2017 NFL Playoff Power Rankings: How the NFC Stacks Up: The NFL playoffs are about to begin, but power they get underway, it is time to take a look at how the playoff-bound teams stack. The NFC field is particularly stacked, and three of the four teams playing on wild-card weekend will be led by Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. Let’s take a closer look at all six NFC playoff teams.
2017 NFL Playoff Power Rankings: How the NFC Stacks Up
- Dallas Cowboys
It remains to be seen how rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott will handle the bright lights of the postseason, but the Cowboys still seem like the smart pick as the frontrunner in the NFC. Their dominant offensive line isn’t going away, and as long as Dallas is punishing opponents in the trenches, Elliott is going to have room to run, and Prescott is going to have time to throw. The Cowboys are also underrated on the defensive side of the ball, and they quietly allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL. Running the ball and stopping the run has always been a recipe for success, and Dallas has done both better than any team in the league this year.
- Atlanta Falcons
Led by MVP contender Matt Ryan, the Falcons own the best offense in the NFL this season. While Ryan and receiver Julio Jones get a lot of the love, Atlanta’s two-headed running back monster of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman makes this offense even tougher to defend. Granted, Atlanta’s defense has given up a lot of points, but they are dangerous when spotted a lead. Vic Beasley Jr. led the NFL in sacks, and the Falcons can turn him loose when opponents are forced to throw to try to keep pace with Ryan and company. The Falcons are going to be in trouble if their offense has a lackluster showing, but slowing down Atlanta’s multi-faceted attack will be easier said than done.
- Green Bay Packers
Is there anyone playing better entering the playoffs than Aaron Rodgers? The Packers have reeled off six straight wins, and Rodgers has thrown 15 touchdowns and no interceptions in that span, finishing with an NFL-high 40 passing touchdowns. Jordy Nelson looks fully recovered from a knee injury, and the improved play of Davante Adams has Green Bay’s offense firing on all cylinders. The only problem for the Packers is that Rodgers has to continue to play out of his mind to compensate for an inconsistent running game and a secondary that has been decimated by injuries. Green Bay is not a complete team by any means, but a red hot Rodgers can cover up a lot of other flaws.
- New York Giants
Let’s face it. Whenever you see the Giants in the playoffs, you can’ help but think of the two improbable Super Bowl runs engineered by Eli Manning. There is no denying he has been able to flip a switch come playoff time, but at best, the Giants have a puncher’s chance. Offensively, they have no running game, and the Giants haven’t scored more than 28 points in a game all year. Odell Beckham Jr. is a playmaker, but there is no counterpunch. The defense has actually been the strength of this team, and two wins over Dallas are impressive. Still, I just don’t see the Giants scoring enough to make a deep run.
- Seattle Seahawks
It’s easy to fall in love with the Seahawks, but the truth is that this just isn’t the same team that has been a Super Bowl contender the last several years. The normally vaunted defense isn’t the same without Earl Thomas patrolling the secondary. Meanwhile, the offense is missing the power ground game that has been Seattle’s bread and butter. The offensive line in particular is a huge issue. It is one of the youngest in the NFL, and several players are converted from other positions. Heck, their left tackle was a basketball player in college. Russell Wilson can be special, but even at his best, he can only carry a team so far.
- Detroit Lions
Things couldn’t get much worse for Detroit. The Lions limp into the playoffs after losing three straight games, forcing them to open the postseason with a trip to Seattle. To make matters worse, Matthew Stafford has really struggled since injuring his finger, and the Lions don’t have any type of running game to fall back on. Detroit will be fortunate to escape Wild Card weekend.
Be sure and open an account with Bovada Sportsbook to bet on week 17 NFL action as well as all the upcoming 2017 NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl 51 action. Also, check out the latest 2017 Super Bowl 51 odds and our expert NFL picks for the 2017 playoffs! Good luck!
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on 2017 NFL Odds! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN BOVADA Sportsbook Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card, Money Transfer or Deposit by Check and get a 100% BONUS upto $250 FREE added to your BOVADA Player Account Funds. |