I think the Vikings and Denver last year are good examples. If they can be solidly top 10 on defense and special teams and improve the offense to the 26th-28th range (which would equal about 5 points/game and 50-60 yards/game more) then 8-9 wins is very possible.

I don't see the NFC West as daunting as it's been in recent years and all four AFC South games are winnable. Saints at home, playing Dallas 10/1 coming off a MNF road game while Rams will have played the previous Thursday, etc.