AFC Contenders:
1.Oakland--other than that midseason 4 game slump, its hard to argue against them
2.Tennessee--hot as any team in the league right now. If they weren't so banged up, I'd consider them higher than Oakland
3.Pittsburgh--this isn't an overreaction to Monday's nights beating of Tampa. That was what the team has been capable of doing and they finally showed it. The defensive #s the past 4 weeks for the Steelers are very impressive.
AFC Pretenders:
1. New England--sorry Patriot fans; last season was a fraud. After you win, you lose the hunger.
2. Miami--they'd be a contender if they had home field throughout but I don't trust them if they have to go into a cold weather site.
3. NY Jets--could maybe argue for them but watching their listless effort vs the Bears makes it hard to make a case for them winning in the playoffs.
4. Indy--Sorry, no more games against Houston. That defense hasn't turned the corner as much as the media thinks it has.
NFC Contenders:
1. Green Bay--only negative is their defense against the run. Home field would obviously help.
2. Philly--they've been awesome but I wonder if they've peaked too soon. How rusty will McNabb be in the playoffs?
3. NY Giants--absolutely; they're peaking right now.
NFC Pretenders:
1. Tampa---Pittsburgh exposed what many of us already suspected: they struggle in matchups vs smashmouth teams. Check out their losses this season and last. Except for NO and Minny last year, all the losses were to power teams.
2. San Fran--just not that sold on them. Garcia and Hearst seemed better last year. Double team Owens and they'll have problems.
3. New Orleans--defense is poor; given up 20 or more in every game.
1.Oakland--other than that midseason 4 game slump, its hard to argue against them
2.Tennessee--hot as any team in the league right now. If they weren't so banged up, I'd consider them higher than Oakland
3.Pittsburgh--this isn't an overreaction to Monday's nights beating of Tampa. That was what the team has been capable of doing and they finally showed it. The defensive #s the past 4 weeks for the Steelers are very impressive.
AFC Pretenders:
1. New England--sorry Patriot fans; last season was a fraud. After you win, you lose the hunger.
2. Miami--they'd be a contender if they had home field throughout but I don't trust them if they have to go into a cold weather site.
3. NY Jets--could maybe argue for them but watching their listless effort vs the Bears makes it hard to make a case for them winning in the playoffs.
4. Indy--Sorry, no more games against Houston. That defense hasn't turned the corner as much as the media thinks it has.
NFC Contenders:
1. Green Bay--only negative is their defense against the run. Home field would obviously help.
2. Philly--they've been awesome but I wonder if they've peaked too soon. How rusty will McNabb be in the playoffs?
3. NY Giants--absolutely; they're peaking right now.
NFC Pretenders:
1. Tampa---Pittsburgh exposed what many of us already suspected: they struggle in matchups vs smashmouth teams. Check out their losses this season and last. Except for NO and Minny last year, all the losses were to power teams.
2. San Fran--just not that sold on them. Garcia and Hearst seemed better last year. Double team Owens and they'll have problems.
3. New Orleans--defense is poor; given up 20 or more in every game.
