subject: 2010 Nfl Playoff Tickets - Nfc Playoff Picture [print this page] Here is a look at the NFC Playoff picture as of Dec. 15, 2009.
New Orleans Saints (13-0): The Saints have already locked up the NFC South, so we know that they'll be selling 2010 NFL playoff tickets. This team has not lost a game all season thanks to their dynamic offense.
Minnesota Vikings (11-2): I thought they were the best team in football before their Week 13 loss to Arizona. Now I'm not so sure how I feel about them. I still think they're very good, but I'm not so sure I like them to win the NFC more than I like the Saints to do so. Brett Favre has imploded in some big games in the past, but as long as the team leans on Adrian Peterson they should be fine.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-4): The Eagles are in sole possession of the NFC East right now, but don't have the easiest schedule remaining. A Week 17 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys could yet again decide a playoff berth for the two teams. The Eagles can beat anyone thanks to the presence of DeSean Jackson, who is proving to be one of the more electric game breakers in the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals (8-5): The Cardinals look great one week and poor the next, which signals to me that it's a matchup issue. It could be that they simply match up with some teams much better than others, regardless of their opponents' records. This offense has been shut down on several occasions this season and the defense cannot bear that much of a burden. They're almost a lock to win the division, but may back into it as they did last season. Still, they proved last postseason that they can get hot at a moment's notice.
Green Bay Packers (9-4): This team really intrigues me. Their offense is one of the best in the NFL, but it's their defense that has enabled them to elevate themselves to a playoff team. The unit seemed to struggle a bit initially in the transition to a 3-4 scheme, but it appears that the team's defensive personnel has made the necessary adjustments as of late. They've got one of the best run defenses in the league and have become a turnover-driven unit against the pass, thanks greatly in part to the stellar play of corner Charles Woodson.
The Green Bay passing game is very dangerous, headlined by superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He has become one of the best signal callers in the league and I would group him in with Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees at this point. This team has the balance to make some noise in the playoffs and I would not want to have to face them.
Dallas Cowboys (8-5): Their December woes have struck again and the Cowboys have lost two straight. They've got a tough remaining schedule and are in legitimate danger of missing the playoffs again.
New York Giants (7-6): They may trail Dallas by a game, but they've got a much easier road ahead of them. They've also been playing better than the Cowboys as of late.
