theGM's NFC Power 6

Yesterday we had the AFC Power 6....now the NFC Power 6. Here is last week's list in case you want to see what is changing.

After watching the Eagles, Vikings, and Saints win big matchups I think you should have an idea of who the best teams are in the NFC....there is much less uncertainty amongst NFC teams.


1. New Orleans Saints | 7-0

Was there any doubt? Easily the best team in the NFC..maybe in the league. Brees and Co. on offense are almost unstoppable and the defense is scoring at will anymore too.

A few tests coming up (kinda) with New England, Dallas, and Atlanta on the slate. But the next 3 weeks....Carolina, Tampa Bay, and St Louis....wow!

2. Minnesota Vikings | 7-1

I still have substantial questions about this team and I doubt very much that they make it to the NFC title game but right now they are as good as any.

Favre's age WILL catch up to him at some point and then what happens to this team? Favre is their heart and soul right now just like he was last season with New York. When he goes...so go the Vikings.

3. Philadelphia Eagles | 5-2

They were at #6 last week and then embarrassed the Giants on Sunday. If it wasn't for the bad loss against Oakland this team would be contending with Minnesota for second. Their only other loss was to the Saints.

They have quite possibly the hardest schedule the rest of the way. Starting this week against Da Boys.

4. Dallas Cowboys | 5-2

Didn't want to put them this high but there is no one else worth placing here. The win this past weekend wasn't that impressive (over Seattle) but the win over Atlanta was much better. This week they get the high flying Eagles in a chance to prove they are contenders.

5. Arizona Cardinals | 4-3

Not sure what to make of this team but they will probably win the division there. Warner threw 5 picks and they still had a shot. The run defense caved last weekend and it needs to come back fast. If they lose to Chicago on Sunday then they fall from here to off the list.

6. Atlanta Falcons | 4-3

They hung in there against the Saints and beat the 49ers, Bears, and Dolphins earlier this season. Not quite as good as the top 4 teams in the conference but surely better than everyone else.


Not Quite Good Enough...

• New York Giants...embarrassed in Philly and have lost 3 straight. Other than win over Dallas no one else was any good.
• Green Bay Packers...couldn't keep up with Favre at home and haven't exactly beaten great teams but they have talent and could make a run for the wild card.

NFC Power 6

AFC yesterday....NFC today....

1. New Orleans Saints | 6-0

Was there any doubt that this would be the top team? Best offense in the NFL and the best ball hawking defense (league leading 13 picks) in the league. The defense gives up points but that is only because the offense scores so much the opposition has to throw the ball all the time. I wasn't sure what this team was until this past weekend. Sure they had embarrassed the Jets and Giants but we still don't know much about those teams. The Dolphins (at home) I thought presented a unique challenge. And while the Saints failed early they passed with an A by the end. Next challenge is this Monday against the Falcons.

2. Minnesota Vikings | 6-1

All of a sudden the media is in love with Brett Favre again. You would think he is the only reason this team has won a game this year. Let me remind everyone that this same team went 10-6 and won the division last season WITHOUT #4. This team is barely hanging on to this #2 spot in my eyes. A bunch of really close games (albeit against good teams) shows that despite their 6-1 record they aren't as great as everyone thinks. Not a difficult schedule the rest of the way though so the sky is the limit.

3. Arizona Cardinals | 4-2

This surprises me as much as you. I didn't think the Cardinals were going to be any good this year and the beginning of the season looked like I was right. But they are better than most people are giving them credit for. And not just on offense...they are the #7 scoring defense in the league! Their one HUGE weakness is still the running game but Beanie Wells is more of a threat then they have had in a few years so defenses are still staying honest. Nicely setup schedule the rest of the way.

4. New York Giants | 5-2

What is this team? A couple weeks ago they were 5-0 but most of those wins came against weak teams. Now they have played 2 good teams and they are 5-2. Eli Manning is having a career year with average receivers but the running game is inconsistent. And defensively they are just average and with injuries. Not sure how far Eli can take this team once the weather gets bad. He struggles at home when the winds start swirling. Absolutely brutal schedule the rest of the way (@ Phil, SD, Atl, @ Den, Dal, Phil, @ Wash, Car, @ Minn). Ouch!

5. Green Bay Packers | 4-2

I wasn't expecting to put them on this list either but here they are. The offense is good but not great and the defense is about the same. They are shutting teams down but the schedule definitely plays a role in that (wins over Detroit, Cleveland, and St Louis). Its not a terrible schedule but it isn't easy either. Not a Super Bowl contender at this point...that's for sure.

6. Philadelphia Eagle | 4-2

After losing to Oakland can this team really be considered a top 6 team? I am not sure what to do here but comparing them to the other teams that are close I think they match up. When they actually show up to play they are good. McNabb is still a good quarterback and the defense is as good as any at putting pressure on the other team and turning the ball over. The running game is non existent which will keep them from making an impact late but for now they are in the running.

Just Missed

Dallas Cowboys...offense was great in their past 2 games but the defense is still suspect. Need to do more.

Atlanta Falcons...I almost put them in here but decided against it since their defense is struggling and is now injured. Will know more on Tuesday of next week.

AFC/NFC West Division Preview Podcast

AFC/NFC West Division Preview podcast (if link does not work click here and scroll down)


This is our last day of previews as we tackle the sad and underwhelming AFC and NFC West divisions.

No real surprises here. We both have the Chargers and the Seahawks. Verb is a little higher on the Chiefs and Cardinals then I am. I am a little higher on the 49ers and the Raiders than he is.

Either way...take a listen and come back and let us know what you think.

Also check back later today and hear our Playoff Picks and our Award picks.

What are the Cardinals Thinking?

The Arizona Cardinals may not have turned the corner like many of us thought. As a team they made it to the Superbowl and came up one defensive stand short of winning the thing against a much superior team. They did this because of two players in my opinion. The first player was Larry Fitzgerald. That guy is a beast and in my opinion is the best player at his position in the game. The other guy was the old, thought to be washed up quarterback, Kurt Warner. That guy had an amazing season and those two guys put that team on their backs and almost won that organization a world championship.

Larry Fitzgerald is signed for a long time for a lot of money so he won't have any issues for a long time. Warner, as you all know, is having issues. The guy wants 14 to 16 million a season for a couple seasons just until he retires.

He is the face of the franchise, a pro bowl caliber player and all around team guy.

So it's a no brainer right? Pay him what he wants and let him finish his career with the Cardinals.

No, the Cardinals are being the Cardinals and low balling the guy and offering 20 mil for 2 years.

I think that is ridiculous. They owe Warner something. Do they really think Matt Leinart will come in and do some of the things Warner did. Hell no! Forget it!

I'm glad Warner decided to go visit the division rivals over in San Fran. I personally don't think he ever had any intention of signing with them but at least he made forced Arizona's hand. The part I don't like is that Arizona hasn't budge and now they are leaving it up to Warner to make the decision. Warner, in my opinion did the right think and is going to compromise with the Cards and probably sign for what they want him to.

It bugs me that Arizona wouldn't pay him what he wanted though. That guy is your team pretty much and you have the audacity to low ball him and play mind games with him.

It just shows what kind of franchise Arizona really is and why they have been bottom dwellers for so long before last season.

The Cardinals front office and owner and all those guys got what they wanted but they should be ashamed that it came to what it did. Like I said before, they owed that guy something and they didn't give him anything.