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The Falcons and 49ers found vindication while winning their way into the NFC Championship Game.

After uninspired "mild-card" games, the divisional round matchups should be better, writes John Clayton.

The NFC playoffs are deep with versatile young quarterbacks and powerful runners.

Can the Ravens and 49ers get back? Don't count on it. Here are five teams that should be Super Bowl threats in 2013, writes John Clayton.

Super Bowl Q&A: The Harbaugh Bowl has plenty of other interesting storylines.

There's still plenty of intrigue regarding the NFC playoff race, writes John Clayton.

The Bears' loss kept the NFC wild-card race interesting, writes John Clayton.

The NFC is the superior conference by far in 2012. That actually keeps more AFC teams in the playoff race, writes John Clayton.

The 2011 schedule looks favorable for the NFC East, as well as the Steelers and Ravens, John Clayton writes.

A 7-9 team in the playoffs could prompt unwelcome changes, writes John Clayton.

In grading the NFC, the Vikings, Packers, Eagles and Saints are the standouts, John Clayton writes.

The Panthers are in an almost-must-win situation in a MNF rematch with the Bucs. The Bucs won the first meeting, and the Panthers have no margin of error with a tough closing schedule, John Clayton writes.

Home field has been huge in the NFC South. But don't assume the Panthers will roll over the Saints on Sunday. Thanks to the red-hot Drew Brees, New Orleans can never be counted out, writes John Clayton.

The NFC West was the weakest division in '04, and the defensive woes could lead to another year of struggling.

With four weeks left in the NFL season, it's time to look at some of the best matchups down the stretch.