What a great time of year it is for sports…

NBA and college basketball going full tilt…

College football bowl games heating up…

And, of course, the NFL playoffs are right around the corner.  And this year’s set of matchups appears to be one of the most intriguing ever.

Looking at the six participants from the NFC – how could you comfortably say that any one of them stands head and shoulders above the other.

New Orleans Saints:  The Saints have been the ESPN highlight filler throughout the NFL regular season.  They’ve put up a league high 500 points thus far.  However, the most notable news for New Orleans has been their last two games – which have both been losses.  These losses may prove to leave the void of any much needed momentum headed into the playoffs.

Minnesota Vikings:  This team will live and die with Brett Favre.  Sorry, Adrian Peterson – Favre is just too stubborn to follow a scripted game plan which doesn’t involve him making bail out throws off of his back leg.  Based on his second half performance against the Bears on MNF, more fuel will be added to his personal definition of his worth to the Vikings.  The defense looks shaky, and that’s not a good sign considering that Favre is bound to make some mistakes by forcing things a little too much.

Arizona Cardinals:  In a weak NFC West division, the Cardinals have quietly put together a 10-5 season.  Ho hum.  The only above average opponent that they’ve beaten is the Minnesota Vikings.  Conversely, Arizona was swept in their two games against the 49ers.  Think their opening round playoff opponent will be breaking out the footage of those games? 

Winfield's foot injury is one of the issues plaguing the Vikings' defense.

Philadelphia Eagles:  After their last second victory over the Broncos, the Eagles have now won 6 games in a row – making them the hottest team heading into the playoffs.  This team has it all clicking right now, and they are playing the exact way that you would hope for if you’re a fan of the team.  Philadelphia makes big plays, and they have a guy named DeSean Jackson on their roster.  Any opponent has to make sure that they don’t abandon their position because the Eagles make you pay for it.

Dallas Cowboys:  The Cowboys came through in December for a change, and won two must-have games (New Orleans, Washington) which have thrust them into the postseason.  Regardless of their opponent, their defense will have to shine to keep them in the game. 

Green Bay Packers:  Aaron Rodgers has emerged into a leader for this revamped team.  He moves the ball brilliantly with short, medium and deep passes to keep the defense honest.  The Packers’ future is bright because they made the tough decision to stick to their guns and led an NFL icon leave the franchise.  It couldn’t have worked out any better.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author