The Packers' 17-9 victory over Detroit Sunday at Lambeau Field was the Lions 16th straight defeat in the state of Wisconsin. In that spirit, here are 16 observations about the NFC:

1. The Packers are still alive in the NFC Wild Card Race!

2. I can't believe I wrote that for a 6-8 team.

3. The Bears have clinched home-field advantage. They did it by coughing up a fur ball against Tampa Bay, but then winning in overtime. Chicago may be 12-2, but if you have questions about them, you're not alone.

4. Everyone fell in love with the Saints. Then they lost at home to Washington.

5. I'm pulling for Burlington's Tony Romo, but we never really know how a quarterback is going to respond to his first taste of playoff pressure. How much will he be grinning in January? I may not know "spit" about the Cowboys, but I know that I will never, ever cheer for Terrell Owens.

6. Seattle is playing terrible football. Why do I still think they can be dangerous in the playoffs? At least Matt Hasselbeck has successful playoff experience. But the next good tackle the Seahawks make will be their first.

7. How about those Carolina Panthers?

8. The Lions have been eliminated from playoff contention. That much I know.

9. Watching the Giants and Eagles on Sunday reminded me I don't really like either of those teams. I guess I like the Eagles a little bit more because of Andy Reid.

10. The Rams used the powerful springboard of a victory over Oakland to stay in the playoff hunt.

11. Even if the Falcons make the playoffs, owner Arthur Blank may give Jim Mora the chance to leave to coach at the University of Washington someday. I think the Moras ought to ban themselves from radio comments.

12. I think the New York Jets would be a dominant team in the NFC North.

13. This year's NFC should be proof positive that the NFL doesn't need to expand the playoffs.

14. Does Jon Gruden still wake up at 3:17 a.m. when his team is 3-11?

15. I guess this won't be the the breakthrough season for those Arizona Cardinals.

16. Who would have thought that in Week 16 the 6-8 Packers against the 6-8 Vikings would have playoff ramifications? You've gotta love the 2006 NFC.

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