The Seattle Seahawks are keeping their sights focused on Tennessee, the fans are talking about Indianapolis, and the regular season doesn’t officially end until the New Year’s date in Green Bay.
But let’s forget all that and concentrate on what really matters: the race for the NFC’s top seed.
While the Seahawks won’t face any of these contenders over the final three weeks of the regular season, they are sure to see at least one of them in the playoffs.
Here is a look at the NFC teams that are in serious contention for one of the conference’s six postseason berths, ranked in current order (based on overall record and playoff tiebreakers):
1. Seahawks (11-2) NFC West champions
Remaining opponents (20-19): at Tennessee (4-9), Indianapolis (13-0), at Green Bay (3-10)
Strengths: Statistically, they have the best offense in the NFC. Running back Shaun Alexander leads the way, while a balanced passing attack and solid offensive line are just as important. Defensively, Seattle has held its past two opponents to just three points.
Weaknesses: The secondary was shaky early on, but that unit came into its own against Philadelphia backup Mike McMahon and wide-eyed San Francisco rookie Alex Smith over the past two games. The passing offense also has stalled at times, however rare that might be.
Projection: Barring an unforeseen meltdown over the final three weeks, Seattle will be the No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs. Believe it, Seahawks fans: these guys might be the team to beat in the NFC.
2. Chicago Bears (9-4) Lead NFC North by one game
Remaining opponents (19-20): Atlanta (8-5), at Green Bay (3-10), at Minnesota (8-5)
Strengths: They have the best defense in the NFL, led by middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and play-making cornerback Nathan Vasher. Their running game is also solid, with Thomas Jones going over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career and first-round draft pick Cedric Benson providing depth – once he’s completely healthy.
Weaknesses: Rookie Kyle Orton is the worst quarterback among all contending teams, and there’s a chance Rex Grossman might take over before the playoffs start.
Projection: Chicago’s impenetrable defense showed some flaws against Pittsburgh last week, but it’s solid enough to get the Bears into the playoffs. Chicago is likely to hold off the Vikings for the division title, even if it takes a Week 17 win to do it.
3. New York Giants (9-4) Lead NFC East by one game
Remaining opponents (19-20): Kansas City (8-5), at Washington (7-6), at Oakland (4-9)
Strengths: The Giants have one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the conference, with Tiki Barber, Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey leading the way. New York also has a productive defense, although it’s not nearly as dominant as the unit that helped lead to a surprise visit to Super Bowl XXXV six years ago.
Weaknesses: Altogether now, Seahawks fans: Jay … Feely. The once-reliable kicker has been a major Achilles heel for these guys as of late. Also, second-year quarterback Eli Manning has been inconsistent.
Projection: As a member of the NFC East, the Giants might be the most battle-tested NFC team. Just getting out of that division is saying something.
4. Tampa Bay Bucs (9-4) Co-leaders in NFC South
Remaining opponents (19-20): at New England (8-5), Atlanta (8-5), New Orleans (3-10)
Strengths: Their defense and rookie running back Cadillac Williams have carried the way most of the season, but quarterback Chris Simms has really come on lately.
Weaknesses: Simms hasn’t been in a playoff game yet, and the team is pretty young.
Projection: Will give somebody fits in the playoffs, but they don’t look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Next two games will tell a lot.
5. Carolina Panthers (9-4) Co-leaders in NFC South
Remaining opponents (19-20): at New Orleans (3-10), Dallas (8-5), at Atlanta (8-5)
Strengths: Steve Smith is the best receiver in the game, and their defensive line has played well despite the loss of Pro Bowler Kris Jenkins in September.
Weaknesses: They’ve been inconsistent at times and don’t know whether they can rely on injury-prone DeShaun Foster and/or past-his-prime Stephen Davis at running back.
Projection: Despite Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay, many people still see the Panthers as the NFC favorites. With games against Dallas and Atlanta in the final two weeks, they can control their own destiny.
6. Dallas Cowboys (8-5) Second place in NFC East
Remaining opponents (21-18): at Washington (7-6), at Carolina (9-4), St. Louis (5-8)
Strengths: Typical of a Bill Parcells team, they rely on a tough defense.
Weaknesses: Drew Bledsoe’s play has really fallen off since the injury to left tackle Flozell Adams, and superstar-to-be Julius Jones has looked ordinary at running back.
Projection: They’ve looked more like pretenders than contenders lately, and the next two games are tough ones.
7. Minnesota Vikings (8-5) Second place in NFC North
Remaining opponents (21-18): Pittsburgh (8-5), at Baltimore (4-9), Chicago (9-4)
Strengths: The defense has jelled, and quarterback Brad Johnson has stabilized the offense despite his lack of flash. Former Seahawk Koren Robinson has also been a huge part of the offense lately.
Weaknesses: The running game is still inconsistent, and the Vikings have pretty much fattened up on patsies in recent weeks.
Projection: Left for dead in early October, the Vikings could supplant Dallas for a wild-card spot – if they don’t catch Chicago, that is.
8. Atlanta Falcons (8-5) Third place in NFC South
Remaining opponents (27-12): at Chicago (9-4), at Tampa Bay (9-4), Carolina (9-4)
Strengths: For all his critics, Michael Vick is still one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the game. The Falcons also have a solid defense, a great running game and playoff experience.
Weaknesses: Vick suffered a rib injury Monday night, and the Falcons’ remaining schedule is brutal.
Projection: With three games against NFC contenders, Atlanta can make or break its own season.
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