So Idk what did it. I attempted about 3reboots, took off the case numerous times, and finally went about to start disabling any "changes" I had in place and left the case off for an extended period.
Using package Disabler, I reenabled everything though bloatware has been disabled since I got the phone.
I switched Home back to Samsung's default. Some people have reported issues with Nova prime, though i don't have prime.
Then did one more reboot and reattached my case. Now the case works and NFC doesn't force close.
So for me, the connection is strong between the NFC settings and the case not working.
Re disabled all packages and back to using Nova....case still working and NFC settings still works. So issue is resolved, but the cause is still unknown.