NFC South Edition Daily "Linkin' Logs" (12/10/08)

Wowee. A fantastic game last night with the Carolina Panthers exerting their dominance over the Tampa Bay Bucs. Carolina seemed more than up to the challenge with both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart leading the way; both with over 100 rushing yards and two TDs.

What this did only slightly clarified the NFC playoff picture:

The Panthers and Giants clearly have the inside track to Byes in the playoffs by virtue of their 11-2 and 10-3 records, with only Tampa just one win back. Minnesota and Arizona the other emminent division winners (AZ has already captured a spot and Minnesota is three games up with three to play, win one and they're in) are two back on Carolina and three behind New York, they seem likely to stay where they are.

In the wild card, Dallas and Tampa have the inside track here, though Tampa has a game in Atlanta that could be crucial to the NFC Wild card picture. Win here and Tampa is all but assured a spot as they'll face San Diego and Oakland to end their season at home. Atlanta, meanwhile, will have to face the aforementioned Tampa, go to Minnesota in a game they may not mean too much to the Vikings and finish up with St. Louis in a gimme game. Dallas has the toughest road, facing the Giants and Ravens at home before traveling to Philadelphia to face the Eagles, in what could be a play-in game if the Falcons lose at least one more game and both Philly and Dallas win their next two. Philly's road is fairly simple. Beat the Browns on Monday night, Beat the Redskins in Washington and beat Dallas. Either Tampa Bay needs to lose two outta three (not likely) or Atlanta needs to lose one (more likely) and they're in. If Atlanta loses next week, Philly will control their own destiny, as will Tampa Bay.

• AGM's Jakeblloyd is talking about the Wolverines. And no, not the football team.
• MLBTR has the scoop on a potential Grienke for Francoeur swap
• In serious news, the NFLPA and NFL have agreed to a Medicare benefit for retirees. While not huge, its a step in the right direction.
  
• Goodbye Bruschi. PFT is saying he is done for the year...maybe his career?
• The sad case of Dominic Raiola and the Detroit Lions. I'd feel bad if he wasn't making millions of dollars.
  
• Wow Steve Young. Balls to your sir, that is one professional move...
• EC's DMt gives us the 12 signs your color analyst is a loose cannon.
• And finally, Stacey Dales is leaving ESPN...Noooooooooooooooooo