In the middle of week 16, with teams having either two or three games left, I predicted how the tight and treacherous NFC would shake out. Let’s see how my takes aged.
1 Seed
Prediction
“Eagles: Whether he splits with Que or sweeps him (assuming he gets to play CPU this week), the one seed is his since the Commanders’ loss came to the Falcons, inside the conference, whereas the Eagles lost to the AFC’s Raiders.”
Reality
Eagles: Yeah, this one wasn’t really a prediction as much as a fact. He did beat the Commanders in week 18, cementing himself as the heavy NFC favorite.
2 Seed
Prediction
“Cardinals: He closes out the regular season against the Bengals and Rams, two teams that could engage in a shootout. I say he finishes at 13-4 but even 12-5 would be the 2 seed with his win over the Falcons.”
Reality
Cardinals: It’s been an ugly end to the season, but it was allowed for Miles once he beat HD and the Falcons. 11-6 is below I thought possible for how he was rolling, but still, a home playoff game and the opposite side of the bracket from the Eagles is Arizona’s reward.
3 Seed
Prediction
“Falcons: I think he closes strong against the Rams and Saints and comes in at 12-5. That win over Que proves they have it in them, but the loss to the Cardinals showcased holes.”
Reality
Falcons: I don’t think HD cared at all, but he lost to the Rams so week 18 is here and he’s locked in at the 3 whether he finishes 10-7 or 11-6. Are the holes growing?
4 Seed
Prediction
“Vikings: Minnesota has looked more complete and I think they’ll take advantage of their chance this time and finish 10-7, with wins over the Giants, Lions, and Packers.”
Reality
Vikings: He couldn’t demonstrate dominance with a week 18 loss to Green Bay, but he didn’t need to, already having clinched the NFC North before the game. He’s been controversially calling himself the king of the best division, and a home game awaits to back it up.
5 Seed
Prediction
“Commanders: Que’s only shot at the 1 seed was sweeping the Eagles and that won’t happen with him out of town. Still, he’s locked in where he’s at, regardless of finishing 15-2 or 14-3 (He won’t lose to Burn). The best defense in the NFC by a decent margin, but has to work from the 5 seed.”
Reality
Commanders: Well, I was right he wouldn’t lose to Burn, but he lost all three of his other divisional matchups to close the season (Eagles twice (Eagles CPU once), Cowboys once). It didn’t matter in the slightest. Same spot, same matchup.
6 Seed
Prediction
“Seahawks: CB hasn’t looked all that great recently, outside a blowout win over the Falcons, but a jam-packed conference and an easy closing schedule should slide him in where he currently stands, allowing for a rematch with Atlanta. He plays the Rams, Panthers and 49ers and will win at least two, but I’m guessing all three and enter at a very respectable 11-6.”
Reality
Cowboys: An upset win over Washington got the newcomer up to the six seed over Seattle. Playing HD instead of Miles is honestly a decent reward. Joe Milton has also quietly been QB2 in the whole league since taking over for Dak.
7 Seed
Prediction
“Cowboys: A huge win for the newcomer against the Chargers to position himself in the playoff picture with just two games to go. However, those two games are the Commanders and Giants and he’ll need to win both or get some help if he loses to Washington. That being said, I think that’s the most likely outcome. 2-0 or 1-1 and hope.”
Reality
Seahawks: CB had to ruin me going 14/14 across both conferences. He lost to both the Rams and 49ers in two of his last three games. Probably because he was clinched, but it hurt the predictions. If anything, though, Seattle would rather go to an Arizona Cardinals team they know well than the wildcard Atlanta Falcons squad.
Just A Bit Outside
Prediction
Bears, Packers, Lions.
Reality
Bears, Buccaneers, Packers, Rams. I correctly called my own falloff as the team/scheme just wasn’t there yet. The Bucs surprised me by rising all the way to 9-8, despite never having a shot at the postseason. The Packers were so dangerous down the stretch, I think they make the playoffs if they beat the Ravens week 17. The Rams also got close, winning their last three games against all NFC playoff teams.
