NFC Playoff Picture

Currently, the NFC East is the most competitive division in the NFL...hands down. While the Redskins have diminished since the beginning of the season, the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants have been outstanding.
After benching Donovan McNabb against the Ravens in week 12, the Eagles are 3-0 and back in the wild card hunt. McNabb has passed for 741 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception during this streak and Brian Westbrook has been dominant as a runner, receiver and (as seen against the Browns) pass/run blocking. The Eagles are truly firing on all cylinders right now and this may work out perfect with their remaining schedule consisting of the Redskins and Cowboys. If they win both of these games, the Eagles will have a great chance to make it to the playoffs via the wild card.

The Cowboys are very suspect to me at the moment. Since their bye week (week ten), the Cowboys have played the choking Redskins (7-7), the second place 49ers (second place meaning a 5-9 record), the Seahawks (an astounding 3-11), the Steelers (11-3), and the Giants (11-3). Of these teams, the Cowboys only lost to the Steelers, but their wins against the college level NFC West and the Plaxico-less Giants are not even noteworthy. Their wins since the bye week have been nothing but exhibition games and with their last two games of the season against the Ravens (9-5) and their division foe Eagles (8-5-1) I can not imagine the Cowboys making the playoffs this year. Suck on that Jerry Jones.

Midway through the season, I thought the Giants could repeat as Super Bowl Champs. However, with Plaxico Burress' expert marksmanship and the awful play of their line (8 sacks given up against the Cowboys), the Giants will not make it back to the Super Bowl this season. No media friendly, Manning-Manning Super Bowl meeting, no back to back Championships, and in yet another New York sport, a late season choke that even Dr. Henry J. Heimlich couldn’t fix. Hope the Mets are saving you a seat Eli.

As for the wild card situation in the NFC, I think the Falcons and Eagles are going to fly high into the playoffs. Many think the Falcons are too young, but with rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, I think the Falcons can at least make the playoffs, maybe even win a game. But when it's all said and done the NFC Championship will consist of the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings with the Vikings making their first Super Bowl appearance since 1977. All aboard the A.P. train to Tampa Bay.


AFC breakdown tomorrow....