The Story
NFL Postseason Preview --- Part 1: NFC East, NFC North
No, the headline is correct, and your calendar is correct. It’s only November. Regardless, from what I have seen of the 32 teams in the NFL, this is how I expect the rest of the season to shape up.
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Led by a stifling and very aggressive defense that ranks third in the league and a talented up-and-coming quarterback in Jason Campbell, the Redskins will always be competitive in their games. On paper the Skins, like seasons pasts, look very strong, but they do tend to let games slip away and seem to lack that killer instinct. Compounding this problem, the Giants are on a monster hot streak, and the Cowboys are rolling. With that all being said, due to the weakness of the NFC, the Skins may barely sneak into the playoffs with the final wild card spot. However, it’s going to be close, and I think they're out.
Record: 9-7 -- Will not make the playoffs
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo has found his groove. TO is, of all things, quiet, and the wins are piling up. Things are good in Dallas. Look for them to rebound nicely after been dominated by the Patriots. The rest of their schedule is not too difficult, and they should win their division comfortably. They will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. In fact, they will be the NFC Champions this year but will lose in the Super Bowl to…we all know who…that team with Tom Brady.
Record: 13-3 -- Will make the playoffs, NFC Champions
New York Giants
After losing their first two games, the Giants are on the hottest win streak in the NFL. They will squeeze into the playoffs in the wild card spot, thanks to the weakness of the NFC.
Record: 10-6 -- Will make the playoffs
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles were another slow starter this season, and they have yet to truly get things back together. They have the players, but something is missing. Sorry Eagles fans, but enjoy the regular season, because that’s as far as they are going to get.
Record: 7-9 -- Will not make the playoffs
NFC North
Chicago Bears
All that needs to be said is that the Super Bowl loser curse continues. Last year the Bears were one game away from a championship ring; this year they won’t even make the playoffs. The only positive parts of this season for the Bears are that Rex Grossman is no longer quarterback and Devin Hester continues to dominate on special teams.
Record: 6-10 -- Will not make the playoffs
Detroit Lions
The much-improved Lions must be happy at how far they have come over the past couple of seasons, but they still are not a playoff-caliber team yet. Their offense looks quite solid, but their defense needs a lot of work. However, with their continuous progression from one of the absolute worst defenses in their league, they have hit their stride just in time to finally make the playoffs again.
Record: 10-6 -- Will make the playoffs
Minnesota Vikings
Two words: Adrian Peterson. Adrian Peterson is a force to be reckoned with when he has the ball in his hands. It’s scary to think that Peterson is putting up the huge numbers that he is in a two back system. While his durability is always an issue, the Vikings have their first real star on their roster since Randy Moss. Overall the Vikings are a below average team that still has a lot of improving to do, especially at the quarterback position. The backup quarterback has a higher quarterback rating than the starting quarterback. This is not a good sign.
Record: 5-11 -- Will not make the playoffs
Green Bay Packers
It has been a while, but it appears the Packers are back in business. Brett Favre, yes he still plays football, seems to be having fun leading the Packers to one of their best starts in years. Despite the complete lack of a running game, the Packers will easily win their division.
Record: 12-4 -- Will make the playoffs