NFL Playoff Picture: Predicting How the NFC Shakes Out By Season's End

December in the NFL means the final push for the playoffs.

Now just suppose for one moment that the stars align and perhaps, just perhaps, we might see the story of the year take place in the NFC.

Contemplate this for just one moment:

Michael Vick returns to Atlanta to lead the Philadelphia Eagles against his old team in the Georgia Dome.

Could it happen?

Maybe. But here's an overall look at where the NFC teams stand and what they're up against with just four games to play.

NFC East

New York Giants (8-4, 6-2): at Minnesota; Philadelphia; at Green Bay; at Washington

Philadelphia Eagles (8-4, 5-3): at Dallas, at New York, Minnesota, Dallas.

NFC North

Chicago Bears (9-3, 7-3): New England; at Minnesota; New York Jets; at Green Bay.

Green Bay (8-4, 6-3): at Detroit; at New England; New York Giants; Chicago.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons (10-2, 7-1): at Carolina; at Seattle; New Orleans; Carolina.

New Orleans (9-3, 7-2): St. Louis; at Baltimore; at Atlanta; Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay (7-5, 5-3): at Washington; Detroit; Seattle; at New Orleans.

NFC West

Seattle (6-6): at San Francisco; Atlanta; at Tampa Bay; St. Louis.

St. Louis (6-6): at New Orleans; Kansas City; San Francisco; at Seattle.

How it all shakes out

First things first. The Atlanta Falcons will win the NFC South and in the process, post the best record in the NFC, perhaps 13-3, and secure home field advantage through the playoffs.

Philadelphia will win the NFC East.

Chicago nips out Green Bay for the NFC North.

The NFC West will come down to the final week's game. St. Louis beats Seattle to win the worst division in the NFC.

Wild Cards

New Orleans comes out of the NFC South and takes one of the wild cards.

Green Bay comes out of the NFC North and beats out New York and Tampa Bay for the remaining wild card.

So this brings us back to where we started.

How about Michael Vick back in Atlanta to face his former team?

Anything's possible.