Handicapping the NFC field. (NFL: playoff preview keys to success).

Depth at cornerback

The Eagles boast Pro Bowl players in Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent, and the depth is excellent with elite nickel back Al Harris and up-and-corner Sheldon Brown. The Bucs, thanks in large part to Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber, have allowed only 10 touchdown passes this season. The Giants' Will Allen is emerging an a top corner, but Will Peterson was slowed in December by a knee injury. Jason Sehorn isn't what he once was, but he's good insurance. The 49ers' pass defense, an offseason priority, has been disappointing. Ashley Ambrose was the only healthy, respected corner the Falcons had down the stretch. Flay Buchanan, limited by an abdominal injury, had to play some safety late in the season.

 
1 Eagles 
2 Bucs 
3 Giants 
4 Packers 
5 49ers 
6 Falcons 

Can control game with its ground attack

The Falcons were among the NFL's best in rushing, rushing touchdowns, yards per carry and rushing first downs. Michael Vick is a big reason for all that, but Warrick Dunn also has bean effective when used as the feature back. The Packers' Ahman Green, healthy now, is the elite back in the NFC playoffs. Running the ball is what the 49ers and Eagles do best, even if it's by committee. The Giants' Tiki Barber averaged 4.9 yards per carry the last three months. The Bucs ranked near the bottom of the NFL in rushing first downs and rushing TDS. Michael Pittman failed to be Jon Gruden's version of Charlie Garner, and Mike Alstott is one-dimensional.

 
1 Falcons 
2 Packers 
3 49ers 
4 Eagles 
5 Giants 
6 Bucs 

Premier pass rushers