Who Gets the NFC 2 Seed?

Andrew Tie

In the NFC, the Green Bay Packers are the only team to have locked in their seed for the conference. The battle for the #2 spot is up for grabs, however, between two 12-3 teams, the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers. There's a lot at stake this week, and as the final week in the regular season, this should be a good week to sit back and watch some good football. Let's look at the two match-ups this week.

First, we have the Saints taking on the Carolina Panthers at home. Honestly, I think this could be a tricky game for the Saints if they aren't careful. The Panthers have been playing significantly better in recent weeks. Cam Newton has looked more comfortable in the pocket each week, plus he's already set the record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season. The Panthers have won four of their last five games, and he only threw two interceptions in those five weeks. Those two interceptions came in the loss, so he's played much better in the wins. While I do expect the Panthers to thrive offensively, I just can't see the Saints offense having too much trouble with the Panthers defense. They have been decimated by injuries this year, and the Saints have looked unstoppable with Drew Brees breaking Dan Marino's record for most passing yards in a season last week. Brees has thrown for over 5000 yards on the season, and he hasn't thrown for less than 300 yards in seven weeks. In those same seven weeks, the Saints have won every single game, and with a #2 NFC seed on the line, I believe the Saints will rise to the occasion for this division rivalry game.

New Orleans Saints 40
Carolina Panthers 27

Next, we have the San Francisco 49ers traveling to St. Louis to take on the St. Louis Rams. With the Rams' starting QB, Sam Bradford, doubtful for Sunday's game, the Rams will begin the game at a disadvantage without their leader. While 49ers QB Alex Smith hasn't played as well as Drew Brees this season, that's not what he's been asked to do. He's played well, not turning it over too often, and putting his team in a good position to win. I know, that sounds like Tim Tebow, but Smith actually has the ability to throw the ball well. Frank Gore has run the ball well, and Smith has been getting help from Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree recently. And it's not like the Rams are exactly good at defense. While they have the sixth best pass defense in the league, they have the worst run defense. I expect Gore to have a field day against the Rams. And I'm not sure what the Rams have to fight for. They're 2-13, and there are many rumors that Steve Spagnuolo won't return as head coach next year. The Rams just aren't a very good team this year, and the 49ers should have no problem getting the win.

San Francisco 49ers 34
St. Louis Rams 13