NFL: NFC – The story so far

by UK American Sports Fans

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The unpredictable start to the season has not only seen that the AFC has some parity, but its rival Conference is also seeing a level field.

The picture is a little clearer here but it would be fair to say that half the teams with a bit more fortune would see their records reversed.

Top of the whole tree at the moment sit the Atlanta Falcons. Currently the league’s only unbeaten side at 6-0, they already have a lock on the South, unless a monumental collapse occurs. The Bears follow at 4-1 and are good for that record having shown toughness in all games played; they could be looking over their shoulders though if they slip in a very competitive North division.

A group of 4-2 sides next, pick of the bunch seems to be the current champions New York Giants, who after an opening week loss have shown that once again they are the team to beat. Arizona have shown some serious determination to reach the top of the West, but may struggle now that QB Kevin Kolb is out for the best part of seven weeks. Hot behind them in the same division are the San Francisco 49ers, many pundits’ favourites to go all the way. They failed in their big revenge mission on Sunday night against the Giants, suffering a big home loss.

The upstart Seahawks are also tied on top of the West, and anyone who goes into their home and defeats the 12th man will have done an excellent job. Minnesota are the last team on a 4-2 start and even though frailties were shown against Washington, they could still surprise some.

3-3 is a popular record this season, four more to add to the seven in the AFC; again, all will be quietly confident they can push on from here.

St.Louis have played smart and close, but then that’s a mark of Head Coach Jeff Fisher’s teams. Green Bay will be spurred on the entire season by the phantom loss in Seattle earlier in the year, and as long as Aaron Rodgers stays healthy they will remain a threat. Philadelphia and Washington have yo-yo’d their way so far and if either can string some wins together they could be a handful come the business end of the season.

At 2-3 it would seem the season could be a write off, but followers of the Lions and Cowboys will hope that the talent they both have will eventually shine through, both have really tough divisions to combat though. Tampa Bay have shown moments that suggest they will be a tough opponent for any team , but always seem to lack the finish that makes them a genuine contender.

And so what of the 1-4 Panthers and Saints? No-one really expected New Orleans to struggle this badly at the start, although a couple of losses could so easily have been wins, and Carolina live by the sword that is Cam Newton. If he’s on his game, they will score a heap of points on you, if not, they more often than not end up with an ‘L’ in the books.

One thing is certain, each match-up, as we enter the middle portion of the season, is extremely crucial and have play-off implications down the line.

Anyone calling the winners each week is a brave person.