Here is a rundown of the six NFC playoff teams. I also compiled a similar report for the AFC playoff teams. Check it out by Clicking Here.  

Team: New York Giants

Seed: NFC #1 Seed

Quick Stats:

1) W/L Record: 12-4
2) Points Scored: 26.7 / game (3rd)
3) Points Allowed: 18.4 / game (5th)
4) Yards Gained: 355.9 / game (7th)
5) Yards Allowed: 292.0 / game (5th)

Strengths:  This is arguably the most balanced team in the NFL.  They finished in the top 10 in the four statistical areas I listed above.  They have a fantastic quarterback in Eli Manning.  He was able to put together a Pro Bowl season for the first time in his career.  They have Earth, Wind, and Fire; which helped the Giants lead the NFL in rushing yards per game.  The Giant's defense is very balanced as well.  They are effective at stopping both the run and the pass.  They are led by Justin Tuck; who is among the best defensive ends in the NFL.  When you add in that they are the defending champions, this is a team that expects to contend for the Super Bowl title.  

Weaknesses: Brandon Jacobs is entering the playoffs injured.  He missed two of his last three games.  They are also missing Plaxico Burress, who injured his leg in the most famous self-inflicted wound of the season.  Without those two this offense is not nearly as dangerous.  Those losses caused them to lose 3 of their last 4 games, although many starters rested against the Vikings.  The Giants entered the 2007 playoffs with all the momentum they could ask for.  They enter this year's playoffs with a big win over Carolina and little else.  

Why this team will win the Super Bowl:  They were the best team in the NFC through the first 12 games, going 11-1.  They had some distractions and injuries, but were able to beat Carolina to secure home field throughout the NFC playoffs.  They have the experience of winning the title last year.  Never underestimate the heart of a champion, especially when that champion is the NFC's number one seed.  

Why this team will not make the Super Bowl:  It's very hard to repeat.  The last team to repeat was the 03 and 04 Patriots.  The last team before that were the 97 and 98 Broncos.  While the Giants have a lot of weapons on both sides of the ball they lack a go to receiver and their star running back is a little injured right now.  While they have an extra week to get healthy, they have bitten off more adversity than they can chew.  

What would be considered a successful Postseason:  This team expected to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.  Anything short of a second straight Super Bowl victory will be a disappointment.  

Percent Chance of playing football on 02/01/2009:  30 %

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Team: Carolina Panthers

Seed: NFC #2 Seed

Quick Stats:

1) W/L Record: 12-4
2) Points Scored: 25.9 / game (7th)
3) Points Allowed: 20.6 / game (12th)
4) Yards Gained: 349.7 / game (10th)
5) Yards Allowed: 331.2 / game (18th)

Strengths:  This team is fantastic at running the ball.  DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 2,351 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns.  When you add in Steve Smith, one of the top receivers in the NFL; defenses have a lot of decisions to make.  The offensive line can control the line of scrimmage.  On defense, the Panthers have an impact defender that recorded 14.5 sacks.  This team has a healthy mix of young players like Beason, Williams, and Stewart to go along with veterans like Delhomme, Smith, and Peppers who have Super Bowl experience from the 2003 season.  John Fox is a veteran coach that has been through the playoff wars.  

Weaknesses: When it is all said and done this defense can be exploited.  Michael Turner gained 117 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 45-28 win over the Panthers.  The Giants gained over 300 yards in a 34-28 OT win over the Panthers.  Aaron Rodgers put up great numbers in a 35-31 loss to the Panthers.  While the defense has not been bad this year, it isn't as good as the unit from 2003 or 2005.  Furthermore, what is Jake Delhomme going to do in the playoffs?  He had only 3,288 yards, 15 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and an 84.7 QB rating.  He is playoff tested, but what will he do if called upon in the 4th quarter of a close game?

Why this team will win the Super Bowl:  They have a first round bye, and host a home playoff game in a stadium they went 8-0.  The only place they will have to travel is New York, a place they played well in a 34-28 OT loss to the Giants.  The Super Bowl is in Tampa Bay, a stadium they are very familiar with.  They are set up very well to make a playoff run.  

Why this team will not make the Super Bowl:  Their defense gives up a big running day to Brandon Jacobs, Michael Turner, Adrian Peterson, or Brian Westbrook.  The NFC playoffs are loaded with good backs and the Panthers have shown they can be run on.  That's not a good sign for the playoffs.  

What would be considered a successful Postseason:  This team missed the playoffs in 2006 and 2007, so I don't think it's the Super Bowl or bust.  This team needs to win a playoff game and play well against the Giants in New York.  As long as they don't lose a home playoff game they will have had a very successful season.

Percent Chance of playing football on 02/01/2009:  25%
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Team: Minnesota Vikings

Seed: NFC #3 Seed

Quick Stats:

1) W/L Record: 10-6
2) Points Scored: 23.7 / game (12th)
3) Points Allowed: 20.8 / game (13th)
4) Yards Gained: 330.5 / game (17th)
5) Yards Allowed: 392.4 / game (6th)

Strengths: The run defense was the best defense in the NFL in 2008.  That is something they also did in 2006 and 2007.  As long as Pat Williams is healthy this team will be impossible to run against, which is big in the NFL playoffs.  The Vikings also did better against the pass this year, ranking 18th in the NFL.  That was in large part to the 45 sacks they recorded, which ranked 4th in the NFL.  

They also have the NFL's leading rusher in Adrian Peterson.  He rushed for 1,760 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.  He is the type of player that can go off for 200 yards on a moments notice.  He has to make sure he holds onto the football, as he fumbled too much in December.  

Weaknesses: The main weakness is at quarterback.  Eli Manning and Kurt Warner have won Super Bowls.  Donovan McNabb and Jake Delhomme have been in a Super Bowl.  Other than the Falcons, the Vikings have the least playoff experience at quarterback.  Tarvaris Jackson had only 149 attempts this year and started only 5 games.  The Vikings have the most uncertain quarterback situation of all the playoff teams and will go only as far as Jackson can take them.

Why this team will win the Super Bowl: Adrian Peterson is one of the most exciting offensive players in the NFL.  If he gets hot for a month the Vikings could be unbeatable given the pressure they put on the QB and the way they stop the run.  

Why this team will not make the Super Bowl:  It's a quarterback's league and the Vikings just aren't experienced enough at that position to be taken as a serious contender.

What would be considered a successful Postseason:  This team hasn't been in the playoffs since 2004.  They get a home playoff game.  If they can beat the Eagles and play competitive in Carolina that will be a successful run for a team that's window is just starting to open.  They would like some playoff success to build on for next year.  

Percent Chance of playing football on 02/01/2009: 10%
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Team: Arizona Cardinals

Seed: NFC #4 Seed

Quick Stats:

1) W/L Record: 9-7
2) Points Scored: 26.7 / game (3rd)
3) Points Allowed: 26.6 / game (28th)
4) Yards Gained: 365.8 / game (4th)
5) Yards Allowed: 331.5 / game (19th)

Strengths: The Arizona Cardinals are scary in the passing offense.  Warner had a rebirth this year throwing for 4,582 yards, 30 touchdown passes, and completing 67.1 % of his passes.  Larry Fitzgerald is among the elite receivers in the NFL.  Anquan Boldin is also an elite receiver that is a little injured headed into the playoffs.  He is expected to play.  

Weaknesses:  This team can't run the ball.  They rank 32nd in the NFL in rushing offense.  That just won't get the job done in December.  They allow a lot of points and allow a lot of yards.  They were 6-0 against the poor NFC West and 3-7 against the rest of the NFL.  They were also 1-4 against playoff teams with their only win coming against Miami back in Week 2.  They play poorly in the elements.  They lost 47-7 in a New England snowstorm and were destroyed by Philadelphia 48-20 in a chilly Thanksgiving Game.  That doesn't bode well for a playoff run that will probably run through New York.  

Why this team will win the Super Bowl:  Kurt Warner is a 2-time league MVP and a Super Bowl MVP.  He could get hot and this passing offense could carry the Cardinals to a title.  

Why this team will not make the Super Bowl: Because if their passing game doesn't go for 300 plus yards and 4 touchdowns a playoff game they probably can't win.  They are just to weak running the ball and stopping people to win in the playoffs.  

What would be considered a successful Postseason:  It was a success for this team to just make the playoffs.  If they can win their home playoff game, Arizona will throw them a parade.

Percent Chance of playing football on 02/01/2009: 5%
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Team: Atlanta Falcons

Seed: NFC #5 Seed

Quick Stats:

1) W/L Record: 11-5
2) Points Scored: 24.4 / game (10th)
3) Points Allowed: 20.3 / game (11th)
4) Yards Gained: 361.2 / game (6th)
5) Yards Allowed: 347.9 / game (24th)

Strengths: It is always helpful to have balance on the offensive side of the ball.  Matt Ryan is terrific in the passing game.  He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.  He plays very poised and distributes the ball all over the field.  His favorite target is Roddy White.  He was 4th in receiving yards at 1,382 and had 7 touchdown receptions.  Michael Turner was the main force in the offense finishing 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards with 1,699 and had 17 rushing touchdowns.  John Abraham also had a fantastic year.  He had 16.5 sacks.  

Weaknesses: This isn't the strongest defense you will find, especially with a back that chews up the clock like Michael Turner.  The Falcons are a bend, but don't break defense.  They are 11th in points allowed, but are 24th in yards allowed.  They give up a lot of rushing yards ranking 25th.  With the Giants, Panthers, and Vikings in the playoffs it is a dangerous thing not to stop the run.  They are also relying on a rookie QB in the playoffs.  Yes, he had a historic rookie season.  He is still a rookie and rookies don't fare well in the playoffs.  

Why this team will win the Super Bowl: Who would have thought they would have won 11 games?  This team is playing with house money at this point.  They have a great offensive nucleus and could get on a roll in the playoffs.  They get a favorable match up against the Cardinals that could propel them on a solid run.  

Why this team will not make the Super Bowl:  They are just too young.  Rookie Head Coach.  Rookie Quarterback.  2009 or 2010 might be their year.  They will be overmatched by the good teams in the NFC with much more experience.  

What would be considered a successful Postseason:  It's a success that they are there.  It would be nice for them to win a playoff game against Arizona, but playing well will be enough for them to build on for next year.

Percent Chance of playing football on 02/01/2009: 15%
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Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Seed: NFC #6 Seed

Quick Stats:

1) W/L Record: 9-6-1
2) Points Scored: 26.0 / game (6th)
3) Points Allowed: 18.1 / game (4th)
4) Yards Gained: 350.5 / game (9th)
5) Yards Allowed: 374.3 / game (3rd)

Strengths: Other than the New York Giants they are the only team in the NFC playoffs that is in the top 10 in the four statistical categories that I listed above.  They have a quarterback with Super Bowl experience in Donovan McNabb.  Andy Reid has been in a Super Bowl.  Brian Westbrook has been there as well.  This is a team that has been in the playoffs in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006.  They have been through the wars together.  They played well down the stretch, winning 4 of their last 5 games.  Along with their offense they have a defense that can stop anyone.  They beat the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers.  This is not your typical #6 seed that snuck into the playoffs with a young team.  This team expects to win the Super Bowl.

Weaknesses: They are so inconsistent you never know which team is going to show up.  The tied the Cincinnati Bengals.  They have a good defense, but they gave up 41 points to Dallas early in the season.  They have a good offense, but they scored 3 points in loss to the Redskins that almost kept them out of the playoffs.  When they have played well they have looked like the best team in the NFL.  When they have lost they have looked like a team headed for a top 5 pick.  Which team will show up in the playoffs?

Why this team will win the Super Bowl:  They have all the experience in the world.  Other than a big game receiver, they have everything they need on offense.  Brian Westbrook is the most versatile running back in the NFL.  McNabb and him have the talent to lead this team to a playoff win.  

Why this team will not make the Super Bowl:  McNabb will revert to his old self in the playoffs.  The way this team plays they could beat Minnesota 50-3 and lose to the Giants 50-3 the next week.  That is the volatility that exists with this team.  

What would be considered a successful Postseason: This is a veteran team that is probably making their last run.  They need to make the playoffs to be considered a success.  

Percent Chance of playing football on 02/01/2009: 15%
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Here's how I see the NFC.  I think the Panthers and Giants have clearly been the two best teams in the NFC this season.  I don't think the Cardinals have a chance to advance deep in the playoffs and while I think the Falcons have had a great season, I think they are a little young as well.  The Vikings aren't going to win with Jackson at quarterback.  I like Philly in some ways, but they are just too inconsistent for me to pick.  They have disappointed too many times in the past for me to pick them now.  

I like the Giants and the Panthers meeting in the NFC Championship in New York.  I like the Panthers to emerge victorious this time around and represent the NFC in the playoffs.  I think they will beat Tennessee in the Super Bowl.  I look for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to be monsters in the playoffs this year.  Delhomme and Smith will give them enough in the air to win the Super Bowl.  

What do you think about the NFC Playoff Picture? Who are you predicting and whom are you hoping for? Let me know your thoughts.