NFL Playoff Races

[LUKE23]

As it stands right now, looks like the current top 6 will get in. Giants can get in if they win out, Bears can still get in (but they look done).

So assuming we lock up #1, we can face any of:

Dallas
Atlanta
Detroit

in our first playoff game. I think Dallas/Atlanta is pretty much a toss up for me, I'd rather face either than Detroit, just simply because Detroit's DL could take over a game, and I don't see the other two teams being able to do that.

Looking at everything, I'd probably rank them in order of preference:

1. Atlanta
2. Dallas
3. Detroit

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

I'd probably go with (1) Dallas, (2) Atlanta, (3) Detroit. I think Atlanta has a better run game now that Murray is out for the year. I'd be pretty nervous if the weather was awful and we had to go up against Michael Turner. If we had to go up against Felix Jones, I wouldn't be nearly as nervous, especially if we had a healthy Grant/Starks combo with a healthy line to complement our passing game.

[BUCKnation]

I think that we are notably less potent without Jennings on the field. I hope that we get a quick response on his injury. I am not sure that we can keep up with the Saints if Jennings is done for the season.

I think we'd be fine, especially if Finley pulls his head out of his ass. I think people would be surprised with how good Cobb could be with more snaps. Plus Jordy is a legit Pro Bowler now.

agreed, also cobb had the surest hands yesterday. I would have liked to see him targeted more

[Kerb Hohl]

Assuming Nawlins wins tonight and SF wins next week.

1. GB
2. SF
ATL @ NO
DET @ DAL/NYG
EDIT: I thought the Lions beat Atlanta earlier, other way around, so 5/6 is still a crapshoot.

Going to assume NE holds on to home field
1. NE

If Baltimore beats Cincy
2. BAL

CIN @ HOU
PIT @ Tebow/Oak

If Baltimore loses to Cincy
2. PIT

OAK/NYJ/TEN/CIN @ HOU
BAL @ Tebow/Oak

[MickeyDavis]

Whether Atlanta wins tonight or not Detroit will have something to play for. They would much rather be #5 and go to New York or Dallas than be #6 and go to New Orleans.

[Kerb Hohl]

Whether Atlanta wins tonight or not Detroit will have something to play for. They would much rather be #5 and go to New York or Dallas than be #6 and go to New Orleans.

Not necessarily. If Atlanta loses tonight but beats Tampa and Detroit loses, both are 10-6 with Atlanta beating Detroit earlier this year, giving Atlanta #5...right?

[LUKE23]

Hoping it ends up Dallas at 4 and Falcons at 5, but I think it's going to be New York/Detroit, which given the strength of the defensive lines, is less than ideal. Would much rather face Romo or Ryan over Manning or Stafford, especially with the DL's they bring to the table.

[LikeABosh]

Whether Atlanta wins tonight or not Detroit will have something to play for. They would much rather be #5 and go to New York or Dallas than be #6 and go to New Orleans.

Not necessarily. If Atlanta loses tonight but beats Tampa and Detroit loses, both are 10-6 with Atlanta beating Detroit earlier this year, giving Atlanta #5...right?

Yeah, and that's why Detroit has something to play for. They don't wanna lose and get the 6th

[LUKE23]

Whether Atlanta wins tonight or not Detroit will have something to play for. They would much rather be #5 and go to New York or Dallas than be #6 and go to New Orleans.

Not necessarily. If Atlanta loses tonight but beats Tampa and Detroit loses, both are 10-6 with Atlanta beating Detroit earlier this year, giving Atlanta #5...right?

Yes, Atlanta has the tiebreaker over Detroit.

[MickeyDavis]

Right, as I explained and others confirmed, Detroit will have something to play for.

If Atlanta loses tonight, Detroit is #5 but would still need to win against us to assure they stay at #5 since Atlanta has the tie breaker.

If Atlanta wins tonight Detroit wouldb e #6 (because of tie breaker) but would still need to win Sunday just in case Atlanta loses.

In either case Detroit has something to play for and we don't.

[Kerb Hohl]

Sorry, I read what you said wrong. Thought you were saying whether Atlanta wins tonight determines if Detroit has something to play for.

[MickeyDavis]

I would prefer Detroit get 6 and go to New Orleans but I think Atlanta ends up 6 because they'll lose tonight. I have a feeling Detroit beats us Sunday as Rodgers, Woodson, Matthews get most of the game off. But who knows maybe Flynn plays well.

[LUKE23]

My order of preference for the divisional round remains:

1. Dallas
2. Atlanta
3. Detroit
4. New York