NFL Playoffs: NFC Seeding
Yesterday, we discussed the playoff picture of the AFC. Now it is time to break down the NFC and see what these teams have in store. The division is stacked with a number of teams that are more than capable of making a run at the Super Bowl. Here is a breakdown of the division in order of seed.
1) Carolina Panthers
Carolina had a nearly perfect season, finishing with an incredible 15-1 record along with the conference’s top overall seed in the playoffs. Although they benefited from one of the easiest schedules in the league, as the season went on everyone realized how good the Panthers really are. Now Carolina will need to continue to win as the competition ramps up. They are fortunate to have a week of rest before their quest for a Super Bowl begins.
2) Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals fell apart at home against Seattle, but they still have a bye week to rest up. Arizona has been one of the league’s most impressive teams going into Week 17, and they still remain a massive threat to win the Super Bowl. Their toughest matchup will undoubtedly be Seattle. The beatdown they suffered will not bode well for their confidence if the two teams matchup at some point.
3) Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings pulled off a tough win in Green Bay in Week 17, winning the NFC North division in the process. They finished with an 11-5 record and will now play host to an intimidating Seahawks team this week. There is no question that Minnesota has the talent to win this game and go far in the playoffs, but Seattle has experience on their side. The Vikings defense is certainly good enough to slow down Russell Wilson. However, will their offense be able to do enough against Seattle?
4) Washington Redskins
Through the second half of their schedule, the Washington Redskins have been on a tear. Jay Gruden was criticized for his decision to go with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, but the decision really paid. He has helped develop Cousins into a real quality player who can lead the team to wins. Although they will likely be the underdog in any NFC matchup, they do have home-field advantage to begin the playoffs. The difference in play at home this season has been great, and they will have the chance to surprise everyone with a home playoff victory.
5) Green Bay Packers
The Packers made a late-game push against the Vikings but fell short in the end. The loss cost them the division and home-field advantage in the wild-card round. Surprisingly, the loss actually gives them an easier matchup than the third seed. Green Bay has struggled of late and they seem to be a shell of their old self. Injuries have really slowed the team down, especially on offense. Their defense has been good enough to keep the Packers hanging around, so you can never count them out.
6) Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s crushing win over the Cardinals sent a loud message to the rest of the conference: the two-time NFC champions are still here and will not go away without a fight. This team strikes fear into every opponent that it faces. The recipe for Seattle’s success is similar to year’s past, however, Russell Wilson has developed into an elite playmaker, now more than ever.
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