Written by: Tyler Deakin
Former Colts head coach Jim Mora’s infamous “Playoffs?!” speech resonates with me as the purpose behind this article. He had just given a speech addressing his team’s failures after a 40-21 loss to the 49ers and a reporter had the audacity to ask him about his team’s chances at making the playoffs. Mora’s team would win only 2 more games the rest of the year. Sometimes, it’s difficult for football fans & media alike to predict certain team’s chances of making it to the tournament. Other times, it’s clear that the team isn’t going anywhere beyond the couch in January. Let’s take a look at each NFC team’s playoff chances at the season’s midway point.
Conference heavyweights
Cardinals (8-1), Packers (7-2), Buccaneers (6-2)
The Cardinals just beat the 49ers while playing with their backup QB & without their top two receivers. That’s an impressive feat in a divisional game that the 49ers desperately needed to win. I’m contradicting myself here, as the Packers couldn’t get the win with their backup QB this week. That said, is anyone really doubting Aaron Rodgers’ ability to get his squad ready for January football? They face a tough test this weekend though in Russell Wilson’s Seahawks. Things are going pretty well for the Bucs, who are feeling fresh & dangerous after their bye week. Their schedule is fairly easy the rest of the way too, with tough games against the Bills & Saints sandwiched by games against easier teams such as Washington, the Panthers, and the Jets.
Playoffs or bust
Rams (7-2), Cowboys (6-2), Saints (5-3)
It felt weird leaving the Rams off the conference heavyweights list above, but I feel like they’re in a tier below those teams after their 28-16 shellacking to the Titans. I certainly believe in their ability to make the playoffs; however, I question whether or not the team should be considered a true Super Bowl contender. Similar things can be said of the Cowboys after their 30-16 loss to the Broncos. The game wasn’t as close as the score indicates, as the Cowboys scored all 16 points in garbage time. They need to prove themselves against better competition. Tough loss for the Saints last week, as they are fighting for their playoff lives now. They’re one of the few NFC teams slightly above .500 though, so a Wild Card playoff berth seems likely.
Never tell me the odds
Seahawks (3-5), Vikings (3-5)
Han Solo’s famous “never tell me the odds” quote seems appropriate here, as playoff hopes dwindle for these last couple of teams. I’m a big believer in QB Russell Wilson’s return greatly boosting the Seahawks chances. A win against the Packers this weekend would go a long way in maintaining the Seahawks relevance in the playoff discussion. The Vikings have lost 5 games by a combined 18 points. That’s tough, but I believe that since they’re playing so many close games that there’s hope for them yet. No more excuses though, they need to win now.
Imposters among us
Falcons (4-4), Panthers (4-5), Bears (3-6), Eagles (3-6), Giants (3-6), 49ers (3-5)
Don’t let the 4-4 record fool you, the Falcons are a deeply flawed team. This is coming to you from a Falcons fan; we have no pass rush, no receivers, and an inconsistent offensive line. Those factors will come back to bite us at some point this year, possibly even against the Cowboys this weekend. The Sam Darnold experiment has not worked out well at all for the Panthers. Justin Fields is playing better for the Bears, but it already feels too little too late for his squad this year. The Giants & Eagles are both in the same boat, staring up at the Cowboys in the division standings. This 49ers squad lost to a bunch of Cardinals backups last week, ouch.
Better luck next year
Washington Football Team (2-6), Lions (0-8)
Not much needs to be said here, as it’s time for fans of these teams to start thinking about next year’s draft. Both teams need a shiny new franchise QB amongst other things on their respective rosters. It’s fair to question at this point if the Lions will win a single game this year. I believe that they will, given the age-old adage “any given Sunday.” Meanwhile, the Football Team looks to play spoiler to the playoff teams on their schedule such as the Bucs & Cowboys.