Unlike the the other contenders in the NFC, the Green Bay Packers seem to be peaking at the right time. The Packers, in fact, have been peaking since last year, having won 14 of their last 16 games. On the other hand the main contenders in the NFC looked woeful last Sunday when Seattle lost at Carolina and the mighty Dallas Cowboys lost at home to the Eagles. The Vikings won last night but showed that their lack of a quarterback will likely be their downfall in the playoffs.
The Packers still must beat the Bears in Chicago and Detroit at home and hope for one Cowboy loss to get the NFC Championship game in Lambeau Field, but after watching the Jessica Simpsons lay an egg at home like they did, I don’t think it matters where the Packers play the Cowboys. The biggest question is whether or not the Cowboys are even good enough to win a playoff game to enable them to play the Packers again.
If it wasn’t for the loss to the lowly Bears the Packers would be in driver’s seat in the NFC. Hopefully the Packers use that game as incentive to get win number 13 and keep alive hopes for home field advantage. The Packers will know what the Cowboys did before they play Sunday because the Cowboys play Saturday night in Carolina. A loss by Dallas should really fire up the Packers as then all it takes is wins over Chicago and Detroit to pave the road to the Super Bowl through Lambeau Field. Two teams they should rout, but also two division foes who will be playing their own personal Super Bowl. Much like Philly was in Dallas Sunday.
My thinking is the Cowboys are in their December swoon and the Packers will only need to win one of two to get home field advantage. In fact, I’d be shocked if the Packers faced the Cowboys again this year, and that won’t be because of a Packers’ loss. Those of you who know me have to be shaking in your boots. I think this team can win the NFC Championship. The gut-check win over the Rams convinced me. Two games left, but I just can’t see Mike McCarthy laying down, especially against two division foes.
I’m going out on a limb and predicting 14-2. If I get too much backlash I might reconsider. Whatever is in the best interest of the team. If I have to I’ll do a Brian Westbrook.