NFC News Update: 2011 NFL Playoff Picture

As we reach the half point in the NFL 2011 season it’s time to take a look at the playoff picture. A couple of teams are firmly entrenched in one of the 12 playoff positions, others teams are close to a postseason berth, while some teams are already out of the race.

National Football Conference Playoff Scenario

As they have been for the past 14 games, dating back to the 2010 season, the Green Bay Packers remain as the class of the league and the team to beat. The Packers have not lost a game, that has counted, since they drop a 31-27 decision to the New England Patriots in Week 15 last season. Green bay gets the Vikings and Buccaneers at home before their highly anticipated Thanksgiving showdown against the 6-2 Detroit Lions.

Out in the NFC West, the San Francisco 49ers are bowling over everyone in the path enroute to a surprising 7-1 record, including six straight wins. The New York Giants (6-2) lead the NFC East by  two game over the Dallas Cowboys, while the New Orleans Saints have a one game lead over the Atlanta Falcons. The Detroit Lions and the Falcons currently hold the two Wild Card Playoff spots.

American Football Conference Playoff Picture

Thing are much muddier in the AFC as no one has pulled away from the pack and established themselves as the Conference leader. The AFC East has the Patriots, Bills and Jets all tied for first a 5-3 record. There is also a three way tie at top in the AFC West as the Chargers, Raiders, and Chiefs are all plodding along with a 4-4 record.

The AFC North is also bunched at the top as the surprising Cincinnati Bengals are tied with the Ravens at 6-2 while the Steelers sit at 6-3 in third place. In the AFC South, Houston finds themselves as the only outright division leader as they hold a 6-3 record over the Titans who are second at 4-4 with one less game played.