2015 NFL Playoff Picture: Week 3
By Martin Bater
NFC Wild Cards
- Minnesota Vikings (2-1)
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions, a division opponent, in Week 2 and followed that up with a convincing 31-14 win at home against the San Diego Chargers.
The most important thing is that Adrian Peterson seems to have found consistency as the team’s offensive leader.
Peterson accumulated 126 yards in just 20 opportunities with the ball in his hands and had two touchdowns to boot, capping a memorable day that included the birth of his second child.
He also had 29 carries for 134 yards and two receptions for 58 yards against the Lions, so it’s no wonder how the Vikings are back over .500.
Three of Minnesota’s next four games are on the road against the Broncos, Bears and Lions with a visit from the Kansas City Chiefs sandwiched in between. It seems to be a good time to wear the purple and gold.
- Atlanta Falcons (3-0)
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Allow me to introduce you to the only undefeated team that is not atop its division right now and, most importantly, to one of the scariest tandems in the NFL: Matt Ryan and Julio Jones.
That was a 45-yard touchdown amid the Falcons’ frantic comeback win in Dallas against the Cowboys. That was Matty Ice putting the ball on the money and Julio Jones making defenders look ridiculous.
The Falcons clearly are in the wrong division, since they started 3-0 by beating up on the NFC East (Philadelphia, New York, Dallas). Now they prepare for games at home against the Texans and Redskins…Can you say 5-0?
Next: NFC Division Winners