NFC Playoff picture- S2

Sitting at week 9, the playoff picture is beginning to gain some clarity. While a ton can still shift from now until January (speaking in terms of in-game time), it's interesting to see how the field is shaking out as the season unfolds
Division Champs
#1: Atlanta Falcons (9-0)

As it stands, the Atlanta Falcons would be the #1 seed and ride home field advantage throughout the postseason. Riding the arm of Matty ice and a vastly improved defense, the team appears to be a force to be reckoned with and should be able to retain a top 3 spot in the postseason seeding as the season winds down as they already hold the tiebreaker over fellow potential playoff team the Detroit Lions while they will play the Seattle Seahawks in week 13
#2: Detroit Lions (7-1)
After overcoming early season adversity from an injury to Matthew Stafford, the Lions have been on a roll, ripping off 6 straight wins, including a road win in seattle, a victory that could have major ramifications down the line. The lions have yet to allow more than 21 points to any opponent besides their sole loss to Atlanta, making it difficult to win if you cannot score. Meanwhile, the offense has been on a tear, led by vet Stafford. The lions appear to be in control of the NFC North, but they still have the Packers and vikings nipping at their heels
#3: Seattle Seahawks (7-1)
The seattle seahawks were undefeated prior to their week 9 bout against the lions, but that's no reason to overlook this squad. Even without a bye, they could easily stomp the rest of the NFC. The defense has allowed a measley 89 total points to opponents on the year while they top the league in turnover differential, posting a +17 rating. Taking care of the football and taking it away. That's a dangerous formula come postseason time
#4: Philadelphia Eagles (5-4)
While not dominating their divison, the eagles have done enough to post a winning record and sit 2.5 games ahead of the Dallas Cowboys for the divisional crown. Bryce petty has had a solid first season as the starter while Demarco Murray solidifies the running game, making them an unpredictable offensive unit. Knowing chip Kelly and his creative schemes, they'd certainly be a tough out at home
Wild Card Aces
#5: San Francisco 49ers (5-2)

Don't sleep on these 9ers. Their two losses came to division rival seattle and potential #1 seed Atlanta. Carlos Hyde has quietly had a very productive season while the defense is the 3rd best in the NFL, even surpassing the formidable seahawks in terms of yardage allowed. If kaepernick can step up his game (7td, 10int), this could be a very trendy dark horse selection to represent the NFC in the superbowl
#6: Tampa Bay Bucs (5-2)
Ladies and Gentlemen, Jameis Winston is the real deal. 18 td. 3 picks. A qb rating of 118.1. If you're gonna see this team, your passing defense better be ready, or you're gonna take the L. This team goes as he goes, and he's certainly going quite well right now
In the Hunt:
Minnesota Vikings (4-4): This team started out strong, but has 2 consecutive losses. If they can get AP going, they should be right back in the thick of the race
Green bay Packers (4-3): the Woes of Rodgers this season could spell doom for their postseason hopes. If he rights the ship, they could make a run
Carolina Panthers (4-4): a vaunted defense, but can the offense perform? At this point, it's seeming more and more unlikely
St Louis Rams (4-4): The defense is a top unit, but the offense still seems shaky. Jimmy G continues to develop behind an unproven offensive line. If the line gels and opens holes for gurley, this could be a very legitimate contender



As the season progresses, we'll update this playoff picture and begin to highlight potential playoff matchups!
 
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