Best team in the NFC?

Who is the best team in the NFC? There are plenty of good, talented teams this year in the NFC, but one team stands out above the rest. The Atlanta Falcons stand alone has the best team through the first 11 games this season.

The Falcons are currently 9-2 going into Week 13 in which they take on division foe Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons only two losses came against the Steelers in OT and the Eagles. Sure there are plenty of other teams in the NFC that are just as talented like the Saints, Packers, Bears, Eagles, and Giants, but none are having the same consistent success the Falcons are.

The Falcons are lead by QB Matt Ryan or "Matty Ice" and he is having a MVP caliber type season. Ryan has thrown for 2715 yards with 19 TD's and limiting his turnovers with 5 INT's. The Falcons have not blown out any teams this season and Ryan has lead several 4th quarter game winning drives. Ryan is also accompanied by RB Michael Turner, who is also putting together a nice season as well. Turner has rushed for almost 1000 yards and 7 TD's. The receiving core is very talented and headed by Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. The Falcon defense has done a superb job this season shuting down every team they have played. Only once this season has the Falcon defense allowed more than 30 points in a game.

So what makes the Falcons more special than some of the other NFC teams that are having successful season? They are sitting atop the NFC South divison and are fighting against the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints and this years surprising team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons are 2-0 in their division this season, defeated the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers, both of whom are playoff hopefuls. It also helps the Falcons are 6-0 at home and Ryan is 19-1 as a starter at home because if they continue their solid play, the Falcons might find themselves with home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Falcons remaining schedule is not the easiet, but is favorable as 4 out of their last 5 games are against division rivals, so clinching their divison is in their grasp. While other teams in the NFC are having great years, the Falcons are the team to beat this season.