This has got to be my second favorite time of the year, just behind the NFL Playoffs. Teams that are in contention for post-season play are fighting and clawing. Some are getting healthy or hot at the right time to make a Super Bowl run. The dominant teams of the season are hoping they can ride their surge for another month and a half or so, bringing home the Lombardi trophy to their city.
Arguably, the Seahawks right now look like the team to beat. Denver has stumbled a little as of late, as has New England, New Orleans and Detroit, who doesn't seem to be able to hold on to the ball to win a game. In fact, of the eight divisions in the NFL this past weekend, only 2 of the division leaders, Seattle and Indianapolis, won their games. Denver was shocked by San Diego on the final Thursday night game; New England fell to a young and hungry Miami team; Cincinnati was schooled by Pittsburgh; Philadelphia was walked over by Minnesota; on Monday night, in front of everyone, Detroit dropped a close one to Baltimore; New Orleans, playing indoors, but away from the Superdome, was throttled by St. Louis. Below are some of the playoff scenarios, according to NFL.com:
DENVER @ HOUSTON. The Broncos have clinched a playoff spot, they can clinch their division, the AFC West, with a win and a loss by the Chiefs. If Denver wins, Kansas City and New England both lose, Denver earns home field through the playoffs.
NEW ORLEANS @ CAROLINA. If the Saints win, they clinch the division and earn a first-round bye. They can simply make the playoffs if Arizona loses, San Francisco loses or ties, Saints and Arizona both tie, or if the 49ers and Cardinals both tie.
MINNESOTA @ CINCINNATI. Bengals can clinch their division, the AFC North, with a win and a Baltimore loss or tie, or a Cincinnati loss and Baltimore tie. Cincinnati can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a Miami loss or tie, or a Cincinnati tie and Miami loss.
MIAMI @ BUFFALO. Miami is in with a win and a Baltimore and Cincinnati loss.
ARIZONA @ SEATTLE. Seahawks are in the playoffs and have home field advantage with a win or tie or a San Francisco loss or tie.
NEW ENGLAND @ BALTIMORE. New England can clinch their division, the AFC East, with a win or tie, or if Miami loses. In order to earn a first-round bye, the Patriots need a win and a Bengal loss or tie and an Colt loss or tie, or if both of those teams lose the Patriots are in. They can also get into the playoffs if the Bengals lose or tie. If Baltimore wins, and Miami and San Diego both lose, the Ravens make the playoffs.
CHICAGO @ PHILADELPHIA. The Bears can win their division, the NFC North, with a win and a loss or tie by the Lions, or loss by the Packers. The Eagles win their division, the NFC East, with a win and a Dallas loss, or a loss and Dallas tie.
ATLANTA @ SAN FRANCISCO. The 49ers can return to the playoffs with a win, a Cardinal loss, or a 49er loss and Cardinal tie.
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PIX shout-out to Brian who is holding on to the lead by a thread going into the final two weeks. Kathy got a 69% this week, leading the pack. Isabella has had an awesome three weeks and is doing very well.
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