Like the AFC, the NFC has 10 teams that either have locked up a playoff spot or are still in contention for a spot in the post season. Unlike the AFC where all the teams are reasonably good, the NFC could potentially give their first playoff berth to a sub .500 team. NFC West we’re looking at you at you.
Here are the 10 teams still in contention for the NFL Playoffs.
Division Leaders
NFC South – Atlanta Falcons (12-2) – The Falcons can clinch a first round bye through the NFC playoffs with a win/tie versus the Saints. The Falcons are playing out of their minds right now. Matty “Ice” Ryan holds a 19-1 home record for his career. If they lock up a bye, you might as well pencil them in for a Super Bowl appearance. They began the season at 25/1 to win the Super Bowl but now sit at 5/1.
NFC East – Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) – The Eagles can clinch a first round bye with a win and two Chicago losses. Mike Vick is doing his best on the field and off it to redeem himself. He’s playing well but he’s still banned from owning a dog. Funny, Vick is banned from owning a dog but Ben Roethlisberger isn’t banned from having a girlfriend. The Eagles were 20/1 to win the Super Bowl but now just 6/1.
NFC North – Chicago Bears (9-4) – The Bears can clinch the NFC North tonight with a win over the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears were 30/1 and now 22/1 to win the big prize. We slept on the Bears early but don’t hibernate on the Bears defense, the only defense that’s beaten Mike Vick since he became the Eagles starter.
NFC West – St. Louis Rams (6-8) – The Rams can clinch the NFC West with two wins, or two Seahawks losses and a 49ers loss to the Cardinals. The Rams could cause a rule change forcing playoff teams to have at least an 8-8 record. The Rams can get in at 7-9 while the Buccaneers could be out with a 10-6 record. If you feel like wasting some money, you can get 125/1 if the Rams win the Super Bowl.
Wildcard
New Orleans Saints (10-4) – The defending Super Bowl Champions can clinch a playoff berth with a win at the Falcons, or both a Packers loss and a Buccaneers loss. They miss out on a first round bye but if they stay in the fifth spot, they’ll open against the NFC West winner, which is pretty much like a bye week anyways. The Saints are 12/1 to win the Super Bowl after starting the season at 9/1.
New York Giants (9-5) – The New York Football Giants can clinch a playoff berth with a win at the Packers due to better strength of victory than the Buccaneers. The Giants are 25/1 to win the Super Bowl. Interesting note, the Giants odds were 125/1 at one point during 2007.
Still in Contention
Green Bay Packers (8-6) – The Packers need to beat Giants next week and need a ton of help. Their playoff picture was scrambled with Aaron Rodgers brain after he suffered his second concussion of the season facing the Lions in week 14. Still they are only 25/1 to win the Super Bowl.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) – The Bucs need two wins and many losses from the teams ahead of them. Considering they haven’t beaten a team with a winning record all year, they can put the playoffs on hold until next season. If you believe in Miracles, the Bucs are 300/1 to win the Super Bowl.
Seattle Seahawks (6-8) – The Seahawks can clinch the NFC West with two wins, or a win vs. the Rams and a 49ers loss. If you support any 7-9 team making the NFL playoffs, I don’t think I’d care for you as a person.
San Francisco 49ers (5-9) – The 49ers can clinch the NFC West with two wins and a Seahawks loss. The 49ers are still not out, I’m a big fan of parity but really, this is too much.
