Playoff Crunch Time: The Jags, the Chiefs and the Rams

Football, unlike many other major sports, has parity as one of its primary draws. The system is designed to make the bad teams better, faster. And as this NFL regular season winds down, there are some opportunities to finally see some new teams in the playoffs, and both games are at 1:00 this Sunday.

First, we have the Jags at the Colts. Analysts have not called Jacksonville out on their talent, or their leadership, or even their ability. The other-other Florida pro team has been questioned about their poise. They'll go into Lucas Oil stadium this Sunday and try to do what has been, up to this point, seemingly impossible for not only them, but also the division rival Texans and Titans both.

They have the opportunity to ruin Indianapolis' hopes of making the playoffs. Again.

And a building block of that win won't just be playing better, but being better. In the past, all the other AFC South teams have been smothered by the moment and faltered at the finish line. By 4:00, we'll see what's left of the Jacksonville's destiny.

At around the same time, Kansas City will head into St. Louis to play the Rams. This game doesn't have the same high drama billing as Jags/Colts with the Chiefs in position to lead the AFC West and the Rams atop the NFC West, but both of these teams are playing for their playoffs lives, too.

With San Diego making their typical run, Kansas City, for the first time in forever, has the chance to win their division and prove that they don't exist to pad Phillip Rivers' stat line.

And the Rams finally aren't awful. What's more, they're good enough to take away the gimme spot the Seahawks have enjoyed in recent memory. With a strong running game, reliable quarterback and savvy defense, they might even make the first round interesting. And even with a win, entrance into the post season isn't guaranteed; but it will be the kind of victory playoff runs are made of. 

So perhaps this Sunday, we'll all see something interesting, and maybe this postseason, some teams will be present that won't make everything look like so much of a rerun. It's not time for a comeback; it's time for an upstart.