Yesterday we took a look at which teams we expect to secure the wild card spots in the AFC. There is a bit more up for grabs still in the NFC, so let’s take a look at what playoff positions are most likely a lock:

Projected Top Seeds:

(1) New Orleans (12-0)
(2) Minnesota (10-2)
(3) Arizona (8-4)

The fourth position (it could actually work out to be the third position) is reserved for the winner of the always competitive NFC East. As of right now the Cowboys are leading the division with a tie-breaker over Philadelphia. Both teams are 8-4. So before we get to the wild cards, we need to determine who will win the NFC East title.

The contenders:

Dallas (8-4)
Philadelphia (8-4)
N.Y. Giants (7-5)

Let’s start with Dallas. Not only do they have the whole “we are a piece of shit team in December” thing going for them, they also have a very difficult schedule. This week they face a hot San Diego team, followed by games against New Orleans, Washington and Philadelphia. The Cowboys are more than capable of dropping all four of these games. It doesn’t get any easier for Philadelphia who in addition to playing Dallas have a game this week against the Giants and games against the 49ers and Broncos. No cakewalk there either. Finally, the Giants (who play Philly on Sunday) have it just a bit easier. They play Washington and Carolina and wrap up their season against Minnesota who will probably rest some of their starters at that point.

With all of the division games left for these teams, this is a very tough call. I don’t think Dallas is mentally strong enough to win enough games to capture the NFC East title, so in my opinion it comes down to Philadelphia and the Giants. The Giants have just begun to show some life on defense, but I don’t think it will be enough to contain Philadelphia. I see Philadelphia getting the win this weekend and capturing the NFC East title.

On to the wild card. Assuming I’m right about Philly, the top contenders for the two wild card positions are:

Green Bay (8-4)
Dallas (8-4)
N.Y. Giants (7-5)
Atlanta (6-6)

Green Bay has just as tough of a schedule ahead of them as Dallas and the Giants do. But with the Cowboys struggles and their remaining schedule, I don’t see them keeping pace with the Packers or the Giants. The Falcons have the easiest schedule of the pack, but they would have to run the table and that includes being the Saints this Sunday in Atlanta.

Who will get in? I see the Giants and the Packers securing the final two wild card positions, but this is going to be a tight race and should make for an exciting final four weeks of football. Who do you think will be getting in in the NFC?

Related posts:

1. NFL Playoff Picture: AFC
2. Week 13 NFL Preview
3. Week 16 NFL Preview