Barely halfway through, I know. BUT for the first time ever, my Texans are definitely in the discussion so I better strike while the iron is hot! :thumpsup:
AFC....
#1. Indianapolis - Yes the Colts are undefeated, but you can't pat them on the back too hard without also acknowledging that their schedule to this point has been filled with warm fodder. We'll really know what this team is made of over the next 4 weeks as they play Houston twice, host New England, and travel to Baltimore. They also host Denver on December 13 which may decide home field advantage in the AFC. I give the nod to Indy considering that game is played at home.
#2. Denver - Playing in a garbage division has it's perks. I'm still not a big believer that Kyle Orton's leading anybody to anything, but you do have to give the Broncos their props. They've got some quality wins already under their belt and considering that 5 of their last 9 opponents will be layups, the Broncs will be in good position come playoff time.
#3. Pittsburgh - The muddy AFC Central picture will be coming clearer over the next 2 weeks as the Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens all play each other over that span. I'm not feeling really good about any of them, but if I'm putting my money on anybody it's Big Ben and the defending champs. The Bengals have too many injuries to overcome and the Ravens are just too up and down for my liking. That said, I think there's a good chance that one of the wild cards come from this division as well, so....
#4. New England - Does anybody do consistency better than the Pats?? Quietly they're right there once again. Unfortunately the remaining schedule is BRUTAL. Road games remain against Indy, New Orleans, Miami, and Houston. OUCH!! I still like the Pats to win the East, but it's gonna be a tough road.
#5. Houston - This team FINALLY has the look of a team that's turned the corner. Schaub is putting up Pro Bowl numbers and nobody in the NFL has more weapons at the skill positions. More importantly, the young, physical defense has finally arrived and has put up the best numbers in the NFL over the past 4 weeks. We'll see how ready they are for prime-time as 2 of their next 3 games are against Indy. Finishing the season with a road trip to Miami and hosting New England will likely decide their fate.
#6. Baltimore - The battle for the two wild card spots is going to be intense, but I like the Ravens to survive for the final spot. They look SO good at times and SO bad at others but I'm thinking they'll put it together enough to clinch the final spot. That win over Denver yesterday was HUGE and literally kept their playoff chances alive.
NFC...
#1. New Orleans - It's the Saints and then everybody else this season! I predicted that Miami game to be a trap and they avoided falling completely into it with an incredible come from behind win. A Monday night date with New England and a road trip to Atlanta might be the only games standing between the Saints and a perfect season. That said, a couple of losses would serve them well before the playoffs begin.
#2. Minnesota - Color me a skeptic, but it's hard to argue with results. IF Favre and Petersen can stay healthy (and that's a BIG if), the Vikes have as good balance as anyone. Considering the incredible lack of quality opponents remaining on the Vikes' schedule, it's hard to fathom a scenario in which the Vikes finish with less than 13 wins.
#3. Dallas - As much as it pains me to say it, the Pokes look like the class of the NFC East at this moment. Of course that could change drastically next week, but that win over Atlanta might have been their turning point. Romo's put together a couple of good weeks and the defense is playing good as well. Here's to hoping I'm dead wrong and they perform their usual choke job! ;)
#4. Arizona - Much like last year it's a shame that this crappy division is required to provide representation. If the Niners had any offense at all I'd be tempted to take them here, but I just can't. Unlike last year, the Cards aren't a threat to anybody in the 2009 playoffs.
#5. NY Giants - Will they ever recover from that beatdown the Saints put on them? The Chargers and then a bye week couldn't be coming at a better time. If they re-focus on being a running team, they'll be fine. If they continue to force Eli, they'll miss the playoffs. The schedule is as manageable as you could hope for with regards to playing their remaining difficult opponents at home.
#6. Atlanta - The Falcons are digging a hole and they've still yet to play New Orleans. They desperately need at least a split with the Saints to keep hope alive. The good news is that they still have head-to-head games with the teams they'll be battling with for the final playoff spot. I think they'll do just enough to get in!
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