The Atlanta Falcons made believers out of many with a 28-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers down in Florida in NFL Week 13 football action. Atlanta’s impressive win gives them the #1 seed in the NFC playoff race.

Right behind the Falcons are the Chicago Bears (9-3), Philadelphia Eagles and (8-4) and the St. Louis Rams (6-6). The New Orleans Saints (9-3) and the New York Giants (8-4) follow with the best chance at the 2 NFC wildcard spots. Other NFC teams with a good chance at the NFC wildcard are the Green Bay Packers (8-4) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5).

The NFL playoff race continues in week 14 with the Colts taking on the Titans on Thursday, Dec 9.

The complete NFC playoff picture as it stands heading into Week 14 of the NFL football season is as follows:

Check out the Week 14 AFC Playoff Race

sources: cbssports.com, foxsports.com, New York Daily News

http://thenflthisweek.com/2010-nfl-football-week-14-afc-playoff-race/

The NFC wildcard Sunday game will be played in the desert between the NFC West champion Arizona Cardinals and NFC wild card Green Bay Packers. The winner of this game gets to play next week in round two of the NFC playoffs. Based on our analysis, the Arizona Cardinals will win the game that will be decided by a field goal in the final two minutes. Lets size up the two teams. The betting line on the game is a Pickem. Over/under is 47 points.

The Green Bay Packers are lead by QB Aaron Rodgers. He has proven that he is a top-tier quarterback. He also has a deep, talented group of receivers. Expect the Pack to throw the football, especially in the area covered by Arizona CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who is nursing a knee injury.

The Cardinals counter with a great passing attack of their own. QB Kurt Warner to WR Larry Fitzgerald made sweet music together in 2008 but not as sweet in 2009. WR Anquan Boldin will be at less than 100% with ankle and knee injuries.

The running attack of the both the Packers and Cardinals are average at best but the Packers get the slight edge, especially if Rodgers is successful through the air – it will make their running game that much more effective.

This matchup is the hardest of the 4 NFL wildcard games to predict. But based on the experience of Cardinals QB Kurt Warner, them playing at home and their post-season experience in 2008 (making it all the way to the Superbowl) – we give the edge to the Cardinals.

Thenflthisweek.com prediction:

Cardinals 25 Packers 21