CLINCHED
1. Patriots (13-2)
Curb stomped the Jets and will earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a victory at Miami on Sunday. After Pats squandered home field last year, don’t expect them to do it again.
2. Cowboys (13-2)
Helped the Falcons by playing to win against the Lions. That running game is very tough to stop but the defense can be had, especially through the air.
3. Steelers (10-5)
Clinched the AFC North by winning a tough-as-usual game against the Ravens. They’ve got a shot to topple Pats but they are wildly inconsistent.
4. Falcons (10-5)
That was a focused, professional effort at Carolina. Falcons would get the No. 2 seed with a victory over Saints at the Dome on Sunday.
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5. Chiefs (11-4)
They beat down the Broncos after Carr’s injury gave them an opening to win the AFC West. I still think their defense relies too much on turnovers and the offense is limited.
6. Seahawks (9-5-1)
The reputation of their defense and their home field both took hits when the Cardinals easily drove for the winning score on Saturday. They can beat anybody but, considering their up-and-down play all season, one-and-done wouldn’t be surprising.
7. Giants (10-5)
With lots riding on a W at Eagles, Giants flopped. They do have the best D in the NFC so they have a chance.
8. Dolphins (10-5)
Beat the Bills in OT and then clinched playoff berth when Broncos lost to Chiefs. That’s nine Ws in Miami’s last 10 games but still not buying Fins as a real threat to win AFC.
9. Raiders (12-3)
The season-ending injury to QB Derek Carr pretty much ruined their chances. Too bad because I would have liked to see Raiders take on the Pats.
10. Texans (9-6)
Good for them for winning the AFC South but they’ve been outscored by 42 points this season. Mark them down for one-and-done.
ALIVE
11. Packers (9-6)
Pounded the Vikings at Lambeau. After all of their injuries and turmoil, Packers still can win the NFC North with a W at Lions.
12. Lions (9-6)
They were desperate to win at Dallas and got smoked. If Lions earn a wild card, Falcons should hope this is the team they see.
13. Buccaneers (8-7)
Game effort at Saints but Mike Smith’s defense couldn’t give them a final chance at the end. Now they need a lot of help to make playoffs.
14. Washington (8-6-1)
Blew out the Bears in Chicago. Still need to beat the Giants and get a lot of help to sneak in playoffs.
FINISHED
15. Titans (8-7)
16. Ravens (8-7)
17. Broncos (8-7)
18. Saints (7-8)
19. Eagles (6-9)
20. Bills (7-8)
21. Vikings (7-8)
22. Cardinals (6-8-1)
23. Colts (7-8)
24. Panthers (6-9)
25. Bengals (5-9-1)
26. Jets (4-11)
27. Chargers (5-10)
28. Rams (4-11)
29. Jaguars (3-12)
30. Bears (3-12)
31. 49ers (2-13)
32. Browns (1-14)
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