The OtherArena

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 5008 Location: LI

Well the NFC East has been clinched, a week earlier than usual. Washington clinched it tonight with a win over the Eagles.

Aside from the usual controversy with the team name, they've been the least dysfunctional team in their division this year. They actually have their franchise QB (for the next couple of years at least) And they avoided the usual RGIII drama.

Of course they'll be blown out if they face Seattle wild card round.

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 5008 Location: LI

And the bid for perfection is over for Carolina. They lose to the Falcons.

The more intruging result was the Jets taking control of the 6th seed by beating the Pats in OT. Belicheck actually wanted to defer in OT, which shocked everyone. Well his constant deferring finally caught up to him as they lost on the first OT drive.

So basically every playoff team with the exception of Washington has something to play for next week.

jdw · Site Admin Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 17247

Pop the champagne. :)

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 5008 Location: LI

I think more and more, Carolina may not even make it to the Super Bowl. I think Arizona might be the favorite now. Even with the Honey Badger out, they still look very dangerous.

Next Sunday Night's game will be for the NFC North title. I think I'm leaning towards the Vikings. Green Bay hasnt been the same this second half of the year, and probably would be on the outside looking in, if it wasnt for that Hail Mary in Detroit. Plus Minnesota has Peterson.

jdw · Site Admin Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 17247

I always thought having to get through AZ and/or SEA was going to be tough for Carolina. I think Carolina is a very good team. They just never felt like an overwhelming lock to win the Super Bowl.

I do think it's going to be a bit of a wide open post season with 4 or so teams that could win it all. Not quite like last year where it felt like SEA and the Pats were the two after the Broncos faded late.

corrado · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 5008 Location: LI

And Denver is in the playoffs, after an OT win over the Bengals. Jay Glazer was right, this is Brock Oswilder's team now. THat could've been very bad for Denver if they missed out on the playoffs, after being one of the best teams in the league for most of the year.

And now with the growing controversy regarding Peyton Manning and HGH, I dont think he'll be a Bronco again. Even though it is a nonstory, I would think Denver doesnt want a circus overshadowing what they have now.

jdw · Site Admin Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 17247

I hate the NFC East. :P