The Real Beast of the NFC
Coming in to the season, most believed that the NFC East would be the toughest, most competitive division in football. However, as the past fourteen weeks have unfolded, the South has emerged as the dominant power. The Carolina Panthers lead the division with a 10-3 record. The return of Jake Delhomme and emergence of running backs DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart have fueled the offense. The power running style will only help once the playoffs start and combined with their stifling defense, the Panthers are emerging as the team to beat. The resurgent Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't far behind, and the Falcons have become this year's feel good story.
There is still drama in the NFC East, mostly revolving around the underwhelming Dallas Cowboys. The New York Giants seemingly have the division locked up, with the once contending Washington Redskins falling back to earth. The Cowboys have the talent on paper, but haven't been able to translate it to the field consistently. A few key mistakes have America's team on the outside looking in.
The perennial doormats in Arizona, the Cardinals, are headed for their first division title in centuries. They have the NFC West locked up, and the Minnesota Vikings have the current lead in the wide open North. If I had to give my prediction, the six NFC playoff teams will be the Giants, Chicago Bears, Panthers, Cardinals, Buccaneers, and Falcons (thanks to their cakewalk remaining schedule).
Don't Forget The Other Conference
In the AFC, a few new names are floating near the top. The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets are part of a three-way tie in the AFC East, and the division leader will have the only guaranteed playoff berth. The AFC North is still up in the air, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens only a game apart. Rookie coach John Harbaugh is allowing his defense to make plays, and the ageless wonder Ray Lewis at linebacker and healthy safety Ed Reed are playing at a Pro Bowl level.
The Tennessee Titans were the 2008 version of the team that challenges for immortality every year. They started out 10-0, but still locked up their division and currently sit at 12-1. The Indianapolis Colts fought off an early layer of rust, and have won six in a row and appear to be on pace for a wild card spot. Quarterback Peyton Manning has willed his team back into contention, and is too good of a player to be sitting at home come January. We ask the same question every year about this team: will they be able to overcome injuries? Safety Bob Sanders is dynamic when he's on the field, but his status seems to be in question week to week.
The Denver Broncos are the only competitive team in the AFC West and will coast into the playoffs. Quarterback Jay Culter is the X-factor, with his live arm being the only thing to watch out for on his injury-riddled team. AFC predictions: Titans, Broncos, Steelers, Colts, Jets, and Ravens.
Note: My predictions should be taken with a giant grain of salt. Competition is fierce in the league right now and every football fan should be loving this.
