Really, it's Detroits turn to go all in. A lot of cap space, a very good core, and they got close this year. If they go out and spend big in FA, make a trade here or there, they could be the team to beat.
I think if Campbell had made the hard call at DC a year ago his team would have been a tougher out and may have finished SF. He's a good head coach and leader but his tactical sense is a bit too meatheaded and his standards are higher with his offense which may continue to hold his team back in those big games where the smallest disadvantages can send you home.
With the current staff staying as-is what I'd do if I'm in his shoes is load up that defensive front. Hutch is a beast and should be even better next year but I'd be looking for another difference maker up front to overload opposing lines. Better that front is the more protected you are with a mediocre gameplanner on that side of the ball.
But looking at the NFC overall I think the Rams should improve more than Detroit because they'll be replacing lesser pieces with their upgrades. Key for them is better defensive play which should follow the investment that should be coming. Shula looms as a big question for us, so that's part of it and if he's not good enough that will end up sending us home. Either way though as the NFC is concerned the Rams should be very much in that final group of teams.
Lastly what was interesting about last year is that the AFC top teams were very underwhelming in the playoffs. This is not to take away from KC what they accomplished, but I feel like they should have fallen short given the quality of that playoff group in that conference. In a way it's a good thing, too, as KC was the right team to knock the shitters out. Don't know that Buffalo or any of these other AFC teams would have. Going forward it will be interesting to see who if anyone emerges to deny KC.