Tom Brady's suspension could affect NFC playoff race, too

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsOn Monday, the Chief Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the second circuit reinstated the Tom Brady's four-game suspension for his involvement in Deflategate. While the decision ostensibly affects the New England Patriots and the AFC East, the Green Bay Packers and NFC playoff field need to take notice as well.

Unless the NFLPA successfully appeals the suspension before the start of the season, Brady can plan to miss the first four games of the Patriots' schedule. Three of those contests come against AFC opponents. However, the season opener sees the team traveling to the desert for a showdown with the Arizona Cardinals, the No. 2 seed in last year's NFC…