NFC Update

Last week and in at least two cases for the season, the teams with “state” and not “city” names are the story and/or likely will win NFC divisional races.

Start with the (9-0) Carolina Panthers, who pulled away from an AFC “state” named team, Tennessee (Titans), who though far from certain, are likely to be the NFC top seed and almost certainly will win the NFC South, for a second straight season.

Last year Carolina won it with an under .500 record, this year they will likely win it with a near great to great record.

The Arizona Cardinals went into Seattle as three point underdogs and beat the two time NFC champion Seatttle Seahawks.

The (7-2) Cardinals, the NFL franchise that has gone the longest (68 years since 1947) and through time in two  cities, (Chicago and St. Louis) since last winning a title (as the Chicago Cardinals) are a state named team almost certain to “state” its claim as NFC West champion.

The (7-2) Minnesota Vikings, as is the case with the above mentioned “state” teams have never won a Super Bowl. They lead the (6-3) Green Bay Packers by one game in the NFC North, after “Minne” won as a 3 point underdog in Oakland vs the Raiders and the (2-7) Detroit Lions handed the “Pack” a third straight defeat.

This Sunday, the Vikings can take a major step toward their first NFC North crown since 2009 with a victory at home vs the Packers. The fact that the Vikings are one point favorites says a great deal.

The other state team is a non city? or “district” team and like the the others are a surprise.

Washington D.C. is the Redskins’ home and they have won 3 Supes, the last after the 1991 season and only they among the 4 NFC East teams won last week. “Wash” improved its record to (4-5), routing the New Orleans Saints in the “district,” leaving the Redskins a half game behind the New York (is that the city, the state or I usually at least allude Hackensack, New Jersey) Giants. The Philadelphia Eagles are also (4-5).

Minnesota Vikings’ helmet pictured above