Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown run with wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) and Bryan Walters (19) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams
Seattle is nearly unbeatable at home. The Seahawks are rolling and the Rams have nothing to play for except pride, while Seattle has the first seed in the NFC on the line. Give me the Seahawks by at least ten points. Winner: Seattle.
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
This is the game of the week. It should’ve been flexed to the Sunday night spot instead of 4:25, but I guess the NFL doesn’t want to have five straight for-the-division NFC games to end the season. In fact, the last time AFC teams played to end the season, the Bengals got pummeled 37-0 by the Jets in 2009. Hopefully for football fans, the Bengals won’t be involved in such a lopsided affair come Sunday. Anyway, the Lions looked like a mediocre ball club against Chicago. Oh, and the Packers have a better quarterback, and they’re playing at home, where they are averaging a whopping 41 points per game and are 7-0. Green Bay will end at 12-4 – the loss to Buffalo may hurt, as home-field advantage is only guaranteed with a Seattle loss or tie and a Green Bay win. Winner: Green Bay.
Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas should coast in this one as long as the defense doesn’t let DeSean Jackson run free or Alfred Morris torch them like he did two years ago. Tony Romo and the offense should have no trouble moving the ball and putting up points against Washington’s defense. Winner: Dallas.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers
It’s embarrassing that a below-.500 team will host a playoff game. But if these teams are truly subpar, then whoever ends up as the fifth seed in the NFC should go into either Atlanta or Carolina and crush the NFC South division winner. Falcons QB Matt Ryan is finally hitting his stride and the Falcons’ front seven has been able to generate some pass rush over the past few weeks. With Cam Newton not at 100% (I’m not referring to the car accident – Newton has had knee and ankle issues all season), the Falcons should win the South. Winner: Atlanta.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
I’ll go with the upset here. Maybe Logan Thomas can make something happen, but I don’t like the idea of a rookie quarterback making his first start in the last week of the season on the road. The Cardinals will end at 11-5 and will have lost four of six to end the season. Winner: San Francisco.
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With those predictions, the NFC playoffs will look like this.
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
2. Green Bay Packers (12-4)
3. Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
4. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
5. Arizona Cardinals (11-5)
6. Detroit Lions (11-5)
Let me know what you think in the comments section below.