Atlanta Falcons: NFC Power Rankings, Week 9

Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) leaves the field following a safety in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Packer 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

After losing a shootout 52-49 to the New Orleans Saints, I think the New York Giants proved to us one thing: they are the best team in the second-worst division in football. Essentially the G-Men can hang with Wild Card contending teams and beat up on their divisional foes. That should get them to a very Tom Coughlin 9-7, which probably wins the East.

Washington still has a say in the race, as does Philadelphia. Both may want to exploit a putrid pass defense should they want to overthrow the sleeping Giants. However, the New York Football Giants have the best head coach and quarterback in the division. That should get them the divisional crown and nothing more. If they had the pass rush, that sounds like a third Super Bowl team in the Coughlin Era. It unfortunately is not in 2015.

The Arizona Cardinals are a playoff bound football team. Their offense has balance and their defense is swarming. They’ve had too much good luck with regard to injury in 2015. I guess that makes up for the collapse of last year.

If healthy, this team can win the NFC and play for a Super Bowl. The pieces are in place and I like the Arizona Cardinals to win at least one NFC Playoff game this winter. As the projected NFC West winner, I think they handle the six-seed in Glendale easily.

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Green Bay lost an ugly game in Denver on Sunday Night Football. Aaron Rodgers threw for 76 yards against the Deadly Denver D, ruining fantasy football teams nationwide in the process. Green Bay is by far and away the best team in the NFC North and feels like a team that will get a first round bye. Then again, there are some big concerns with this football team that might prevent them from getting to an NFC Championship, let alone a Super Bowl.

The pass defense still gave up over 500 yards to Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers. Without Jordy Nelson, the team doesn’t have a deep threat in the passing game. Denver handled them easily. Even Eddie Lacy looks sluggish, having not played his way into football shape yet and it’s Week 9. The team still has Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, and Julius Peppers, but that might not stand as enough to win Green Bay their 5th Super Bowl this season.

The Carolina Panthers are a great football team. Beating the hapless Indianapolis Colts in overtime in Week 8 didn’t do it, it was their whole body over work through the first eight weeks. Luke Kuechly is a monster at linebacker. Josh Norman is the best corner in the NFC in 2015. Cam Newton might win MVP.

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Ron Rivera has figured it out in Charlotte and the Panthers are now the favorite to win the NFC at the halfway point. Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott might become the next big defensive coordinator name. Some team in the NFL will need a new head coach for next year, why not the Panthers DC? Even with few weapons on offense, the Panthers can hang with anybody. This team is no worse than 12-4.