Upsets looming in NFC playoffs (1 Viewer)

[Portis 26]

The Cowboys and Packers are locked in as the number 1 and 2 seeds in the NFC playoffs, and history says that one of them will reach the Super Bowl (Carolina was the last team that didn't have a bye to reach the Super Bowl from the NFC), but both are looking eminently beatable.

For Dallas, Romo is suffering a bruised thumb and Owens could well be crocked by the time of the divisional playoff game.

For the Pack, Favre hasn't looked so special since he was knocked out of the Cowboys game.

I think an upset could be looming in the divisional round.

Seattle is playing wide open offense and great D, while Tampa is a wily, veteran, battle-hardened team. Both should make it tough for their opponents if they advance, but if the Skins make it I could see them causing some trouble too.

Bottom line: the NFC will not be a simple coronation for either Romo or Favre.

 

[Sheriff66]

NE has been looking beatable of late as well, it's not a sure thing for them in the AFC either...

 

[snogger]

Romo & TO basically have 3 weeks to heal.

After watching Seattle lose to the Panthers I'm not sold on them at all.

Bucs?? Good defense, but have they faced anyone as explosive as the Pack and/or Cowboys??

Looks more like a Cowboy vs. Pack Championship to me each week.

AFC, IMO, is going to be a lot more entertaining. Chargers & Jags are both playing very good right now and will give both the Pats and the Colts all they can handle.

 

[Routilla]

Romo & TO basically have 3 weeks to heal.After watching Seattle lose to the Panthers I'm not sold on them at all.Bucs?? Good defense, but have they faced anyone as explosive as the Pack and/or Cowboys??Looks more like a Cowboy vs. Pack Championship to me each week.AFC, IMO, is going to be a lot more entertaining. Chargers & Jags are both playing very good right now and will give both the Pats and the Colts all they can handle.

 

[Phurfur]

I agree, it will not be a Dallas / GB championship and both are very beatable. I think the only way Dallas makes it is if they continue to get the game changing calls they have been getting this season. With proper officiating they would not even be the number one seed. Gb seems to have peaked too early. Beware TB.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I agree, it will not be a Dallas / GB championship and both are very beatable. I think the only way Dallas makes it is if they continue to get the game changing calls they have been getting this season. With proper officiating they would not even be the number one seed. Gb seems to have peaked too early. Beware TB.

 

[Routilla]

I agree, it will not be a Dallas / GB championship and both are very beatable. I think the only way Dallas makes it is if they continue to get the game changing calls they have been getting this season. With proper officiating they would not even be the number one seed. Gb seems to have peaked too early. Beware TB.

Looks like a trip.

 

[Phurfur]

I agree, it will not be a Dallas / GB championship and both are very beatable. I think the only way Dallas makes it is if they continue to get the game changing calls they have been getting this season. With proper officiating they would not even be the number one seed. Gb seems to have peaked too early. Beware TB.

Looks like a trip.

Good call, but I do believe it.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

After watching Seattle lose to the Panthers I'm not sold on them at all.

Seattle has won six of seven playing bad once, in that game. So that is the game that convinces you? Dallas just lost to the Eagles at home, Seattle won at Philadelphia a few weeks ago. I'm not sold on your post at all.

 

[Muddy Rubicon]

I agree, it will not be a Dallas / GB championship and both are very beatable. I think the only way Dallas makes it is if they continue to get the game changing calls they have been getting this season. With proper officiating they would not even be the number one seed. Gb seems to have peaked too early. Beware TB.

 

[snogger]

After watching Seattle lose to the Panthers I'm not sold on them at all.

Seattle has won six of seven playing bad once, in that game. So that is the game that convinces you? Dallas just lost to the Eagles at home, Seattle won at Philadelphia a few weeks ago. I'm not sold on your post at all.

The Eagles beating the Cowboys is, IMO, equivalent to the Bears beating the Packers..TWICE! Divisional foes tend to put up a big each year regardless of the records.Besides, lets look at who Seattle has played since week 9:Week 9 - Beat 49ers 5-10Week 10 - Beat the Bears 6-9Week 11 - Beat the Rams 3-12Week 12 - Beat the Eagles 7-8Week 13 - beat the Cardinals 7-8Week 14 - Lost to the Panthers 6-9Week 15 - Beat The Ravens 4-11Not that I don't think they won't put up a good fight, I just don't see the Seahawks beating the Cowboys in Texas, or the Packers in Green Bay this year.

 

[Bill Lust]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

 

[Phurfur]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

 

[FUBAR]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

That's the problem. Neither Dallas or Green Bay would make it out of the 1st round in the AFC and are at best the #6 and 7 teams in the NFL. The rest of the NFC isn't in the top 10. 1. Colts2. Pats3. Jags4. Chargers5. Steelers6. Cowboys7. Packers8. Titans9. Browns10. Texans

 

[fred_1_15301]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

That's the problem. Neither Dallas or Green Bay would make it out of the 1st round in the AFC and are at best the #6 and 7 teams in the NFL. The rest of the NFC isn't in the top 10. 1. Colts2. Pats3. Jags4. Chargers5. Steelers6. Cowboys7. Packers8. Titans9. Browns10. Texans

I'm a Steeler fan and even I wouldn't put the Steelers ahead of the Cowboys or Packers right now. I'm not sure I'd put the Chargers ahead of them either. Also, you still have the Colts ahead of the Pats.....

 

[FUBAR]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

That's the problem. Neither Dallas or Green Bay would make it out of the 1st round in the AFC and are at best the #6 and 7 teams in the NFL. The rest of the NFC isn't in the top 10. 1. Colts2. Pats3. Jags4. Chargers5. Steelers6. Cowboys7. Packers8. Titans9. Browns10. Texans

I'm a Steeler fan and even I wouldn't put the Steelers ahead of the Cowboys or Packers right now. I'm not sure I'd put the Chargers ahead of them either. Also, you still have the Colts ahead of the Pats.....

It's not a matter of "still" having them ahead of the Pats, they're a better team today, despite the Pats record. With the Steelers, my ranking also includes a healthy Parker, so it's meaningless in these playoffs.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

That's the problem. Neither Dallas or Green Bay would make it out of the 1st round in the AFC and are at best the #6 and 7 teams in the NFL. The rest of the NFC isn't in the top 10. 1. Colts2. Pats3. Jags4. Chargers5. Steelers6. Cowboys7. Packers8. Titans9. Browns10. Texans

I'm a Steeler fan and even I wouldn't put the Steelers ahead of the Cowboys or Packers right now. I'm not sure I'd put the Chargers ahead of them either. Also, you still have the Colts ahead of the Pats.....

It's not a matter of "still" having them ahead of the Pats, they're a better team today, despite the Pats record. With the Steelers, my ranking also includes a healthy Parker, so it's meaningless in these playoffs.

That doesn't make sense. In your comparison bet/ the Colts and Pats, you're talking about the better team "today". In your comparison bet/ the Steelers and the NFC teams, you base your ranking on a healthy Parker? Well as of today, the Steelers do not have Parker.......

 

[redman]

I agree with the general gist of this post. The Cowboys and Packers are the favorites, but I don't see them as being unbeatable at all. I'm not a fan of the Bucs, but any other of those NFC teams could go into either Lambeau or Texas Stadium and give the Packers or Cowboys a game at a minimum.

 

[FUBAR]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

That's the problem. Neither Dallas or Green Bay would make it out of the 1st round in the AFC and are at best the #6 and 7 teams in the NFL. The rest of the NFC isn't in the top 10. 1. Colts2. Pats3. Jags4. Chargers5. Steelers6. Cowboys7. Packers8. Titans9. Browns10. Texans

I'm a Steeler fan and even I wouldn't put the Steelers ahead of the Cowboys or Packers right now. I'm not sure I'd put the Chargers ahead of them either. Also, you still have the Colts ahead of the Pats.....

It's not a matter of "still" having them ahead of the Pats, they're a better team today, despite the Pats record. With the Steelers, my ranking also includes a healthy Parker, so it's meaningless in these playoffs.

That doesn't make sense. In your comparison bet/ the Colts and Pats, you're talking about the better team "today". In your comparison bet/ the Steelers and the NFC teams, you base your ranking on a healthy Parker? Well as of today, the Steelers do not have Parker.......

Does "if healthy and playing today" make it easier to understand? I'm hoping Marvin is at 100% for the game, but I think they win regardless.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

That's the problem. Neither Dallas or Green Bay would make it out of the 1st round in the AFC and are at best the #6 and 7 teams in the NFL. The rest of the NFC isn't in the top 10. 1. Colts2. Pats3. Jags4. Chargers5. Steelers6. Cowboys7. Packers8. Titans9. Browns10. Texans

I'm a Steeler fan and even I wouldn't put the Steelers ahead of the Cowboys or Packers right now. I'm not sure I'd put the Chargers ahead of them either. Also, you still have the Colts ahead of the Pats.....

It's not a matter of "still" having them ahead of the Pats, they're a better team today, despite the Pats record. With the Steelers, my ranking also includes a healthy Parker, so it's meaningless in these playoffs.

That doesn't make sense. In your comparison bet/ the Colts and Pats, you're talking about the better team "today". In your comparison bet/ the Steelers and the NFC teams, you base your ranking on a healthy Parker? Well as of today, the Steelers do not have Parker.......

Does "if healthy and playing today" make it easier to understand? I'm hoping Marvin is at 100% for the game, but I think they win regardless.

You didn't add the "if healthy" part to your original rankings. The sad thing is, Parker isn't even the biggest injury on their team right now. The guy that really is costing the Steelers any shot is Aaron Smith.....

 

[Bill Lust]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

Seattle and TB are both coming off losses. Who IS at the top of their game?

 

[redman]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

Seattle and TB are both coming off losses. Who IS at the top of their game?

Washington, who I believe happens to match up well against both Green Bay and Dallas, and who knows how to play in bad weather.

 

[Bill Lust]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

Seattle and TB are both coming off losses. Who IS at the top of their game?

Washington, who I believe happens to match up well against both Green Bay and Dallas, and who knows how to play in bad weather.

Ok, so you see the Skins beating GB and Dallas in consecutive weeks?

 

[redman]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

Seattle and TB are both coming off losses. Who IS at the top of their game?

Washington, who I believe happens to match up well against both Green Bay and Dallas, and who knows how to play in bad weather.

Ok, so you see the Skins beating GB and Dallas in consecutive weeks?

I could see it happen, yes. I'm not saying it's likely, but I think they have a decent shot at it. I actually think Green Bay would be tougher as I see Lambeau as a bigger home field advantage than Dallas, who the Redskins are very familiar with and not intimdated by.

 

[gump]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

Seattle and TB are both coming off losses. Who IS at the top of their game?

Washington, who I believe happens to match up well against both Green Bay and Dallas, and who knows how to play in bad weather.

I know you are "not a fan of the Bucs"...but they beat Wash with Bruce Gradkowski.Definitely agree that the conference is not great at the top...I could see any of the 6 NFC playoff teams in the SB.

 

[redman]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

Seattle and TB are both coming off losses. Who IS at the top of their game?

Washington, who I believe happens to match up well against both Green Bay and Dallas, and who knows how to play in bad weather.

I know you are "not a fan of the Bucs"...but they beat Wash with Bruce Gradkowski.Definitely agree that the conference is not great at the top...I could see any of the 6 NFC playoff teams in the SB.

This is a different Washington team right now than it was then. I know that doesn't make sense to someone not closely following them, but it's true. As for that game, that outcome was thanks to two INT's by Campbell in TB territory, one of which was brilliantly baited by Barber. Collins doesn't have Campbell's arm or athleticism, but he does make faster reads and releases, and isn't prone to those errors.

 

[southeastjerome]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

Seattle and TB are both coming off losses. Who IS at the top of their game?

Washington, who I believe happens to match up well against both Green Bay and Dallas, and who knows how to play in bad weather.

I know you are "not a fan of the Bucs"...but they beat Wash with Bruce Gradkowski.Definitely agree that the conference is not great at the top...I could see any of the 6 NFC playoff teams in the SB.

I'd say they beat the Redskins in spite of Bruce Gradkowski. He didn't have a good game by any stretch. The Redskins lost that game because they turned the ball over 6 times (and still almost won). I'm not saying the Redskins would definately beat the Bucs, but I don't see the offense behind Todd Collins turning the ball over 6 times.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

That's the problem. Neither Dallas or Green Bay would make it out of the 1st round in the AFC and are at best the #6 and 7 teams in the NFL. The rest of the NFC isn't in the top 10. 1. Colts2. Pats3. Jags4. Chargers5. Steelers6. Cowboys7. Packers8. Titans9. Browns10. Texans

Riiiiiight.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Seattle looks like New England Lite.

 

[gump]

I understand the 6 TOs...but my point was to show (quickly) that the Bucs have just as much a chance as anyone to pull some upsets. With Garcia playing the entire game, they may have beaten Wash by 3 TDs.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

Now you are assuming Dallas and GB will be at the top of their game which neither have been since they meet.

Seattle and TB are both coming off losses. Who IS at the top of their game?

Washington, who I believe happens to match up well against both Green Bay and Dallas, and who knows how to play in bad weather.

Ok, so you see the Skins beating GB and Dallas in consecutive weeks?

I could see it happen, yes. I'm not saying it's likely, but I think they have a decent shot at it. I actually think Green Bay would be tougher as I see Lambeau as a bigger home field advantage than Dallas, who the Redskins are very familiar with and not intimdated by.

I was at Lambeau for the game against the Redskins earlier this year and would say the Skins arguably outplayed the Packers in that game. I don't think any team fears the Packers or the Cowboys and no one fears Lambeau Field anymore. Michael Vick and Randy Moss essentially dispelled any mystique regarding playing at Lambeau in the playoffs. Add to that the fact that we all know Favre is capable of having a 5 int game at any time, in any situation whether big game or small, home or away. If I were still a betting man, I'd consider the money line on the visitors in both these games.

 

[Phurfur]

I agree with the general gist of this post. The Cowboys and Packers are the favorites, but I don't see them as being unbeatable at all. I'm not a fan of the Bucs, but any other of those NFC teams could go into either Lambeau or Texas Stadium and give the Packers or Cowboys a game at a minimum.

I don't think this is a could, it is a will and if either team overlooks this, they will lose.

 

[BigTex]

I think the gulf between Dallas/Green Bay and the rest of the NFC is greater than the one between New England/Indy and the rest of the AFC. Sure, they can be beaten. But who from the NFC is going to play well enough to do it?

That's the problem. Neither Dallas or Green Bay would make it out of the 1st round in the AFC and are at best the #6 and 7 teams in the NFL. The rest of the NFC isn't in the top 10. 1. Colts2. Pats3. Jags4. Chargers5. Steelers6. Cowboys7. Packers8. Titans9. Browns10. Texans

:(Don't the Cowboys "Own" the Colts? Beat the Chargers?

 

[BigTex]

I agree with the general gist of this post. The Cowboys and Packers are the favorites, but I don't see them as being unbeatable at all. I'm not a fan of the Bucs, but any other of those NFC teams could go into either Lambeau or Texas Stadium and give the Packers or Cowboys a game at a minimum.

:grainofsalt:ETA: they are #2 in points scored and #2 in total yds in the NFL and TG is coming back this weekend just in time for the playoffs. And don't worry about TO he'll be ready, I can promise you that.

 

[redman]

I agree with the general gist of this post. The Cowboys and Packers are the favorites, but I don't see them as being unbeatable at all. I'm not a fan of the Bucs, but any other of those NFC teams could go into either Lambeau or Texas Stadium and give the Packers or Cowboys a game at a minimum.

:grainofsalt:ETA: they are #2 in points scored and #2 in total yds in the NFL and TG is coming back this weekend just in time for the playoffs. And don't worry about TO he'll be ready, I can promise you that.

Not to worry, GB. I'm not overlooking anything this weekend. Two years ago the 'Skins had to beat a down and out Eagles team (without both McNabb and and TO) in week 16 to get in, and the Eagles made a game of it until Taylor returned a fumble for a TD. I know that nothing would thrill the Cowboys' backups more than to ruin the Redskins' playoff run.

 

[Routilla]

I agree with the general gist of this post. The Cowboys and Packers are the favorites, but I don't see them as being unbeatable at all. I'm not a fan of the Bucs, but any other of those NFC teams could go into either Lambeau or Texas Stadium and give the Packers or Cowboys a game at a minimum.

:grainofsalt:ETA: they are #2 in points scored and #2 in total yds in the NFL and TG is coming back this weekend just in time for the playoffs. And don't worry about TO he'll be ready, I can promise you that.

Not to worry, GB. I'm not overlooking anything this weekend. Two years ago the 'Skins had to beat a down and out Eagles team (without both McNabb and and TO) in week 16 to get in, and the Eagles made a game of it until Taylor returned a fumble for a TD. I know that nothing would thrill the Cowboys' backups more than to ruin the Redskins' playoff run.

As a Cowboys' fan I can confirm this assertion. However, the bottom line is WAS has something to play for and Brad Johnson can't beat them on the road(or anywhere). Back-ups or not this is a bad Karma game for DAL because they may see WAS again in a few weeks and having a loss to them late in the season does not bode well, IMO.

 

[Portis 26]

Well, I was right about the Cowboys at least!