subject: Nfl Playoff Tickets - Nfc Playoff Teams Begin To Emerge [print this page] It's that time of year againIt's that time of year again. Starbucks is serving loads of peppermint mochas, the first snows have arrived in many cities across the country and the NFL playoffs are ready to cause a ruckus on the sports scene. With a tumultuous Week 13 behind us and several red-hot matchups to come, the playoff picture is developing rapidly with a few teams already solidifying playoff appearances. While things are still up in the air for most of the AFC in the playoffs, the NFC playoff puzzle looks to be falling into place. Here's how things are shaping up for the NFC going into Week 14 of the regular season.
Teams expected to make the playoffs: New Orleans Saints (12-0), Minnesota Vikings (10-2), Arizona Cardinals (8-4), Dallas Cowboys (8-4), Philadelphia Eagles (8-4), Green Bay Packers (8-4).
The Saints were declared a division winner after keeping that undefeated record through Week 13, but the Vikings are still not far behind. The big news here will be how things pan out between the Cardinals, Cowboys, Eagles and Packers and which one (if any) will fall behind. Arizona proved its worth against Minnesota in Week 13, crushing Brett Favre and his Vikings. If the Cards continue on this hot streak, they could sure gain some respect in the playoffs, and many Arizona fans already have their eyes on NFL playoff tickets.
Green Bay also looked good putting a hurtin' on the Ravens in Week 13, and they may have the chance to slip ahead of the Cowboys and Eagles in the coming weeks, though their schedule may be tougher than Philly's at the end of the season.
Teams with a fighting chance: New York Giants (7-5), Atlanta Falcons (6-6), Carolina Panthers (5-7), San Francisco 49ers (5-7), Chicago Bears (5-7), Seattle Seahawks (5-7).
The New York Giants really have a shot as a wild card option, especially if they can beat the Eagles in Week 14. They've also got the Redskins and Panthers on the schedule in Weeks 15 and 16, granting the opportunity to stay alive.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, the team with the least shot at making the playoffs is the Carolina Panthers. Starting QB Jake Delhomme is out with a broken finger, and Carolina's last four games on their schedule are (respectively) against the top-ranked Patriots, Vikings, Giants and Saints. This gives the 49ers, Bears and Seahawks the chance to fight for a wild card spot, but they may not even have what it takes to make the playoffs this year.
Maybe next year: Washington Redskins (3-9), Detroit Lions (2-10), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-11), St. Louis Rams (1-11).
The Washington Redskins gave it a go in Week 13 when they came very, very close to beating the undefeated New Orleans Saints at home, but they ultimately ran out of steam in overtime. The 'Skins have already given kicker Shaun Suisham the boot after he missed a crucial 23-yard field goal in their game against the Saints, and this team does have some promise that is sure to show next season.
The Lions, Bucs and Rams have all had very hard seasons this year, and winning more than two games is a top priority for the 2010-11 season. There's no better time for rebuilding than now, and these teams are going to need a head start to make things happen next year.
