Atlanta Falcons: NFC Power Rankings, Week 7

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4. team. 54. . . Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles

Someone has to win the NFC East, so why not the Philadelphia Eagles? The offense has looked great the last two weeks, both Eagles’ victories over the Saints and the Giants. Now that the Eagles hold the brief tiebreaker over the Giants, are they the favorites to win the East?

I’m not sure I can crown the Philadelphia Eagles as NFC East Champs just yet, but they will be in the mix this season with the New York Giants, possibly the Dallas Cowboys or Washington Redskins if either team turns it around quickly. Philadelphia is playing the best football of anybody in the East.

32. . . Previous: . Arizona Cardinals. 3. team

Even at 4-2, many are claiming that the Arizona Cardinals are the most complete team in the NFC. While I do like this team, I don’t think they’ve beaten anybody great yet. Four wins are four wins, but New Orleans, @Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit aren’t exactly playoff caliber teams. The Cards’ loses to St. Louis and Pittsburgh may actually reveal this team’s true nature.

I still think the Cardinals are the best team in a mediocre NFC West, with the 49ers in rebuilding mode, the Seahawks struggling in pass defense, and the Rams unable to pass competently. How the Cardinals look in the eight North games (AFC and NFC) may better indicate if this team is Super Bowl caliber. Arizona should win at least 11 games in 2015.

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2. team. 87. . . Previous: . Carolina Panthers

5-0 is 5-0 and the Carolina Panthers have proven to me that they are a team certainly bound for the NFC Playoffs. They handle adversity well, run the football convincingly, stop the run with authority, and most importantly beat the teams they should. While I don’t know what to make of Seattle just yet, a win in Century Link is a feather in the cap for the Carolina Panthers.

Though the Panthers still have Green Bay, Indianapolis, the entire NFC East and two dates with the Atlanta Falcons left on their slate, I cannot see this team missing the playoffs. The Carolina Panthers could win the NFC South or advance to the divisional round after beating the 4-seed in the Wild Card round. Cam Newton and Greg Olsen are getting it done for the Panthers in 2015.

49. . . Previous: . Green Bay Packers. 1. team

At 6-0, the Green Bay Packers are still my pick to win the NFC and play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 50. However, there are concerns with the Packers entering their Week 7 bye. The pass defense gave up over 500 yards passing to San Diego QB Philip Rivers. It also seems like if you have two solid cornerbacks, your team can contain the Packers’ passing game and stuff the box to limit RB Eddie Lacy‘s effectiveness.

Green Bay, just like every undefeated team in the NFL, will lose this year at some point. It may come in Week 8 in Denver versus the Broncos. It could honestly happen at Carolina in Week 9. For Green Bay to hold steadfast to the top seed in the NFC, they will need to make necessary adjustments on both sides of the football heading into their bye.

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