NFL Weekly: NFC Playoff Predictions

Quick rundown of each division in the NFC right now:

NFC East: The Giants are absolutely rolling right now and just finished dusting off the Ravens by running the ball straight down their throats for 200 plus yards. I have a hard time seeing anyone else winning this division now that the Giants have a 3 game lead. Dallas had a must win game against Washington and was able to grind out a victory to pull even with the Redskins. I think Dallas has a leg up on the Redskins now in the wild card race. The Redskins have 4 of their last 6 games on the road. The Eagles are now officially toast. They have too many teams to jump ahead of to win a wild card spot, including 2 in their own division.

NFC South: Carolina is still in control of this division, but they haven't been all that impressive the last two weeks against the Raiders and Lions. Tampa Bay is hanging in there and is probably hoping the Falcons can knock off the Panthers in Week 12, so that they have a chance to be tied for the division lead. I could see a scenario where the Bucs win the division if they end up tied with the Panthers and beat them twice. The Saints are still hanging around, but would most likely have to run the table to win the division.

NFC North: The winner of this division is anyone's guess right now. I still like the Packers the most of any team in this division, but they haven't been consistent enough to create any separation from the Bears and Vikings. The problem with the Packers is their defense, which has had trouble stopping the run, but had an excellent game against the Bears this week. I think they will be able to win this division when all is said and done and it might only take 9 wins to do it. I could see the Bears and Vikings both only making it to 8-8 and 9-7 at best, while I could see the Packers possibly winning 10 games.

NFC West: There's not much to talk about here, because the Cardinals are going to win this division going away. The Cardinals might be able to get a bye in the first round of the playoffs because their division is so easy. I'm not so sure they will do that though because they have some tough games left on their schedule and may only make it to 10 wins. The rest of the division is a joke, but the Seahawks might be able to play spoiler for some teams now that Matt Hassleback has returned.

Predictions:

NFC East: NY Giants
NFC South: Carolina Panthers
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
Wild Cards: Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Other NFL News:

- Tampa Bay RB Earnest Graham could be out for the season after injuring his ankle against the Vikings. This would mean more carries for Warrick Dunn and possibly Cadillac Williams who is back from the knee injury he suffered last season.

- Safety John Lynch retired from the NFL after playing 15 seasons with the Buccaneers and Broncos. Lynch made 9 Pro Bowls throughout his career.

Fantasy Stars of the Week:

DeAngelo Williams: 120 yards rushing, 2 TDs

Matt Cassel: 400 yards passing, 62 yards rushing, 3 TDs

Joseph Addai: 105 yards rushing, 48 yards receiving, 2 TDs

Marshawn Lynch: 119 yards rushing, 58 yards receiving, 2 TDs

Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups of the Week:

Kerry Collins, QB, Titans: 230 yards passing, 3 TDs

Justin Gage, WR, Titans: 147 yards receiving, 2 TDs

Derrick Ward, RB, Giants: 41 yards rushing, 54 yards receiving

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