The Playoff 14: The NFC
The calendar has turned to December. Meaning that we get to start talking about the word “Playoffs.” Teams have separated themselves from the pack in November to be able to talk about the playoffs. Each week until the end of the regular season I will be giving you the 14 playoff teams from each conference (7 AFC, 7 NFC). If you haven’t already saw the AFC, here is the link to the article (The Playoff 14: The AFC ). Now, let’s continue with the NFC.
PSA: This is my own list created on my thoughts and opinions.
7th Seed: Green Bay Packers (6-6)
There is no doubt that the Packers came into the 2023 season looking to find their way post Aaron Rodgers. But, they come in as the 7th seed this week because they are riding high into December with a 3 game winning streak. Anything can happen during this down year for the NFC. The Packers have taken advantage of their opportunities this season to get them in this week’s 7th seed. They have done it by playing well on the defensive end. As of this week, the Packers moved into the top 10 this week for points allowed at 20.3PPG after holding the Kansas City Chiefs offense to 19 points Sunday Night. Also, noticing a coming to life moment for both Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love. Elevating this offense to score points and keep the games in reach.
6th Seed: Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
The Minnesota Vikings come in as the 6th Seed this week because of the recent success by Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores. Brian Flores turned this Vikings defense around after struggling in the beginning of the season. The Vikings defense ranks top 5 in each of the major categories since week 4 (PPG, Yards Per Play, and efficiency). On the other side of the ball the Vikings are going have to score points in the coming weeks to sustain their spot in the playoff hunt because they play an explosive Detroit Lions offense twice, and three teams that are still in the playoff hunt (Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Green Bay Packers.
5TH Seed: Dallas Cowboys (9-3)
The Dallas Cowboys come in as the 5th Seed this week because one simple reason. They are the Dallas Cowboys! The Cowboys are a team that is fighting for supremacy again in the NFC. Many will say that the Cowboys might win the NFC East in 2023 with the way their counter parts, Philadelphia Eagles have been playing as of late. But, they do have a crucial matchup with the Eagles in week 14 on Sunday Night Football. Look for the Cowboys to come out Sunday Night fighting and steal a win from the Eagles to move closer with the Eagles in the NFC East. Not much to say for the Cowboys this week but just to win Sunday vs the Philadelphia Eagles.
4th Seed: Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
The NFC South is a 3 team race this season. But, I have to give this week 4th Seed to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have won back to games beating the New Orleans Saints, and the New York Jets. If you watch this Falcons team, you have to scratch your head and think about which team you are getting week in and week out. Also, which Quarterback is playing on any given Sunday? I do question their play calling sometimes. The Falcons are going to have to muscle out wins for the rest of the season like they been doing if they want to win this division.
3rd Seed: Detroit Lions (9-3)
The Detroit Lions come in as the 3rd Seed this week because they are a team that can score points with the best of them and they play for each other and their Head Coach Dan Campbell. I really like this Lions team since last season when they made that run at the end of the season just missing out of the playoffs after beating Green Bay in Week 18. They have a stud on the defensive end, Aiden Hutchinson who is starting to become of age in the NFL, Jared Goff leading this high powered passing attack, and Dan Campbell tough minded mentality that he brings as the head coach of this Lions team. Lastly, I wouldn’t rule out the Lions being a number 1 seed in the 2023 playoffs. A lot of things have to fall in place for them but all they can do right now to help that is to keep winning.
2nd Seed: Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
The Philadelphia Eagles come in as the 2nd Seed because they are a bit on a struggle bus going into week 14 matchup vs the Dallas Cowboys. Last Sunday performance against the 49ers was one to remember for the Eagles because they absolutely looked a shell of themselves. Their linebackers struggled Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Which made them go out and sign Darius Leonard to help boost that linebacker core. Not only are that but the Eagles walking a thin line if they lose on Sunday to the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles do hold big wins over the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and the Buffalo Bills. Those games showed the fight of the Eagles which made them the 10-2 team they are today.
1st Seed: San Francisco 49ers (9-3)
The San Francisco 49ers come in as the 1st Seed this week because they are the most well rounded team in the NFC. It’s hard to pick a weak spot for this team when it comes to production because this team is well coached on both sides of the ball. That showed Sunday afternoon against the Philadelphia Eagles. As I stated in my Key matchup article on Sunday, the 49ers was going into that rematch against the Eagles with the “win by any means necessary” mentality and they did that in the game. Stomping the Eagles 42-19 in Philadelphia. Also, the 49ers have one matchup versus a team with a winning record the remainder of the season in the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas night, who sit currently at 9-3. Rest assure that game will another fun one for all football fans.
