Ted Ginn & Tonic: NFC Outlook

Ten games have been played. There are six games to go. Here is how I see the NFC playing out (conference power ranking in parentheses).

EAST

(1) Dallas - They are the second best team in football but is imperative that they keep winning, especially against the Packers in a couple weeks. They don't want to have to make a return trip to Green Bay in January
(3) New York Giants- That was a big win to establish themselves as clearly the best non-division leader. They would have to really let down to miss the playoffs.
(8) Washington - That could have been a huge win in Dallas had they been able to contain T.O. They are capable of making a late season surge to the playoffs.
(9) Philadelphia - Their win over Miami shouldn't get people too excited. It looked like they lack the explosiveness or edge that could launch them into a late season push.

NORTH

(2) Green Bay - I bet they don't mind the Cowboys being the flashy team that gets all of the attention. The Packers flat out get it done and have a favorable schedule trying to lock up home field advantage.
(6) Detroit - My advice to them would be to stop talking smack and just lay low trying to get some wins. The rest of season schedule is difficult and they could be poised for a second half swoon.
(10) Minnesota - I can't figure this team out. They can look real good but they lack the consistency. A good offseason could make them a contender next year.
(13) Chicago - Oh how the mighty have fallen, it must be the "Super Bowl Loser" curse. They just have not been able to find ways to win. The offseason is going to be huge for this team as well.

SOUTH

(4) Tampa Bay - Say what you want about Jeff Garcia, he wins football games. The Bucs are having no trouble taking care of a weak division.
(11) Carolina - I love Vinny Testaverde, but when he is starting games for you this late in the season, you have a problem. Focus on the offseason.
(12) New Orleans - I guess they had a lot of hidden weaknesses last year. The defense came back down to earth and now we are noticing how important Deuce McAllister and Joe Horn were.
(13) Atlanta - Why on earth would you change your starting quarterback after winning two games in a row? They probably wouldn't have beaten Tampa Bay anyway, but what message are you sending to your team?

WEST

(5) Seattle - Matt Hasselback is one of the underrated quarterbacks in the league. He leads his team and doesn't have any big name receivers or much of a running game this year.
(7) Arizona - The Seahawks better not falter. The Cardinals are young and hungry and I love the way their defense attacks teams. They can get hot.
(14) St. Louis - Nice winning streak! If it had started a few weeks earlier they might still be in the division race.
(16) San Francisco - Not much more to be said for the 49ers. Their offense is inept and they have lost 8 games in a row. It's a shame they aren't on the Dolphins schedule this year.

PLAYOFF SEEDING PREDICTION

Monday, November 19, 2007