A look at each team in the NFL and if they've got a shot at the playoffs
updated 5:09 p.m. ET Nov. 2, 2011
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NFC EAST
New York Giants (5-2)
New York is in first place after their comeback victory against Miami. The Giants are finally getting healthy and need to count on their superior defensive line as they prepare for the league's toughest remaining schedule, which includes games at New England, San Francisco, New Orleans, Dallas and the New York Jets, and home games against Philadelphia and Green Bay. Eli Manning can no longer count on his running game and must continue to throw deep to some of the youngest and most talented receivers in the league. Their defense is giving up 130 rushing yards per game and that alone could keep them from making the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)
Philly played their best game of the season in hammering Dallas 34-7. Running back LeSean McCoy has 10 touchdowns and must carry a heavy workload if the Eagles are to build on their two-game winning streak. Nmandi Asomugha and the rest of the secondary are jelling and must play their best from now on for the Eagles to track down the Giants and win the division.
Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Just when you think Dallas is a playoff contender they get hammered on national television. Tony Romo is still struggling at quarterback as coach Jason Garrett tries to establish the running game with DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys are 1-3 on the road but can get on a roll in the next five weeks with home games against Seattle, Buffalo and Miami (Thanksgiving). With two of their final four games against the Giants, Dallas can?t implode again and blow a golden opportunity to stay in the hunt.
Washington Redskins (3-4)
After a promising start, the Redskins have the odds stacked against them. After getting embarrassed by Buffalo, I would be surprised if they turned it around. They lost running back Tim Hightower for the season and quarterback John Beck is not ready to lead them to the playoffs. Washington is building a great defensive roster and will load up on offensive playmakers in the offseason. Coach Mike Shanahan is in a tough spot and can only hope that the teams in his division play inconsistently and give his team the opportunity to stay in the hunt. The Redskins have to beat San Francisco and Miami in the next two weeks.
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers (7-0)
The NFL's best team shows no indication they'll lose in the near future. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers easily will win the league MVP and is locked in to receiver Greg Jennings, who has caught 42 passes for 677 yards. They are physical up front on the defensive line and can pass-protect as well as anyone. My only concern is they are 29th in pass defense (289 ypg). They play at desperate San Diego this Sunday but still should win 14 games this season and secure home field throughout the NFC playoffs.
Detroit Lions (6-2)
The NFL's most improved team crushed Denver on Sunday to end a two-game losing streak. Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in the league and as long as quarterback Matt Stafford stays healthy, Detroit should secure a wild-card birth. Their remaining schedule is difficult, and I wonder if they can run the football in cold weather on the road in the playoffs if they get that far. The Lions' young defensive line is building a reputation as a nasty group that takes no prisoners.
Minnesota Vikings (2-6)
The Christian Ponder era has begun as Donovan McNabb proved he can no longer play QB at a high level. Their playoffs hopes are over but still defensive end Jared Allen is playing like a beast while leading the NFL with 12.5 sacks. Coach Leslie Frazier is in a tough position because he must continue to get running back Adrian Peterson the ball as much as possible but also make sure that Ponder quickly develops into a franchise quarterback.
Chicago Bears (4-3)
Running back Matt Forte (672 yards) is making a statement as he continues to prove he deserves to be paid similar to other franchise running backs in the league. Jay Cutler is a fierce competitor and needs more help on the offensive line and at receiver if the Bears want to compete against Green Bay in the next few years. I like how Chicago stops the run and feeds off the pass rush of Julius Peppers. Unless they get hot and win three of their next four games in November, they should easily miss the playoffs.
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints (5-3)
The Saints got a wake-up call in a 31-21 loss at St. Louis as the Rams ran the ball right at them and put tremendous pressure on quarterback Drew Brees. New Orleans will win this division but will be tested each week as defensive coordinators try to stop Brees by blitzing him at an alarming rate. They have scored a NFL-leading 260 points but they struggle on defense, giving up 346 ypg.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
The Bucs travel to New Orleans this Sunday after their bye week. Quarterback Josh Freeman is struggling with a 73.1 rating and has 10 interceptions with only seven touchdowns. The problem with Tampa Bay is their defense which ranks 31st overall and gives up over 390 ypg. They play at Green Bay and Tennessee to close out November.
Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
This is a tough team to figure out. Their three losses are to Chicago, Green Bay and Tampa Bay and that won't help them in the wild-card race if they can't win the division. Quarterback Matt Ryan must get hot and cut down on mistakes. He already has eight interceptions and a 79.5 rating. Tight end Tony Gonzalez still makes big plays and running back Michael Turner has already rushed for 621 yards. Atlanta?s last two games of the regular season are against New Orleans and Tampa Bay and their playoff dreams will live and die over that six-day span.
Carolina Panthers (2-6)
The Panthers are out of the playoff race but don't tell that to quarterback Cam Newton, who will easily win Rookie of the Year while winning over this hungry fan base. Steve Smith leads the league in receiving yards with 918 and is averaging 20 yards per catch. Smith seems happy with the prospects of playing with Newton and remaining a Panther, but unless this franchise signs free agent playmakers on defense they will continue to miss the playoffs. The Panthers rank 30th in rush defense and must become more physical on the D-line.
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers (6-1)
The Niners are locks to win their division and coach Jim Harbaugh has his team playing as well and consistent as any team in the NFL. Frank Gore is averaging 5.0 yards per carry while Alex Smith has a 95.2 quarterback rating. San Francisco is scoring over 27 points per game and have the No. 1 rushing defense, giving up only 73.4 yards per game. They still have games against the New York Giants, Baltimore and Pittsburgh but should still with at least 11 games.
Arizona Cardinals (1-6)
They made a huge mistake signing quarterback Kevin Kolb. He is struggling in coach Ken Whisenhunt?s offense and it has shown as Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald has only two touchdowns. They are 0-4 on the road and have no chance to get back in the race and catch San Francisco.
St. Louis Rams (1-6)
They looked impressive beating New Orleans 31-21 and hope quarterback Sam Bradford can stay healthy and build confidence for 2012. Coach Steve Spagnuolo needs to build momentum in the coming weeks if he wants to save his job, with his defense ranked last against the rush at an embarrassing 165 ypg.
Seattle Seahawks (2-5)
Coach Pete Carroll should have never signed quarterback Tavaris Jackson from the Vikings. The 'Hawks rank 31st in rushing and must get a star linebacker in free agency or the draft. They travel to Dallas this Sunday before hosting Baltimore the following week and that should be the final nail in their coffin.
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Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/45137791/ns/sports-nfl/
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