New England is obviously the heavy favorite to ultimately win the AFC.
Dallas and Green Bay appear destined for a championship game showdown.
But perhaps there is a sleeper team or two floating around that could upset the apple cart come playoff time?
Who do you like, and why?
Sleeper(s)?
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peter dragon
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There really aren't any other teams in the NFC of note outside of the Cowboys and Packers...it's just a bunch of inconsistent also-rans. Tampa picked up a big win over Washington and keep their 2 game lead in the division. Another big game next week in the Superdome...the Saints are lurking just out of the playoffs. The Giants could've given themselves breathing room for that top wild card spot with a win at home over Minnesota but literally threw that away. With 5 games left after this anyone in that 6-5 down to 4-7 group is still alive for one of the wild card spots. Even those pathetic Lions will at least be tied for the last wild card spot after this week depending on how the Cardinals-49ers game ends up.
I don't think there's any doubt the Pats have seperated themselves from the Colts and Steelers. The Steelers could eventually overtake the Colts for the #2 spot in the AFC with 4 very winnable games in their final 6. They do have to face the Pats in Foxboro in three weeks, New England's toughest opponent between them a perfect season. The Jaguars have an opportunity to join the Colts at the top of the South with next week's big game. I'd look at the Jags as somewhat of a sleeper but still have games with the Steelers and Colts in the final 5 weeks. The Browns have been a neat story but they're the only team to allow more than 300 points this season. Great offensive team and fun to watch but they don't have much of a defense...not one that can contain an offense like New England, Pittsburgh or Indianapolis. I wouldn't put it past the Browns to run the table and finish 12-4 given that they face only one team with a winning record in the final 5 weeks.
I don't think there's any doubt the Pats have seperated themselves from the Colts and Steelers. The Steelers could eventually overtake the Colts for the #2 spot in the AFC with 4 very winnable games in their final 6. They do have to face the Pats in Foxboro in three weeks, New England's toughest opponent between them a perfect season. The Jaguars have an opportunity to join the Colts at the top of the South with next week's big game. I'd look at the Jags as somewhat of a sleeper but still have games with the Steelers and Colts in the final 5 weeks. The Browns have been a neat story but they're the only team to allow more than 300 points this season. Great offensive team and fun to watch but they don't have much of a defense...not one that can contain an offense like New England, Pittsburgh or Indianapolis. I wouldn't put it past the Browns to run the table and finish 12-4 given that they face only one team with a winning record in the final 5 weeks.
Good rundown, Shoalzie.
I'd rate the three best playoff sleepers at this point in time as .....
1. Tampa Bay
2. Jacksonville
3. Cleveland
I could put Pittsburgh and Indy on the list, but I think they are supposed to be above the level of sleeper, as legit (sort of) contenders.
The NFC just overall blows chunks.
I'd rate the three best playoff sleepers at this point in time as .....
1. Tampa Bay
2. Jacksonville
3. Cleveland
I could put Pittsburgh and Indy on the list, but I think they are supposed to be above the level of sleeper, as legit (sort of) contenders.
The NFC just overall blows chunks.
