With these 5 NFC teams, it's pick'em

[CouchCoach]

When AZ, DAL, GB, LAR or TB tee it up against each other, I think that's a pick'em because I can't give any of the 5 a real edge that isn't countered by one of the other teams.

I did a power ranking a couple of weeks ago and thought about updating it but this looks like a 5 way tie to me and is turning into a real race with a couple of teams, MIN and NO, on the edge looking in.

One of the teams may pull out in front, or one may stumble, but thus far in this season this is as tight as I can recall and I can make a case for any of those 5 beating all of the other 4.

We've already had a LAR-TB showdown and now an AZ-GB. Looking ahead on the schedule, LAR @ GB and @ AZ, AZ @ DAL and that's it on head-to-head meetings which means we are most likely in for great NFC playoffs.

BTW, DAL needs to not lose another and have TB lose one and they've got a pretty soft schedule compared to the other 4 teams so that 1st round bye is real iffy considering the other 1 loss teams as well and DAL only has one game with one of them, AZ, for the head-to-head.

This might have happened before but I do not recall a 5 horse race as close as this one looks to be.

 

[Diehardblues]

It is at the moment but it could vary some as the season unfolds.

Hard to believe all 5 of these teams will remain healthy .

AZ didn’t look all they have been built up to be last night. And we could still be humbled.

I’d say Tampa, GB and LA are the top 3.

And unlike previous seasons only one team will receive a bye.

 

[fivetwos]

When AZ, DAL, GB, LAR or TB tee it up against each other, I think that's a pick'em because I can't give any of the 5 a real edge that isn't countered by one of the other teams.

I did a power ranking a couple of weeks ago and thought about updating it but this looks like a 5 way tie to me and is turning into a real race with a couple of teams, MIN and NO, on the edge looking in.

One of the teams may pull out in front, or one may stumble, but thus far in this season this is as tight as I can recall and I can make a case for any of those 5 beating all of the other 4.

We've already had a LAR-TB showdown and now an AZ-GB. Looking ahead on the schedule, LAR @ GB and @ AZ, AZ @ DAL and that's it on head-to-head meetings which means we are most likely in for great NFC playoffs.

BTW, DAL needs to not lose another and have TB lose one and they've got a pretty soft schedule compared to the other 4 teams so that 1st round bye is real iffy considering the other 1 loss teams as well and DAL only has one game with one of them, AZ, for the head-to-head.

This might have happened before but I do not recall a 5 horse race as close as this one looks to be.

Perfect example.

It's a five team NFC with two others that will make the playoffs.

The 4th seed will be subject to the Arizona/Rams runner up (5th seed).

We need to grab the third seed at worst, preferably the two, when we have a reasonable chance at two home games, albeit with no bye.

Obviously the one top seed gives a tremendous advantage, but I don't expect to get it, and our history isn't great with those anyway.

 

[Diehardblues]

The teams with more proven success in the playoffs are the favorites. That would be Tampa, GB and LA.


And the two with the best QB’s who have won SB’s I’d argue would still be the favorites.

 

[NorthTexan95]

It is at the moment but it could vary some as the season unfolds.

Hard to believe all 5 of these teams will remain healthy .

AZ didn’t look all they have been built up to be last night. And we could still be humbled.

I’d say Tampa, GB and LA are the top 3.

And unlike previous seasons only one team will receive a bye.

Agreed. I was impressed with GB's defense last night but we'll see how the teams develop over the second half of the season. Hopefully our young team keeps growing and improving.

 

[Diehardblues]

Perfect example.

It's a five team NFC with two others that will make the playoffs.

The 4th seed will be subject to the Arizona/Rams runner up (5th seed).

We need to grab the third seed at worst, preferably the two, when we have a reasonable chance at two home games, albeit with no bye.

Obviously the one top seed gives a tremendous advantage, but I don't expect to get it, and our history isn't great with those anyway.

Right

If we have 4th seed we could be facing either LA or AZ in WC game which would probably be toughest matchup in 1st round.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

What's interesting is all 5 are playing pretty good defense AND their QBs are playing high-level ball.

 

[Havic]

I think AZ is a little overrated. LAR / GB / TB are legit contenders. Whoever wins the NFC will win the SB imo.

 

[jazzcat22]

http://www.playoffstatus.com/nfl/nfcstandings.html

Here are the current % based on remaining games.

We are the top team for the 4th seed, but close for the 3rd seed. 14% for top seed.
7% chance of not making the playoffs.

This is the what if for win or lose the next game.
http://www.playoffstatus.com/nfl/cowboyswhatif.html

Beat the Vikings, we move from 14% to 17% for top seed.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

A lot of games left, my guess is whoever avoids major injuries will be standing at the end.

 

[JoeKing]

We have a clear path to the 1 seed, IMO.

 

[fivetwos]

Right

If we have 4th seed we could be facing either LA or AZ in WC game which would probably be toughest matchup in 1st round.

Yep. It's a little early but more folks should take notice.

I'm the last guy to get ahead of ourselves with this season, but I've stopped paying attention to the other East teams and am focused on the conference.

I really don't want to only get back to the Garrett peak level of a home playoff win only to get smoked on the road a week later.

We need a GC appearance at a minimum and probably a high seed to get it done.

 

[Diehardblues]

http://www.playoffstatus.com/nfl/nfcstandings.html

Here are the current % based on remaining games.

We are the top team for the 4th seed, but close for the 3rd seed. 14% for top seed.
7% chance of not making the playoffs.

This is the what if for win or lose the next game.
http://www.playoffstatus.com/nfl/cowboyswhatif.html

Beat the Vikings, we move from 14% to 17% for top seed.

Good stuff !!

4th seed is worse case scenario for us. We’d prob have to open in WC game with LA or AZ. Then go on road to #2 seed.

 

[Direwolf63]

I did have the Packers below the Cowboys, but not after last night. Brady and Rodgers put their teams at the top, IMO

Bucs
GB
Rams
Cowboys
Cards

The last 3 are really coin flips. Dallas could go 3, 4 or 5. But Brady and Rodgers put Tampa and the Packers a tick higher, IMO

 

[Diehardblues]

I did have the Packers below the Cowboys, but not after last night. Brady and Rodgers put their teams at the top, IMO

Bucs
GB
Rams
Cowboys
Cards

The last 3 are really coin flips. Dallas could go 3, 4 or 5. But Brady and Rodgers put Tampa and the Packers a tick higher, IMO

I think this is spot on.

 

[Risen Star]

Which is why Dallas wins because of the Head Coach.

 

[Diehardblues]

Which is why Dallas wins because of the Head Coach.

You’re a hoot. Lol

 

[Creeper]

As long as Aaron Rodgers is the QB for GB, they have to be in the top tier in the NFC. Until the Cowboys beat him in a meaningful game, the Packers have to be the favorites.

Tampa Bay is a solid team, maybe the best in the NFL. I am not as convinced about the Rams and Cardinals, although Murray looks like the real deal, despite that INT at the end of the game last night.

The Cardinals seem to be built around small but very quick skill players who can turn nothing into chunk plays. Speed kills in the NFL and they have it.