2011 NFL Schedule Game-By-Game Predictions Yield These NFC Playoff Teams

I have already wrapped up the 2011 schedules that we have been examining by listing the AFC teams that would seem to be logical candidates to make the playoffs both as division champs and as Wild Cards.

I'm using the "2010 NFL Playoffs Schedule" located at FB Schedules website as a comparative reference.

I'd just like to say that I'm not going to be picking winners of playoff games or the Super Bowl. I just want to give a final assessment of the teams I think will be in the playoffs as a result of the 2011 scheduling sans dates and specific pairings.

The NFC:

Detroit Lions (11-5):

Every year it seems the Lions suffer some untoward event, like the injury to a quarterback or a bad or unique call that defines their season. They have talent and I think that 2011 brings the Mojo out from the Lions. They will ride the special year of the NFC North to their first playoff berth in a long time. They will "bat" .500 in the NFC North and go 8-2 against non-divisional teams. You may see my write-up here.

Green Bay Packers (11-5):

They will be the second Wild Card team out of the NFC North with an 11-5 record. I don't think they will be hungry enough to take the NFC North crown. They've already proved they can win the Super Bowl as a Wild Card. You may see my write-up about them here.

ST. Louis Rams, NFC West Champs (10-6):

They certainly aren't a powerhouse but 2011 is their turnaround year. Despite going 2-3 at home, they take the crown from a weak 2010 champ in the Seattle Seahawks. Further, I think you'll see the Rams much more in the future.

Dallas Cowboys, NFC East Champs (10-6):

A strong 4-1 non divisional home stand will give the Cowboys the win in the NFC East. While a lot of strong, class teams are in this division, they won't be heard from in 2011.

New Orleans Saints, NFC South Champs (12-4):

Every great team takes a year off occasionally. 2010 found the Saints basking in 2009's glory. They won't "bask" in 2011.

Chicago Bears, NFC North Champs (13-3):

I don't think people know how determined this franchise is to win. They will have to prove it and they will, coming out on top of the toughest NFL division in 2011.

And there you have it. We've looked at the 2011 schedule of every team, and this is how I think things will end up.

References:

FB Schedules Website, "2010 NFL Playoff Schedule"

Reference articles for Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers (Wild Cards) may be found in article text

Associated Content from Yahoo Website, Gary Davis, "2011 schedule for St. Louis Rams Says 2011 NFC West Champ"

Associated Content from Yahoo Website, Gary Davis, "2011 Game-By-Game Schedule Predictions for the Dallas Cowboys: Non-Divisional Home and Away"

Associated Content from Yahoo Website, Gary Davis, "New Orleans Saints 2011 Schedule: Will They win the NFC South?"

Associated Content from Yahoo Website, Gary Davis, "Chicago Bears' 2011 Game-By-Game schedule"