NFC
Philadelphia Eagles 8-6 (7-3 NFC)
Recent Form- W at NYG , W at WSH, W v. CAR
Remaining Games- at Dallas (9-5), vs. Atlanta (7-7)
Offense- 11th Rushing, 3rd Passing
Defense- 28th Rushing, 12th Passing
Pro- It's hard to think of anyone in the NFC who is playing better than the Eagles right now. They've won back to back division games on the road, and the offense hasn't missed a beat with Jeff Garcia at QB. They also are the only team in the NFC wildcard picture who is actually above .500.
Con- The rushing defense is terrible, and they face a pair of top 10 rushing offenses in their last 2 games.
In or Out?- In, they may very well finish 8-8, but too many other things have to happen for them not to make it.
NY Giants 7-7 (6-4 NFC)
Recent Form- L vs. PHI, W at CAR, L vs DAL
Remaining Games- vs. New Orleans (9-5), at Washington (5-9)
Offense- 9th Rushing, 15th Passing
Defense- 11th Rushing, 28th Passing
Pro- They beat the Falcons back in October, which gives them a tiebreaker over a team they may very well be tied with for the final wildcard spot at the end of the year. They face a Redskins team in their finale that has nothing to play for and whom they have already beaten 19-3.
Con- Drew Brees should have a field day against the Giants terrible pass defense today. That means the Giants could very well be 7-8 heading into Week 17, and a game behind an Atlanta team who is at home against the disintegrating Panthers this week.
In Or Out?-That tiebreaker over the Falcons is huge. Atlanta probably will beat Carolina today, but then they go on the road to Philly in Week 17. I see both teams finishing 8-8, which means the Giants are likely in, the Falcons out.
Atlanta Falcons 7-7 (5-5 NFC)
Recent Form- L vs. DAL, W at TB, W at WSH
Remaining Games- vs. Carolina (6-8), at Philadelphia (8-6)
Offense- 1st Rushing, 32nd Passing
Defense- 10th Rushing, 30th Passing
Pro- Honestly there is not a whole lot to like about the Falcons chances right now. They've got to run the table and get help to get in. On the plus side, they should be 8-7 heading into Week 17 as they face the 1-17 as an NFL starter Chris Weinke this week, an assignment that even their 30th ranked pass defense should be able to handle.
Con- Warrick Dunn and Michael Vick are both banged up, head coach Jim Mora Jr. has been fending off questions about his future, the Falcons lose on pretty much every tiebreaker, and they have to go to Philly in Week 17.
In Or Out?- The Falcons will miss the playoffs, and it will probably be best for the franchise for them to do so. The best thing they could do would be to start over next year with a new coach and Matt Schaub at quarterback, and a second consecutive out of the money finish may be the impetus needed to make that change.
OTHERS IN THE MIX
Green Bay Packers 7-8 (6-5 NFC)
The Packers have a chance to be an unlikely entry in the wildcard tiebreaker. They go on the road to face the Bears next week in their season finale, but the Bears have already locked up the homefield advantage in the NFC and likely will treat it as a preseason game. That means the Pack could pick up a cheap win, get to 8-8, and then anything can happen. An October loss to the Rams could come back to haunt them though.
Carolina Panthers 6-8 (4-6 NFC)
They still have Chris Weinke at QB, and go on the road to ATL and NO for their last two. They are dead as fried chicken.
San Francisco 49ers 6-8 (5-6 NFC)
The Niners still have their eyes on an NFC West title. Unfortunately, they finish up the season in Denver, a game they have no chance of winning. So no playoffs for them.
St. Louis Rams 6-8 (4-6 NFC)
Their remaining games are at home against Washington and at Minnesota, so it's completely within the realm of possibility that they can finish at 8-8. They also own a win over the Packers, which could come into play if both of those teams finish in the tiebreaker. Playoff fever is sweeping St. Louis, as their home game today against the Skins will be blacked out because for the first time ever the Rams failed to sell out a home game in STL.
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