NFC Third Quarter Breakdown

The NFL is heading into the stretch run and the annual jockeying for playoff position begins. In the NFC it looks like one of the better teams (Tampa Bay, New York Giants) might be on the outside looking in. Here's my thoughts on the teams in the NFC.

Green Bay Packers- Despite trailing Chicago in the standings, I still feel the Packers are the best team in the NFC. They have a meeting with Chicago left and a chance to take the division and finish strong. They have still have an outside shot at home field.

Atlanta Falcons- Matt Ryan has shown me a lot this year. Of course this position can change in a hurry. The Falcons boast the NFC's best record and are sitting pretty for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Chicago Bears- They call this the worse 9-3 team in the NFL. The Bears have been solid on both sides of the ball. Julius Peppers has raised the defense up a notch. Jay Cutler is doing a better of managing the game.

New Orleans Saints- It looks like the offense is finally hitting its stride. They need to avoid more games like the Bengals scare last week.

Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles will ride Michael Vick's magic to the playoffs.

New York Giants- They might be on the outside looking in when it's all said and done. They have been playing better of late, but need to finish with a flourish.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tough loss to the Falcons hurts. Still in the playoff hunt, but will need help to get there.

St. Louis Rams- One of the year's biggest surprises has been helped by being in a bad division. They might get into the playoffs, but once they get a few more pieces, look out.

Seattle Seahawks- You wonder which team is going to show up from week to week. They either win or get blown out.

Dallas Cowboys- The Cowboys have been much improved since Jason Garrett took over.

Minnesota Vikings- Playing out the string. Leslie Frazier is coaching for next year.

San Francisco 49ers- Still have a very slim shot at capturing their division. That might be the only way Mike Singletary keeps his job.

Washington Redskins- If games were played on paper they might be a top four team in the NFC.

Detroit Lions- Being competetive in close losses isn't enough.

Arizona Cardinals- All their mojo left with Kurt Warner. Kind of feel sorry Larry Fitzgerald. He seems lost without a quarterback.

Carolina Panthers- I don't think John Fox will be able to survive this season.