As the NFL trade deadline drew closer, the NFC’s top teams glanced around the conference lair.
Two perennial dragons, they realized, may not lie ahead to slay.
Because for the first time in their careers as NFL starters, neither Tom Brady nor Aaron Rodgers is a safe bet to make the playoffs.
Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold a 45% chance at advancing to the postseason, per FiveThirtyEight’s playoff model. Rodgers’ Green Bay Packers hold just a 17% chance.
Both teams are 3-5 through eight weeks.