New York Giants at Green Bay Packers Preview

The Packers didn’t go undefeated, but one of the 15 games they did win a Week 13 game at the New Meadowlands, a 38-35 win thanks in part to a 31-yard field goal by Mason Crosby as time expired.

Mason Crosby's could prove to be important for the Packers, much like in week 13.

Since that point, each team has lost just one game, but the prevailing public opinion is that the Giants are playing their best football of the season and have as good a chance as anyone to knock off the top-seeded Packers this season.

While that is certainly a possibility, New York will have to play extremely well in a number of facets of the game.

If the Giants are going to have success this weekend, they are going to need to put pressure on Aaron Rodgers. They can’t just blitz the house, because Rodgers will prey on the single coverage in the secondary and light up the scoreboard. New York needs to rely on Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Chris Canty up front to not only apply pressure, but also keep Rodgers in the pocket so he can’t makes plays on the run.

On the other side of the ball, the Giants have to prevent turnovers at all costs. The Packers have a penchant for capitalizing on turnovers, but taking care of the ball on offense keeps the ball out of Rodgers’ hands. New York cannot waste possessions, as Green Bay can put up 40 on even the best defenses, and the Giants will need every possible chance to score.

The Giants could have a great day on offense, but there’s a strong likelihood that the Packers will have an even better one. This game should hit over 52.5, but I don’t think Green Bay will cover. It could be a backdoor cover, but 7.5 is just a bit too much.

Prediction: Packers 35 | Giants 30

What do you think?

Green Bay Packers-New York Giants NFC Divisional Game Info

• Packers-Giants Date: Sunday, January 15th
• Packers-Giants Time: 4:30 ET
• Packers-Giants TV: FOX
• Packers-Giants Location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
• Packers-Giants Point Spread: Packers -7.5
• Packers-Giants Over-Under: 52.5

Despite Tebow 3:16, this is, without question, the most interesting playoff game for me this weekend. So let’s set the stage…

Image credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez via SFGate

New Orleans Saints

With a regular season record of 13-3, the Saints are one of the strongest three seeds in recent memory with a quarterback in the midst of possibly the greatest season in the history of the position.

Drew Brees, as you likely know, set the NFL record for passing yards this past season. Was that enough for him? Obviously not. Against the Detroit Lions he threw for 466 yards, the most ever in a regulation playoff game.

They have now won nine straight games; of those nine they have scored no less than 22 points, and last weekend’s 28 points allowed were the most they have given up over that span. However, their total defense on the season ranked 24th. New Orleans is, without question, an offensively-minded team.

The Saints are 0-4 all-time in road playoff games and with a loss will match the Cincinnati Bengals for the worst road playoff record in NFL history.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are back in the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Back in August, I can assure you no one expected the 49ers to have the phenomenal season they have had.

There have been several reasons for that success. Frank Gore rushed for over 1,000 yards again, David Akers set the NFL record for most field goals kicked (44), and Alex Smith has had a renaissance at the quarterback position.

Now I won’t blow sunshine up your arse and say Smith is an elite quarterback. In fact, he, T.J. Yates, and “The Mile High Messiah” round out the bottom of QBs remaining in the playoffs; but Smith is at least competent.

Despite all these success factors, San Francisco ranked just 26th in total yards this season. Yet the 49ers somehow went 13-3, and that is due to one major thing: their defense.

Patrick Willis has looked like the second coming of Ray Lewis this year; Aldon Smith, as a rookie, recorded an amazing 14 sacks; and the entire defense has thrived. The 49ers are especially dangerous at home where they have allowed, on average, less than 11 points a game.

The 49ers are 18-8 in home playoff games in franchise history. With a win they will match the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders for the second-most home playoff victories.

Saints-49ers Prediction

I don’t know if I could say anything as convincing as Jerod Morris posted about this game earlier in the week (which you can read here ). Luckily, I agree with him completely.

The 49ers defense is one of the best in the world and of a class the Saints have not come across this season. The Saints will have more success than most teams against San Francisco, but it won’t be enough.

A healthy Frank Gore and a stingy defense will be the difference maker as the 49ers play their way to the NFC Championship.

Pick: San Francisco 27 | New Orleans 20

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New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers Game Info

• Saints-49ers Date, Time, and TV: Saturday, January 14th at 4:30 ET on FOX
• Saints-49ers Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa
• Saints-49ers Point Spread: Saints -3.5
• Saints-49ers Over-Under: 47.5

Here is a rundown of the NFC playoff scenarios. (Click here to see the AFC playoff scenarios.)

NFC Playoff Scenarios

Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants

This one is pretty easy.

The Cowboys and Giants play Sunday night. Whichever team wins becomes the NFC East champion and will get a first round home game. Neither team can make the playoffs any other way.

Image credit: Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via Wyld About Pro Football

Green Bay Packers

This one is also pretty easy. The 14-1 Packers clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their win over the Bears last night.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers clinched the NFC West a while ago, so they will host a first round home game at a minimum. They are still alive for a first round bye as well, and in fact are in the driver’s seat.

The 49ers are 12-3, and the Saints already have three losses. Because the 49ers own the tic-breaker with the Saints, all San Fran has to do is beat woeful St. Louis next week to clinch the first round bye and #2 seed in the NFC playoffs. (Or, if New Orleans loses tonight to Atlanta, the 49ers don’t even have to beat St. Louis next week.)

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have a clinched a playoff spot, but they are playing for a lot more than just a chance at the #2 seed when they face Atlanta tonight.

New Orleans hasn’t even yet clinched the NFC South division, nor a first round home game. They can do that tonight if they beat Atlanta. Even if the Saints don’t beat Atlanta tonight, they would still clinch the NFC South and a first round home game by winning their Week 17 game against Carolina or if Atlanta were to lose its Week 17 game to Tampa Bay.

If the Saints win both this week and next week, and San Francisco falls to St. Louis next week, the Saints would lock up the #2 seed in the NFC, a first round bye, and a second round home game.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons clinched at least a wild berth last night when Chicago lost to Green Bay. If they beat the Saints tonight, the Falcons maintain a shot at the NFC South title and a first round home game. As mentioned above, Atlanta would need to defeat the Bucs (should be easy) and New Orleans would need to lose to Carolina (not so easy).

Detroit Lions

The Lions clinched a playoff spot with their win over San Diego in Week 16. Because they play in the NFC North with Green Bay, they do not have a shot at anything more than a wild card road game in round one of the playoffs, regardless of what happens in Week 17. All that is still to be determined is who they will play.

NFC Playoff Predictions

Here is how I think the pivotal Week 17 games will go:

• Saints beat Atlanta (Week 16)
• Saints beat Carolina
• Atlanta beats Tampa Bay
• San Francisco beats St. Louis
• Giants beat Cowboys
• Lions beat Packers

This would create the following first round playoff matchups:

• Byes: Packers (14-2), 49ers (13-3)
• #3 Saints (13-3) v #6 Falcons (10-6)
• #4 Giants (9-7) v #5 Lions (11-5)

What do you think will happen? Comment below.

Fast forward nine weeks and, while still in the playoff picture, the Lions’ roar has subsided to a meow as the team has gone 3-5 since its perfect start.

At 8-5, the Lions are now masters of their own playoff destiny.

Their most straightforward qualifying scenario is simple: win each of their final three games — one of which is a potential history-making tilt at Green Bay in the regular season finale on New Year’s Day — and the Lions are in.

Anything less than perfect down the stretch will make the Lions’ playoff picture murkier. Because Green Bay has already clinched the NFC North title, one thing is clear for the Lions: the only way into the playoffs is as a wild-card entry.

Through Week 14, the Lions occupy the NFC’s final wild-card slot behind Atlanta (8-5), which holds the head-to-head tiebreaking advantage by virtue of the Falcons’ 23-16 win over the Lions on Oct. 23. Dallas and Chicago — both of which are 7-6 — are a game behind the Lions for the final playoff spot. New York (7-6) holds the tiebreaking edge over Dallas for the NFC East title, but the teams meet in the season finale in New York on Jan. 1.

The Lions’ prospects for making the playoffs are promising, but assuming they’re in would be a mistake.

The Lions’ playoff scenarios are numerous and confusing, but if the they can return to the level of play they exhibited to start the season, they will achieve their least-complicated platform to the playoffs.

Winning the final three games will not be easy, but should they lose one, all playoff hopes will not be lost. Lose two, and the chances are slim. Lose all three, and the Lions will likely be watching the postseason from home.

The Lions travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders (7-6) — who are in their own playoff chase — this Sunday, then host San Diego on Dec. 24 before closing out the season in Green Bay on Jan. 1.

Offensive Keys to Success

Matthew Stafford has had a good season at the helm of the Lions in 2011, throwing for 3,754 yards and 29 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, ranking him 8^th in the NFL.

Stafford’s top target is Calvin Johnson, who has 72 receptions for 1,121 yards and 12 touchdowns.

If Detroit’s passing game can produce against the Raiders (17^th against the pass), the Chargers (7^th) and Packers (30^th), the Lions’ outlook is bright.

Although the Lions’ running game is not its strongpoint, if the running back corps of Maurice Morris and Kevin Smith can keep teams on their toes enough for the passing game to kick in, look out. Morris was injured in the Lions’ Week 14 win over Minnesota but is expected to play against the Raiders. Smith, who missed Week 14, has been practicing with the team and is hopeful for Sunday’s game.

Defensive Keys to Success

Ndamukong Suh returns from a league-imposed, two-game suspension to bolster the Lions’ defense, which ranks 17^th overall in the league, 9^th against the pass, and 26^th against the rush. If Suh can keep his composure and do what he does best — play the game — the Lions defense should fare well against a struggling Raider passing game that ranks 16^th in the league.

The Lions’ pass defense will be put to the test against San Diego (8^th in passing) and Green Bay (3^rd), but may get a reprieve against the Packers, depending on how things unfold during Weeks 15 and 16.

The Lions’ front line and linebackers are opening up the season-ending playoff push against the Raiders’ 6^th-ranked rushing game which is led by Michael Bush (764 yard, 7 touchdowns) who is starting in place of the injured Darren McFadden. Keeping the Raiders’ running game in check will go a long way in helping the Lions get off on the right foot.

Projection

After all is said and done, will the Lions make the playoffs this season? In a word: YES!!!

What do you think?

Jeff Herbst (born and raised in the Midwest) has had a passion for sports ever since he could first walk and has been a Lions fan through the years (good times and bad). He works with Phoenix Bats, a company that manufacturers world-class wood bats such as their signature composite wood bats for amateur and professional ball players around the world.

OFFENSE: QB MICHAEL VICK, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

• Vick completed 54 of 89 passes (60.7 percent) for 750 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions for an NFC-best 110.2 passer rating.  The Eagles won both games Vick started.
• He led all NFL quarterbacks with 170 rushing yards and accounted for seven total touchdowns – six passing and one rushing.
• Vick posted a passer rating of at least 100.0 in all three games during the month.
• In Week 1, entering the contest in relief, he posted his seventh career game with at least 100 yards rushing and 100 yards passing, the most in NFL history.  He made his first start at quarterback since 2006 in Week 2 and passed for 284 yards and two touchdowns.  In Week 3, he threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns and added a 17-yard rushing TD.
• In his ninth season from Virginia Tech, this is Vick’s first career Player of the Month Award.
• He is the first Eagle to be named Offensive Player of the Month since DONOVAN MC NABB in September, 2005.

DEFENSE: LB CLAY MATTHEWS, GREEN BAY PACKERS

• Matthews led the NFL with six sacks during the month as the Packers went 2-1.
• He led the team in solo tackles (15) and also forced a fumble.
• Matthews had two games with three sacks in September (Weeks 1 and 2), becoming the first player in franchise history with at least three sacks in back-to-back games.
• He also became just the sixth player with at least six sacks in the first two games of a season since the sack became an official statistic in 1982.
• In his second year from Southern California, this is Matthews’ first career Player of the Month Award.
• He is the first Packers linebacker to be honored since NA’IL DIGGS in December, 2002.

SPECIAL TEAMS: KR-ST COURTNEY ROBY, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

• Roby averaged 25.8 yards per kickoff return, led the Saints with five special teams tackles and recovered a fumble as the Saints went 2-1 during September.
• He had at least 70 kick-return yards in each of the team’s three games in the month and his 25.8-yard average ranked sixth in the NFL among players with at least nine returns (three per game).
• Roby recorded at least one special teams tackle in every game and his fumble recovery of a muffed punt against San Francisco led to a Saints field goal in New Orleans’ three-point win.

• In his fifth season from Indiana, this is Roby’s first career Player of the Month Award.
• He joins TYRONE HUGHES (October 1994) as the only non-kickers to be named Special Teams Player of the Month in franchise history.

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As you know, Jerod is participating in the 2010 P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League, which is part of the Take It To The House program. In addition to competing for a trip to the Super Bowl, one of the perks Jerod received for participating was getting to spend a day at the NFL headquarters in New York. And that led to getting on the NFL’s media email list.

The NFL circulates interesting statistical and injury-related tidbits on a daily basis. Since we know that your appetite for NFL info is as insatiable as ours, we post them here for your enjoyment.

To get this info ever quicker, follow http://twitter.com/nflfootballinfo.

OFFENSE: RB JASON SNELLING, ATLANTA FALCONS

• Snelling totaled a career-high 186 scrimmage yards and scored three touchdowns in the Falcons’ 41-7 win over Arizona.
• The running back rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns and added five catches for 57 yards and another TD.
• He is the second player in franchise history (WILLIAM ANDREWS, 1983) to record at least 125 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in a single game.
• In the second quarter, Snelling caught a 19-yard touchdown pass and scored on a one-yard TD run.  It marked the first time since 2001 that a Falcon scored touchdowns by rushing and receiving in the same quarter (MAURICE SMITH).

• In his fourth season from Virginia, this is Snelling’s first career Player of the Week Award.
• He is the fifth Falcons running back to be named Offensive Player of the Week, joining GERALD RIGGS (four times), JAMAL ANDERSON(three), MICHAEL TURNER (three) and WARRICK DUNN (one).

DEFENSE: LB CLAY MATTHEWS, GREEN BAY PACKERS

• Matthews had five tackles and three sacks in the Packers’ 34-7 win over Buffalo.
• Four of his five tackles were for a loss.
• Matthews, who also had three sacks in Week 1, is the first player in franchise history to record at least three sacks in back-to-back games.
• He is one of only six players with at least six sacks in the first two games of a season since the sack became an official statistic in 1982.

• In his second year from Southern California, this is Matthews’ second career Player of the Week Award (Week 13, 2009).
• His father, CLAY MATTHEWS, was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week twice in his career with the Cleveland Browns (Week 12, 1984 and Week 9, 1991).  They are the only father and son to win Player of the Week Awards.

SPECIAL TEAMS: K GARRETT HARTLEY, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

• Hartley converted all three field-goal attempts, including the game-winner as time expired, in the Saints’ 25-22 win at San Francisco.
• Despite windy conditions, Hartley made field goals of 46, 19 and 37 yards and added two PATs.
• His 37-yarder as time expired gave the Saints a 25-22 victory and helped the defending Super Bowl champions improve to 2-0.

• In his third season from Oklahoma, this is Hartley’s first career Player of the Week Award.
• He is the fourth Saints kicker to be named Special Teams Player of the Week, joining JOHN CARNEY (four times), MORTEN ANDERSEN(two) and DOUG BRIEN (two).

2010 NFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

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As you know, Jerod is participating in the 2010 P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League, which is part of the Take It To The House program. In addition to competing for a trip to the Super Bowl, one of the perks Jerod received for participating was getting to spend a day at the NFL headquarters in New York. And that led to getting on the NFL’s media email list.

The NFL circulates interesting statistical and injury-related tidbits on a daily basis. Since we know that your appetite for NFL info is as insatiable as ours, we post them here for your enjoyment.

To get this info ever quicker, follow http://twitter.com/nflfootballinfo.

Are you excited? Ready to cheer on your favorite team? Have your war paint or favorite jersey in front of you?

Well, enough with the questions, it is officially time for Noontime Sports to serve up their divisional winners and Super Bowl predictions.

In this particular blog post, we have provided our NFC breakdown and playoff predictions.

Follow the link to see our AFC breakdown and playoff predictions.

NFC East

1.) Dallas Cowboys

Welcome Dez Bryant to an offense that is already stacked with weapons for quarterback Tony Romo. The Cowboys have a great offense, an improved Felix Jones at tailback and a defense that strikes fear into their opponents. This team is destined to go far this season, but will they be the first team to have a home game in the Super Bowl? Only time will tell.

2.) New York Giants

A new stadium and team that jumps out to early wins, but is not consistent. It will be a seesaw battle for the G-Men this fall.

3.) Philadelphia Eagles

Let the Kevin Kolb era begin the Philadelphia, but are Eagles fans ready for an up and down season? They will struggle at times, but their defense will possibly be the offense in many games.

4.) Washington Redskins

A new quarterback by the name of Donovan McNabb and head coach Mike Shanahan, along with a trouble making defensive end, Albert Haynesworth means the Redskins will be in for a long season.

NFC North

1.) Green Bay Packers

Head coach Mike McCarthy should possibly book reservations for Dallas, Texas because his team certainly has what it takes to reach the Super Bowl. A great offense and defense, plus a sensational quarterback, how can NFL fans not root for the Pack this fall?

2.) Minnesota Vikings

So Brett Favre is back, but Sidney Rice is gone for at least half the season. Hmmm… are the Vikings doomed? Can Adrian Peterson hold onto the ball and will Jared Allen have a pro-bowl season? Lots of concerns for the “Purple People Eaters!”

3.) Chicago Bears

Bears fans needs something cheer or be excited about, especially after the dismal season the Cubs have had. Yet, what will Jay Cutler do in his second term as quarterback? How will Brian Urlacher fare after missing an entire season due to an injury? Also, is Matt Forte ready to have a great season? These are just a few of the many questions Bears fans needs to think about before watching their team week one.

4.) Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford may have been a bust for fantasy owners last season, but the Lions are headed in the right direction. Young talents on both sides of the ball, plus a coach on Twitter, just give them a few wins and they should be fine.

NFC South

1.) New Orleans Saints

Super Bowl champions last season and possibly Super Bowl chumps this fall. Can Drew Brees and Sean Payton continue their success from the previous season? Will they help a city on the fringes continue to feel proud about the men dressed in white and gold? Also, how about this whole Reggie Bush situation, that seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

2.) Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan may have had a hiccup season last fall, but look for the young man to rebound. Michael Turner has lost weight and supposedly ready to take on more of an effective role. They will challenge the Saints this season and could possibly win this division, but a lot of it rides on their defense.

3.) Carolina Panthers

Head coach John Fox is already receiving the award for coach of the year, but until he wins some games, don’t hand him the trophy or plaque just yet. Also, how will this defense do without Julius Peppers up front?

4.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

There is not much to say about the Buccaneers, except that they are awful, pathetic and terrible. If they win one game this season, a celebration is necessary and maybe a parade too.

NFC West

1.) San Francisco 49ers

Alex Smith has had some up and down seasons with the 49ers, but this season, it is all on him. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis are great resources for 2^nd and 3^rd downs, but don’t forget that this defense can cause pressure and blitz. Also, the addition of Brian Westbrook will compliment Frank Gore at running back.

2.) Seattle Seahawks

USC’s former head coach Pete Carroll didn’t succeed in New England, so what will his legacy be in Seattle? A team that should be somewhat decent, but has holes will be fun to watch, but at the end of the day, they are neither playoff bound nor going to be considered for a BCS Bowl game.

3.) Arizona Cardinals

No more Kurt Warner, who is the newest member of the NFL Network. Matt Leinart is gone and now the pressure is on Derek Anderson. Their run game is not too impressive, but their defense does do a great job of sending various blitzing packages at the correct time. Don’t consider them playoff bound, but the Cardinals are headed backwards, not forward.

4.) St. Louis Rams

Again, it will be another rebuilding season for the Rams, but certainly all the former Sooner fans from Oklahoma will be watching quarterback Sam Bradford. Don’t forget running back Steven Jackson too, along with a young group of receivers and defensive players who will eventually come together in the years to come. If the Rams can at least win five or six this season, consider it a stepping-stone for their future in the NFL.

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NFC Playoff Predictions

1.) Green Bay Packers

2.) New Orleans Saints

3.) Dallas Cowboys

4.) San Francisco 49ers

5.) Minnesota Vikings

6.) Atlanta Falcons

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Wild Card Round Results

Dallas (3) beats Atlanta (6)

Minnesota (5) beats San Francisco (4)

Divisional Round Results

Dallas (3) beats New Orleans (2)

Green Bay (1) beats Minnesota (5)

NFC Championship Game Results

Green Bay (1) beats Dallas (3)

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2010 NFC Champions

Green Bay Packers

Follow the link to see our AFC breakdown and playoff predictions.

NFC EAST

1. New York Giants 4-0

The Giants, again, are off to a hot start, led by the younger Manning brother, Eli, who is one of the most underrated QB in the league. His presence in the pocket can now be compared to his older brother, Peyton.

The defense is allowing the 2nd lowest yards per game, and the running game is 6th best in the league. All these factors contributed to wins against Washington, Dallas, Tampa, and Kansas City. While you could say two of those wins are against teams that are not very good, you should look at the Dallas game.

Beating Dallas at home, in their new stadium, just proves that this Giants team is, once again, the real deal.

2. Philidelphia Eagles 2-1

The Eagles made headlines after they signed Michael Vick, but Vick’s future with the organization is unclear. The team is still playing well, only losing to Drew Brees and his Saints. The Eagles rank 7th in total offense even after losing Donovan McNabb for a game and a half.

The question is whether the Eagles can actually win the Super Bowl.

The past years they have always been a team to watch for, but their problem is not being able to win the big games, which has lad to many fans wanting Andy Ried out. The same questions apply this year.

The Eagles can pick up three wins against the Raiders, Tampa, and Washington over the next three weeks. These wins will help in the win-loss department, but most fans will not see those as wins that prove a team’s dominance. Still a win is a win and it will only build confidence between the players.

3. Dallas Cowboys 2-2

The Cowboys are back with a new stadium and without TO. They find themselves with a respectable, but disappointing 2-2 record in a very hard division. Dallas is facing the same questions as the Eagles are.Tony Romo has been criticized because he doesn’t perform well in the big games, which leads to people questioning whether this team can make a deep playoff run.

If anything is holding the Cowboys back form a deep playoff run, it is their defense. The defense has given up an average of 371.2 yards per game, 26th in the league. The passing defense isn’t fairing as well in particular, giving up an average of 256.2 yards per game.

The Cowboys have all the right pieces, but a few more years of adding some talent will definitely  help this team’s odds of winning the Superbowl.

4. Washington Redskins 2-2

Things are not looking good for the Redskins this year. They rank 27th in points scored per game with 14. After the loss to the Detroit Lions, people are not going to look at the Redskins the same way.

The running game is really hurting for Washington.  Clinton Portis has yet to break out and come back to the way he once was. Jason Campbell isn’t necessarily playing good or bad — he’s had moments of both — but he is the only team’s hope offensively right now, since Portis hasn’t been producing like he can.

The Redskins are a bad team in a great division. They won’t be able to produce the numbers to make them have any chance of making the playoffs.

NFC NORTH

1. Minnesota Vikings 4-0

Many experts said that this team was a real threat now that they had, dare I say it, Brett Farve. The Vikings have met those bold words and the team now has a complete offense. The defense is still one of the best in the league, and complements Adrian Peterson, who is un-humanly  good.

The Vikings defeat of the Packers was a sight to see. Al: I have to say is that Jared Allen is a beast.

Finally, the Vikings have a chance to win the Super Bowl, their first legit shot since the Culpepper era. This is their year, and they are making the most out of it. The Vikings are going to be in a tough division race, but with the way they are playing, the Vikings can come out on top.

Chicago Bears 3-1

The Bears could have easily been 0-3 after week 3, but the presence of Jay Cutler has helped the Bears beat the Steelers and the Seahawks in very tense comeback wins. The running game is the area of most concern because they are ranked 26th in the league.

The Bears would be in a different situation if it weren’t for Cutler. Nobody on any other team has had more of an impact on both the fans and the team itself. Cutler has bounced back very nicely after the his horrid performance in Green Bay in Week 1.

The defense is definitely better now that Lovie is calling the plays, and Ron Turner must be liking it now that he can call some more passing plays and try to stretch the defenses. The schedule only gets a littler easier, but the Bears are trying to prove a point this year.

Green Bay Packers 2-2

The Packers are a great offensive team, but their defense has slowed them down the past few years. The Pack does, however, seem to be on the right tack to fix that. The defense played very well against the Bears, and was the main contributer to their win against against Chicago.

The main problem facing the Packers is heir offense line. Aaron Rodgers is getting hit and sacked way to much. He is on track to be sacked 80 times, a very staggering number. Rodgers might not finish the season alive.

4. Detroit Lions 1-3

The Lions finally ended their winless streak, but the team needs to take baby steps. In no way is this team going to just start winning games, but it was a step in the right direction for the struggling franchise.

Rookie QB Matthew Stafford played the way the Lions wanted him to. His talent and leadership ability shined two Sundays ago. The Lions still face an uphill battle for at least another year, but that win has uplifted the hearts of the fans, players, and the city.

Their loss to Chicago was a sign that the team still needs much improvement. They have a win and that’s at least a improvement.

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints 4-0

The Saints continue to perform like a Super Bowl caliber team. Arguably the best team in the league right now, the Saints have looked good every game, and they are almost #1 ranked in every offensive stat.

The Saints have a bye this week to help them get ready for the Giants, a game that features two great quarterbacks that can lead their team deep into the playoffs. Everything is looking good for the Saints this year, and it should continue that way.

Keep an eye on this team as they are my Super Bowl pick this year.

Atlanta Falcons 2-1

The Falcons had a bye last week, helping them get ready for the Niners. Matt Ryan isn’t having a sophomore slump this year, but the rushing game is struggling a little bit. Yet have no fear, the Falcons are still a great team that is capable of taking that extra step to get them to the Super Bowl.

They do have a challenge against the Niners in week. Michael Crabtree has agreed to a 6-year deal with San Fransisco but won’t be able to play Sunday, and I see that game going down to someone making a great offensive play. In the future, that someone will be Crabtree…just not this Sunday.

The Falcons are right on track to another great season, but now that the Saints are a complete team the Falcons will have a harder time repeating a division title.

Carolina Panthers 0-3

The Panthers are in desperation mode. Nobody saw the Panthers sinking to 0-3 after 4 weeks, even though they do have a rough first quarter of a schedule. Carolina’s schedule doesn’t get much easier down the road so it’s hard to see a late season comeback from this already demoralized team.

It has and will be a long, bleak season for the Panthers, and unless they do something to change things around this team is going nowhere this year.

Tampa bay Buccaneers 0-4

Another team sharing the Panthers woes is the Bucs. After four weeks they find themselves 0-4, lacking any offense or defense, and have dug into a monstrous pit.

Nothing has worked for the Bucs. They even had to release their kicker, Mike Nugent, because he missed two field goals in the 13-16 loss to Washington. Leftwich hasn’t produced enough to win him the the respect of the fans, the running game is virtually non-existent, and the Bucs are a prime example of a one-time Super Bowl team gone down the drain.

Tampa’s schedule is a tough one, one that will not let them recover.

NFC WEST

San Fransisco 49ers 3-1

Being a Bears fan I couldn’t help but love to see Mike Singletary be named head coach of the 49ers. His unorthodox ways of teaching are the reason I love him. He preaches respect to coaches and also that the team works as a team, and not a player just playing for his ego.

Singletary’s way has been working. The 49ers are the most underrated team in the NFL now. The reason for the 3-1 record is their defense, which comes as no surprise since Singletary was part of one of the best defenses to ever play in the NFL.

The 49ers have a tough mathchup against the Falcons this Sunday, but with a new coaching staff the 49ers have the ability to beat high caliber teams.

Arizona Cardinals 1-2

Not the start the Cards were looking for, but there is still plenty of time for Warner and the Cards to bounce back. The offense is still clicking, but they are experienceing what the Saints had top deal with for some years. The defense isn’t holding up its part of the bargain, something that can cripple any team’s chance of making it into the palyoffs.

Steve Breaston is still questionable for Sunday’s game against the Texans, which should be a great offensive match up. The Cardinals still have to play the way they know how to and hope that the defense can start catching up. If that doesn’t happen the Cardinals will find it very hard to win close games.

Don’t count this team out though. This division isn’t one of the stronger ones. That gives the Cardinals a decent chance of winning the division.

Seattle Seahawks 1-3

Without the presence of Matt Hasselback, the Seahawks are finding it very hard to win games. The Seahawks are putting up medicore numbers, surely enough to win more than one game, but they haven’t yet found that extra flare that they need to stay competitive in 2009.

The Seahawks have a fairly tough schedule up ahead, one that could prevent them from ever regaining the offensive power, but don’t count this team out. When Hasselback is healthy they can upset any team on any given day.

St. Louis Rams 0-4

The Rams are just a bad team that doesn’t have the right mangement to guide them. There doesn’t seem to be a change in any style of play by the Rams. They, again, find themselves winless after week 4. The only positive player is running back Steven Jackson.

Jackson is the warm center that every St Louis fan crowds around. He is the only hope for a struggling team that doesn’t seem to have any where to go to for help.

Yes St Louis is in a sad situatuion, and yes, it doesn’t look like they will get out of it anytime soon, but maybe, just maybe, this team could land some good draft picks, just like Atlanta did with Matt Ryan.

Wild Card weekend is now over. Follow the link for the Divisional Round Playoff Matchups, Announcer Pairings, and Point Spreads.

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The Week 17 action is in the books, and so is the 2008 regular season for the NFL. As always, it was exciting and filled with twists and turns, and now we are left with 12 playoff teams to battle it out in the NFL playoffs for a chance to win the Super Bowl.

Quickly, here is a look at the playoff seedings:

AFC Playoff Teams by Seed: 1 – Tennessee Titans (13-3) 2 – Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) 3 – Miami Dolphins (11-5) 4 – San Diego Chargers (8-8) 5 – Indianapolis Colts (12-4) 6 – Baltimore Ravens (11-5) NFC Playoff Teams by Seed: 1 – New York Giants (12-4) 2 – Carolina Panthers (12-4) 3 – Minnesota Vikings (10-6) 4 – Arizona Cardinals (9-7) 5 – Atlanta Falcons (11-5) 6 – Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) AFC Playoff Matchups and Schedule (all specific dates and times to be announced) Wild Card Round, January 3rd and 4th:

#6 Baltimore Ravens at #3 Miami Dolphins

#5 Indianapolis Colts at #4 Denver Broncos/San Diego Chargers

Divisional Round, January 10th and 11th:

(both games will be televised on CBS)

Lowest seed remaining at #1 Tennessee Titans

Highest seed remaining at #2 Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC Playoff Matchups and Schedule

(all specific dates and times to be announced)

Wild Card Round, January 3rd and 4th:

#6 Philadelphia Eagles at #3 Minnesota Vikings

#5 Atlanta Falcons at #4 Arizona Cardinals

Divisional Round, January 10th and 11th:

(both games will be televised on FOX)

Lowest seed remaining at #1 New York Giants

Highest seed remaining at #2 Carolina Panthers

The AFC and NFC Championship Games are on January 18th, and the Super Bowl is on February 1st.