NFC Notes

The NFL season enters the home stretch with 29 teams still in contention for a trip to Super Bowl XLVII. The final quarter of the season kicks off this weekend with playoff berths on the line. 

“There are a lot of games still to be played,” says head coach MIKE SMITH of the 11-1 Atlanta Falcons, who clinched the NFC South in Week 13. “We’re just starting the fourth quarter of the season and there are going to be a lot of things happening over these next four weeks. It will be fun for the teams involved. It ought to be fun for the fans. And it’s going to be fun for the coaches. It can’t get any better than football in December.”

Over the past five seasons (since 2007), the New England Patriots own the best record in the month, which also includes regular-season games played in January. 

“This is December football now and it’s the most important football we’re going to play all season,” says Green Bay Packers head coach MIKE MC CARTHY. 

“The games in December are the most important regular-season games by far,” says NFL Network analyst STEVE MARIUCCI. “It’s extremely important to win in December and to make a run at the playoffs and show improvement. You want your team to peak in December. It’s important to stay healthy and keep your players fresh. You remember what happens in December.”

Some of the top active performers in December/January since 2007: 

“When you get into games in December, these are all important and every one is a big game,” says New York Giants quarterback ELI MANNING. “Hopefully, you are playing good football at this point and you’ve found a way to win games.”