Well, second half of the season already. Let's bat around how we see things going the rest of the way.
Packers- Improving the tackling even a little will go a long way. The big thing will be to continue the relative good luck on the injury front. If key players such as Rodgers, Lacy, Nelson, Cobb, Matthews and Peppers can consistently perform up to their abilities, youngsters such as Adams and Clinton-Dix can continue to improve and contribute, then I see winning out as a possibility. There are three big tests left; Eagles, Patriots, and Lions. But all are at home as are 5 of the last 8.
No worse than 10-6- which may or may not get a playoff spot. 13-3 possible, but I see 12-4 as a better than 50/50 bet.
Rest of the NFC
The Contenders (in no particular order)
Lions- A healthy Megatron and continued solid defense make them dangerous. There's a different vibe here, too. I wouldn't count on them self destructing. Last game at Lambeau could be huge.
Seahawks- Yeah, somethings been off. But they still have Wilson and a lot of other talent. Meetings with Cards and 49ers will decide things.
Cardinals- Despite so many key injuries, Arians has these guys believing. If Palmer can stay healthy and keep mistakes to a minimum and the defense can keep playing at a high level, they may be ready to take the next step. Big motivation with the Super Bowl at their home stadium.
49ers- They've weathered the storm of injuries and distractions, and are set up to make another big push. Getting Bowman , Smith and Willis back together and healthy, and having 3 meetings left with the 'Hawks and Cards will decide their fortunes.
Eagles- Not convinced, but in position. Yeah, the offense is explosive, but 7 non offensive TD's is a lot of smoke and mirrors.
Cowboys- Another not convinced. The offense is outstanding and loaded with talent at every position group, but how long can they continue to cover up the flaws in a shaky defense ? Still need to show they won't fold up at crunch time.
Saints- Being in the leagues worst division allowed them to get away with a slow start, but if Rob Ryan's defense can continue to improve , they still have one of the leagues most dynamic offenses. Need to show they can break out of the totally different team on the road blues; otherwise, they can play with anyone.
Division Winners- Packers, Cowboys, Saints, Cardinals
Wild Cards- Lions, 49ers
AFC
The Broncos are head and shoulders above the rest right now. The defense is playing at a level to match Manning and the offense. The Colts still have questions, especially on D, but Andrew Luck can carry a team the way only elite QB's can. and Browns are on the upswing, but not ready yet.
The Patriots have been rolling with Brady and Gronk back together and in synch. Brady and Bellichek always make them dangerous, but I see too many flaws and questions to jump on the band wagon just yet. The Ravens and Steelers are still tough, and Sunday's meeting will likely decide which one sits out come playoff time. The Bengals have balance and talent, but need to show they can win in January. The Chargers are a step below, but Rivers is having a great season and keeps them dangerous. The Chiefs are tough but flawed and also a second tier team.
The Dolphins , Bills, and Browns are on the upswing, but not ready yet.
Division Winners- Broncos, Patriots, Colts, Bengals
Wild Cards- Steelers, Ravens
Playoffs? We'll get there when we get there.
Packers- Improving the tackling even a little will go a long way. The big thing will be to continue the relative good luck on the injury front. If key players such as Rodgers, Lacy, Nelson, Cobb, Matthews and Peppers can consistently perform up to their abilities, youngsters such as Adams and Clinton-Dix can continue to improve and contribute, then I see winning out as a possibility. There are three big tests left; Eagles, Patriots, and Lions. But all are at home as are 5 of the last 8.
No worse than 10-6- which may or may not get a playoff spot. 13-3 possible, but I see 12-4 as a better than 50/50 bet.
Rest of the NFC
The Contenders (in no particular order)
Lions- A healthy Megatron and continued solid defense make them dangerous. There's a different vibe here, too. I wouldn't count on them self destructing. Last game at Lambeau could be huge.
Seahawks- Yeah, somethings been off. But they still have Wilson and a lot of other talent. Meetings with Cards and 49ers will decide things.
Cardinals- Despite so many key injuries, Arians has these guys believing. If Palmer can stay healthy and keep mistakes to a minimum and the defense can keep playing at a high level, they may be ready to take the next step. Big motivation with the Super Bowl at their home stadium.
49ers- They've weathered the storm of injuries and distractions, and are set up to make another big push. Getting Bowman , Smith and Willis back together and healthy, and having 3 meetings left with the 'Hawks and Cards will decide their fortunes.
Eagles- Not convinced, but in position. Yeah, the offense is explosive, but 7 non offensive TD's is a lot of smoke and mirrors.
Cowboys- Another not convinced. The offense is outstanding and loaded with talent at every position group, but how long can they continue to cover up the flaws in a shaky defense ? Still need to show they won't fold up at crunch time.
Saints- Being in the leagues worst division allowed them to get away with a slow start, but if Rob Ryan's defense can continue to improve , they still have one of the leagues most dynamic offenses. Need to show they can break out of the totally different team on the road blues; otherwise, they can play with anyone.
Division Winners- Packers, Cowboys, Saints, Cardinals
Wild Cards- Lions, 49ers
AFC
The Broncos are head and shoulders above the rest right now. The defense is playing at a level to match Manning and the offense. The Colts still have questions, especially on D, but Andrew Luck can carry a team the way only elite QB's can. and Browns are on the upswing, but not ready yet.
The Patriots have been rolling with Brady and Gronk back together and in synch. Brady and Bellichek always make them dangerous, but I see too many flaws and questions to jump on the band wagon just yet. The Ravens and Steelers are still tough, and Sunday's meeting will likely decide which one sits out come playoff time. The Bengals have balance and talent, but need to show they can win in January. The Chargers are a step below, but Rivers is having a great season and keeps them dangerous. The Chiefs are tough but flawed and also a second tier team.
The Dolphins , Bills, and Browns are on the upswing, but not ready yet.
Division Winners- Broncos, Patriots, Colts, Bengals
Wild Cards- Steelers, Ravens
Playoffs? We'll get there when we get there.
