Official NFC Playoff Standings Thread - Week 8

[Fritz]

GB has 5 home games and 3 away games at just MN, TB & Buff. After the NO game, it is difficult to predict how the defense will hold up, but with Adams getting better and better, and Lacy coming around as a runner while showing an entirely new facet as a receiver, the offense could be even more productive in the second half. IF they can find someway to play defense effectively, the schedule plays out well for a strong second half. Going 8-0 is very unlikely, yet arguments can be made for them winning each game. Going 7-1 or 6-2 is not unattainable.

Detroit has to go to Arizona, NE, Chicago and GB. They have Miami, Chi, MN and TB at home. It is difficult to get a handle on the Lions this year. They have won close games without CJ, and have built confidence. They have some injuries. 5-3? If luck stays on their side, maybe they can do better than that, but it is a stretch, in my opinion. The Lions being the Lions, I can as easily see them going 4-4.

IF GB ends the season on the outside looking in at the playoffs, it will be because they crashed and burned in the 2nd half of the season.

I really did think the defense was on its way to fixing its issues, but that was a total crash-and-burn in NO. Really, it was 2011 all over again except the offense couldn't score in the 40's to bail them out.

I'm not sure how or if that defense can be fixed. I have no proof - none of us really do - but this smells like a one-and-done playoff team with the current state of that defense.

[Patler]

I really did think the defense was on its way to fixing its issues, but that was a total crash-and-burn in NO. Really, it was 2011 all over again except the offense couldn't score in the 40's to bail them out.

I'm not sure how or if that defense can be fixed. I have no proof - none of us really do - but this smells like a one-and-done playoff team with the current state of that defense.

As of now, I agree. First order of business is just to get to the playoffs, and winning the NFC North is the only sure way to do it. I think things are shaping up well for that to happen, unless the defense performance in NO was a foreshadow of what to expect in the second half. I don't expect a great defense, but I am hopeful it will be better than what we saw in NO.

I'll worry about the playoffs if and when it becomes clear that GB will be there

[Striker]

As of now, I agree. First order of business is just to get to the playoffs, and winning the NFC North is the only sure way to do it. I think things are shaping up well for that to happen, unless the defense performance in NO was a foreshadow of what to expect in the second half. I don't expect a great defense, but I am hopeful it will be better than what we saw in NO.

I'll worry about the playoffs if and when it becomes clear that GB will be there

If they can avoid indoor/fast track games they may be better off in the playoffs. At home they've been in better shape, and they should hopefully do better in messy conditions as well. However, on the artificial turf in Seattle and inside vs. the Lions and Saints they've had issues. That should also help Bulaga as well as he's struggled on speedy surfaces and vs. speed rushers.