I don't like making a prediction because it's just too chaotic, but I'm going to predict that the St. Louis Rams get the last NFC playoff spot.
The Giants control their own destiny, but they're in complete disarray. They're shaking things up, changing the playcalling, etc. They're the one team I don't want to see in the playoffs, because they're the second or third best team in the conference on paper. Coughlin is playing for his job, but I'm not convinced the playeres care enough to go the extra yard for their coach. Playing a division rival on the road? I think they're in trouble.
Green Bay is playing a Chicago team that's been too shaky to rest their starters. I see Grossman playing a half and Griese playing a half, and that's probably too much for Green Bay. I find it very curious that this was the game moved to Sunday night - I wonder if NBC knows something about Brett Favre that we don't. But even if it is the end for Brett, I don't see them winning this game.
Carolina plays in New Orleans, and New Orleans is too inexperienced to think that they can take three weeks off and jump right back in. I expect New Orleans to play hard all game, especially at home, and Carolina doesn't stand a chance. Also they're probably starting Chris Weinke, which is a no-win situation.
Atlanta plays at Philly. Dallas should have no trouble with Detroit, even if they're fighting with each other. So the Eagles need a win to get a home playoff game and I think they'll get it. The defense has been huge the last few weeks, and the wheels have really come off in Atlanta. They're 2-6 in their last eight games, and there's general unhappiness with the coach.
This leaves St. Louis, with a very winable game against a mediocre Minnesota team starting a rookie quarterback with minimal experience who hasn't been very impressive. Yes, they're in Minnesota, but the Vikings, who looked like a dark horse playoff team for a while, have slipped. The defense has been good, but the Rams have little trouble scoring points.
If I were the Eagles, I'd consider losing to Atlanta on purpose if the Giants clinch the playoff spot, because I like my chances better at Seattle than hosting a reenergized Giants team.
