn our attention to the NFC.

The 49ers remain the powerhouse in what's often considered the weaker of the two conferences. The Super Bowl runner-up is the second favorite to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this year at +600, and it's +260 to win the NFC.

However, several contenders will look to dethrone Brock Purdy & Co. this season.

NFC East

All odds via theScore Bet

Oddsmakers believe it's a two-horse race in the NFC East - and with good reason. The Eagles are two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance, and the Cowboys are coming off a 12-win season that earned them the NFC East division title. With both teams' rosters relatively intact, oddsmakers like both Philadelphia (73.7% implied probability) and Dallas (66.1% implied probability) to make the postseason.

Meanwhile, there are big question marks around the Commanders and Giants, who both picked inside the top six this past draft. Hopes are high in Washington with No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels under center, but oddsmakers are still only giving the Commanders a 23.8% chance of making the playoffs. However, with a win total of 6.5, they should improve on their four-win season from last year.

There's not as much hope in New York, though, as the Giants will roll out Daniel Jones at quarterback for another year and have let Saquon Barkley walk to division-rival Eagles in the offseason.

NFC North

The NFC North could be the tightest divisional race, according to oddsmakers. The reigning champion Lions are the slight favorites over the Packers - who made big strides last year with Jordan Love - and the Bears, a team full of optimism.

With three teams having an implied probability of over 50% to make the playoffs, the NFC North is undoubtedly the best division in the conference. The Vikings remain a mystery as they start their first season without Kirk Cousins. Sam Darnold is slated to start Week 1, but it may not take long before head coach Kevin O'Connell sees what he has in 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy.

NFC South

The NFC South was the laughingstock of the league last year. The Buccaneers won the division at 9-8, and the Panthers had the worst record at 2-15.

The Falcons made the biggest offseason improvement by adding Cousins, which they followed with a highly criticized pick of Michael Penix Jr. However, with Cousins under center and offensive weapons at every position, Atlanta is a deserving division favorite.

The Panthers have the longest odds in the NFC to make the playoffs. If Bryce Young can improve on a dreadful rookie season, there's some hope for Carolina, and making a bet at +600 to make the playoffs in the weaker NFC is a decent option.

NFC West

The 49ers are heavy favorites to claim their third consecutive division title. Oddsmakers are giving them an implied probability of 66.7% to do so.

Coming off a surprising season, the Rams remain San Francisco's stiffest competition. Matthew Stafford still has plenty of life left, and their offense remains explosive thanks to the emergence of Puka Nacua. However, it will be the Rams' first season without Aaron Donald, one of the best defensive players of all time.

The Cardinals should be able to improve on last year's 4-13 record. Kyler Murray is healthy going into the season, and they added Marvin Harrison Jr. as their top receiving option. It wouldn't be a surprise if they made some noise and reached the playoffs despite their 25% implied probability.