NFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders
1. Philadelphia -- The real challenge for the Eagles will be staying sharp for the next 4-5 weeks.

2. Atlanta -- The Falcons have a favorable schedule down the stretch, so the 2nd spot looks to be a lock.

3. Green Bay -- Only because they play in a pretty bad division. Don't let their record or the Vikings' record fool you. They are not going deep into the playoffs. If you doubt that, then I must refer you to the Packers catastrophe in Philly and the Vikings inexplicable loss to Chicago.

4. St Louis -- Really?? A 6-6 team leading the division. That pretty much sums up the NFC. The only thing more pathetic is the 2nd place team in that division currently holds a Wildcard spot!

Wildcards
5. Minnesota -- The Vikings just can't figure out how to use their running game. And Chicago made them pay. Maybe losing to Chad Hutchinson will wake them up. They should make the playoffs, but lack of defense and their cluelessness running the ball means an early exit.

6. Seattle -- If the Seahawks really make it I will be the first to suggest importing AFC teams that are more deserving. They have a tough schedule down the stretch and I really believe they will fall out of the playoffs and Mike Holmgren will be coaching elsewhere next year.

Outside Looking In
Carolina -- The Panthers have a tough schedule ahead, but they have re-discovered a running game and are looking more like a playoff team every week. At least in the NFC.

Chicago -- Urlacher's return probably means more to this team than Hutchinson's performance last week. The Bears play a couple tough games down the stretch, but a 3-1 finish is not out of the question. And that will be more than enough to pass Seattle. But can they pull it off?

Dallas -- OK, I'm convinced. Bill Parcells is a good coach. Not listening to the "bench Vinny" crowd and using the running game to perfection, the Cowboys, I believe, have turned the corner. If the defense can improve a bit, or be kept off the field more, the Cowboys could make a legitimate run at the playoffs.

Detroit -- A difficult schedule suggests the Lions may have to wait one more year for a playoff berth. But they have come a long way under Mariucci, and a couple of upsets could put them over the top.

New York Giants -- Does anyone think Eli has made them better? Injuries on defense and the QB switch means they are watching the playoffs on TV this year.

Tampa Bay -- The Bucs are my dark horse for making some noise in the playoffs this year. Gruden has them playing well and they absolutely dominated the Falcons. If they can beat San Diego this week they have a very favorable schedule the rest of the year. Tampa vs Philly for the NFC Championship??