With only two weeks left, the NFC playoff picture is taking shape. Here’s how I think the division will end up.
Drew Brees recently passed the 500 TD passing mark (photo, Canal St. Chronicles)
New Orleans Saints are sitting at 12-2 as the #1 one seed in the NFC. The Saints play the Steelers (8-5-1) in Week 16 and the Panthers to end the regular season. The Saints high-powered offense is primed to lead the team to a record of 14-2 and home-field advantage through the playoffs. That’s quite an advantage, too, according to Pro Football Reference. Since 2000, the Saints are undefeated at home (6-0) come playoff time.
The #2 seed, Los Angeles Rams, sit at 11-3 and have clinched a playoff berth. But the Rams have not looked the same since they beat the Chiefs back in Week 11. The Rams look predictable, even stagnant, and seem to be getting away from the run game. LA lost convincingly in Week 15 (at home, no less) to the Eagles. But for the Rams, the good news is that they close out the season against two weak teams, the Cardinals and 49ers. I see the Rams finishing 13-3 and securing a first-round bye.
The former ‘Monsters of the Midway,” the Chicago Bears, are now ‘Kings of the North” and the #3 seed in the NFC. The Bears haven’t made the playoffs since 2010 and, ironically, this year’s squad shares a comparison with the team of eight years ago–solid defense. The 2010 Bears ranked in the Top Ten according to ESPN.com, and this year’s defense is even better–ranked #1 in the league. Khalil Mack is one, big reason. There’s no reason to believe this team will slow down. An accommodating schedule is one reason, with the 49ers and Vikings on tap, even though both games are on the road. Don’t rule out the Bears moving up, getting the #2 seed, receiving a bye, and hosting a home game in blustery Chicago.
Courtesy: The Landry Hat
With the #4 seed currently is the Dallas Cowboys, a team that was drubbed by the Colts last Sunday. It was the first time in fifteen years that ‘Boys had been shut out. Now standing at 8-6, Dallas will play Tampa Bay and the Giants to round out the season. I predict that Dak, Zeke, and Amari will bounce back, and end the season at 10-6. That will be good enough to grab a division title and clinch a playoff berth.
The 5th seed in the NFC is a surprise team, the Seattle Seahawks. Departures from Seattle’s great defense and a limited running game were the reasons few expected the Seahawks to excel this year. But the D-backs are playing well, Bobby Wagner is a team leader, and (lo and behold) the ‘Hawks running game is #1 in the NFL! What’s more, Pete Carroll has done a hell of a job as head coach. At 8-6 currently, Seattle will finish against the Chiefs and Cardinals. I see the surprising Seahawks finishing 9-7 and sliding into the 6th slot.
Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings had high expectations going into the year, but the Monday Night loss to Seattle took the air out of the Nordic’s football. It was no surprise, then, when the team fired OC John DeFilippo. The team bounced back against the Dolphins, but the win only means they’re holding onto the last playoff spot at 7-6-1. Can they sustain that grip? Yes, is my answer. I predict Minnesota will finish 9-6-1 with victories over division rivals Lions and (surprise) Bears. If that happens, the Vikings may be able to move up and snag the 5th seed.
Nick Foles to the rescue? (photo, Business Insider)
As we head into Week 16 games, three teams are on the outside looking in. With Nick Foles’ magic, the Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) are one of those teams. Make no mistake about it, the Eagles’ road win at LAR was a head-turner.
While I wouldn’t beat against Philly now, another head-shaker (for a different reason) is the Washington Redskins (7-7), who (believe it or not) are also in the hunt. With Mark Sanchez at the helm, this may be the NFL’s version of a holiday joke!
Another team with possibilities (however slim) is the 6-8 Carolina Panthers. But with Cam now on the shelf, don’t bet on this team making it.
That means the Eagles have the best shot among these three teams. But (in the end) I predict they’ll fall short. Beating 10-4 Houston (a must-win) is a tall order, even though besting the Redskins is not. So I predict the defending Super Bowl champs will be watching at home this year, just missing out at 8-8.
Sit back and enjoy the rest of the way!
