The Story
NFL Postseason Preview --- Part 2: NFC South, NFC West
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 South
Carolina Panthers
Even with the loss of quarterback Jake Delhomme to a season-ending right elbow injury, the Panthers are riding a nice win streak and will give Tampa Bay a run for their money for the division title. Backup quarterbacks David Carr and Vinny Testaverde have been playing well, and having Steve Smith is also a plus. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay is the better team.
Record: 8-8 -- Will not make the playoffs
Atlanta Falcons
It was not too long ago that the Falcons were one of the premier teams in the NFL, one of the teams with seemingly endless potential. Then Michael Vick's issues off the field began to accumulate, and as he self destructed so did the Falcons. Vick, once praised as the future of the NFL quarterback position, has quickly switched from existing as an asset to a liability and finally to a disgrace. The Falcons need to separate themselves from Vick before they can even think about the playoffs. And, let me tell you, that is not going to happen anytime soon.
Record: 3-13 -- Will not make the playoffs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming off a series of poor seasons, the Bucs seem to finally be bearing the fruits of their rebuilding efforts. The keys to their success this season have been their stifling defense and the strong play of quarterback Jeff Garcia. The Bucs should be able to hold off the Panthers but will fall short of a wildcard bid.
Record: 8-8 -- Will not make the playoffs
New Orleans Saints
Appearing to be the most disappointing team this season, the Saints started beyond cold. However, in the past few weeks the team has captured the magic of last year's Saints and now has reasonable hopes of getting to the Division round of the playoffs. The team should continue to improve with each week, and as Reggie Bush continues to establish, against all odds, that he is an NFL running back with the grit to make it, Drew Brees will lead this gutsy team to "the ship."
Record: 10-6 -- Will make the playoffs
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers
Since the Niners starting rebuilding roughly four years ago, after being arguably the most dominate team to ever step on a football field, they have being making huge strides forward. Last season they nearly stole the division from Seattle, and after adding some fairly big name receivers to assist quarterback Alex Smith and several quality players on defense, the Niners entered the season poised to finally make the playoffs again. However, the combination of injuries, meek play-calling by the new offensive coordinator and an anemic offense has provided a huge hurdle for the team to overcome. While the Niners won’t make the playoffs this season, they will be the team to beat in the West come next year.
Record: 5-11 -- Will not make the playoffs
Seattle Seahawks
Much was expected for the Seahawks as well this season, and so far they have somewhat lived up to the expectations. With that being said, they have not been consistent, and they certainly have their weaknesses.
Record: 9-7 -- Will make the playoffs
St. Louis Rams
The Rams are the worst team in the NFL; that is all there is to it. They will be lucky to win a game this season, let alone make the playoffs.
Record: 1-15 -- Will not make the playoffs
Arizona Cardinals
Do the Cardinals even have any quarterbacks on their roster who are not injured? Well, they must, because someone has been running their offense for the past couple of weeks. Like the 49ers, the Cardinals have done a good job in rebuilding their team and should find themselves in the playoffs in the near future (just not this year).
Record: 8-8 -- Will not make the playoffs