Well, here we go. We have the seedings, we know who's in. But who's for real, and who's just here to 'fill out the field'? In no particular order, I've grouped the teams.
NFC
Tier 1- One of these wins The NFC
Seahawks- The defending champs, and obvious favorites. The bye and home field will make them tough to beat.
Strengths-The Wilson/Lynch combo; defense, especially secondary; coaching- well prepared, disciplined.
Weaknesses- Oline is questionable in spots; how big of a loss will Brandon Mebane be?; no big threats in passing game, but still make plays; fast, not big; they don't like it when you get physical with them (see Dallas).
Cowboys- tremendous talent on offense- arguably best line, explosive, balanced; Romo having best season, Bryant a one man wrecking crew. Defense lacks talent, has weaknesses but has been aggressive and plays well together.
Weaknesses- again, a questionable D that can be exploited at any time; has Murray shaken fumble habit?; mindset- are they ready?
Packers- have best Qb in game, and he's hungry; Lacy has become a difference maker run and pass; Oline has quitely improved become one of better ones in league; one of best 1-2 threats in game with Nelson and Cobb; defense is coming on- the Peppers factor has enabled Capers to do more; Matthews having a great season; deep secondary.
Weaknesses- must strike-and maintain- good balance on offense; Dline is smallish; inside LB; can Oline hold up against bigger and better Dlines?; who steps up if Nelson and Cobb are shut down?
Field Fillers- Cardinals- injuries have ruined, set back an exciting season.
Lions- defense has carried them. Still have character, mental toughness concerns.
Panthers- defense has come on, but too many holes. Still not convinced Newton is a big time QB.
My NFC Seeding- 1- Seahawks
2- Packers
3- Cowboys
4- Lions
5- Cardinals
6-Panthers
I won't spend a lot of time on the 'other' conference; their rep will lose to whoever comes out of the NFC.
1-Patriots-brilliantly prepared every week. Brady/Bellichek combo always makes them a threat.
2-Steelers- Big Ben and high powered offense make them a threat , but too many questions on D, especially on back end.
3-Broncos- loaded with talent, but are they running out of gas? Manning, other key players have been showing age lately.
4-Colts- Too many holes, especially on D. It's the Andrew Luck Show, and not a lot else.
5-Bengals- Ready for prime time yet? Not.
6-Ravens- Still tough, a lot of character guys who have been here before, but in decline. Backed in.
NFC
Tier 1- One of these wins The NFC
Seahawks- The defending champs, and obvious favorites. The bye and home field will make them tough to beat.
Strengths-The Wilson/Lynch combo; defense, especially secondary; coaching- well prepared, disciplined.
Weaknesses- Oline is questionable in spots; how big of a loss will Brandon Mebane be?; no big threats in passing game, but still make plays; fast, not big; they don't like it when you get physical with them (see Dallas).
Cowboys- tremendous talent on offense- arguably best line, explosive, balanced; Romo having best season, Bryant a one man wrecking crew. Defense lacks talent, has weaknesses but has been aggressive and plays well together.
Weaknesses- again, a questionable D that can be exploited at any time; has Murray shaken fumble habit?; mindset- are they ready?
Packers- have best Qb in game, and he's hungry; Lacy has become a difference maker run and pass; Oline has quitely improved become one of better ones in league; one of best 1-2 threats in game with Nelson and Cobb; defense is coming on- the Peppers factor has enabled Capers to do more; Matthews having a great season; deep secondary.
Weaknesses- must strike-and maintain- good balance on offense; Dline is smallish; inside LB; can Oline hold up against bigger and better Dlines?; who steps up if Nelson and Cobb are shut down?
Field Fillers- Cardinals- injuries have ruined, set back an exciting season.
Lions- defense has carried them. Still have character, mental toughness concerns.
Panthers- defense has come on, but too many holes. Still not convinced Newton is a big time QB.
My NFC Seeding- 1- Seahawks
2- Packers
3- Cowboys
4- Lions
5- Cardinals
6-Panthers
I won't spend a lot of time on the 'other' conference; their rep will lose to whoever comes out of the NFC.
1-Patriots-brilliantly prepared every week. Brady/Bellichek combo always makes them a threat.
2-Steelers- Big Ben and high powered offense make them a threat , but too many questions on D, especially on back end.
3-Broncos- loaded with talent, but are they running out of gas? Manning, other key players have been showing age lately.
4-Colts- Too many holes, especially on D. It's the Andrew Luck Show, and not a lot else.
5-Bengals- Ready for prime time yet? Not.
6-Ravens- Still tough, a lot of character guys who have been here before, but in decline. Backed in.
