Breaking Down the NFL's Playoff Race...What You See May Suprise You

In a bizarre and breathtaking season thus far in 2008, the playoff race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in NFL history, with more surprise teams and great stories coming out then ever before.

We have surprise contenders...Dolphins, Jets, Arizona, Washington, Atlanta, and the Titans, who most surprisingly of all have fielded on of the best football teams in the NFL.

We have familiar faces... Steelers, Broncos, Colts, Giants, Panthers, and the Green Bay Packers, who, without their 37-year old veteran, have turned to Aaron Rodgers and taken the lead in the jumbled NFC North. 

Without further ado...here are the seeds (so far) in the NFL playoffs, and a few that can make a serious run towards the championship.

AFC

No. 1  The Tennessee Titans at 10-0

What can you say about this team?  Undefeated...powerful running game...savvy veteran QB...excellent coach...They will be very tough to beat at home during the playoffs.

No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers at 7-3

This is a team with question marks heading into the playoffs as a potential No. 2 seed. Injury concerns about, as well as shoddy line play, could make this a very weak No. 2 seed. 

However, if the line picks up its play and some injury issues subside, this could be a championship-caliber team, with an elite QB and a suffocating defense.

No. 3. The N.Y. Jets at 7-3

"Broadway Brett" has brought back the Jets. This is a team that is built to last in the playoffs, and no one should underestimate the Brett effect on this team...He has seen and done it all.

No. 4. The Denver Broncos at 6-4

This is a weak No. 4 seed. This is a weak playoff team, period. If it was not for the lights out play of Jay Cutler and some tremendous play of a great Arkansas rookie running back (not that one...oh, and not the other one...) this team would be sitting at 4-6 and basically out of playoff contention.

No. 5.  The Indianapolis Colts at 6-4.

This team is better than 6-4. Peyton Manning is still the best QB in the league. If the rest of the team picks up their play, consider this team a dark horse to win the AFC.

No. 6. The Baltimore Ravens at 6-4

In Flacco we trust.  This team in all reality will probably NOT make the playoffs. They have one of the most brutal stretches in all of football. 

These guys play Philly, Dallas, Washington, and Pittsburgh in the final weeks. IF they make it in, they sure did earn it.

On the cusp ( realistically)

No. 7. The Miami Dolphins at 6-4

Wow. Am I reading this correctly? I believe whoever wins Sunday's New England/Miami game will be the sixth seed in the playoffs. 

I happen to believe it will be Miami.

With a powerful running duo, a dynamic playmaker at WR coming into his own, one of the most intelligent QB's I have ever seen, and a super aggressive defense, this sounds like a playoff-caliber team. 

Watch out, NFL.

No. 8. The New England Patriots at 6-4

A meaningful game in November against the Miami Dolphins.  Who would have thought?  With Brady in the lineup, they would have been top 3.  I do not believe they have the strength to win at Miami, and that will essentially knock them out of the race.

NFC

No. 1. The New York G-Men at 9-1

Eli is the new Peyton. This team is built to win it all. Coughlin has done an amazing job assembling talent. This franchise is the new New England Patriots.

I love Earth, Wind, and Fire...

No. 2. The Carolina Panthers at 8-2

This team scares me as a No. 2.  They will make the playoffs, but look for Tampa to make a run at the South championship.

I love the team...they have a great fiery QB in Delhomme, a great duo of WR's and RB's, solid line and fantastic defense...Something just is not right with them yet...maybe it is the offensive play calling...

No. 3. The Arizona Cardinals at 7-3

Kurt Warner is the NFL MVP. No questions asked.

This team would be nowhere without him, and I consider this a team to watch to make the Super Bowl. You heard me. SUPER BOWL.

No. 4. The Green Bay Packers at 5-5

I do not believe this team will make it to the playoffs. They are currently the No. 4 seed, but I believe this spot will belong to the Chicago Bears.

Aaron Rodgers is playing at a high level, but Chicago has the most agreeable schedule.  The NFC North is a jumble. We will know more about Green Bay Nov. 30 against the Carolina Panthers. 

No. 5. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 7-3

After thrashing Carolina, most thought this was the team to beat in the South.  However, Carolina erupted after that game. 

Tampa has a good QB, good line, and an aging yet solid defense. 

No. 6. The Washington Redskins at 6-4

A very pleasant surprise. Jason Campbell is playing well. The defense is nice, and Clinton Portis is having a career year. Excellent coaching by Zorn.

On the cusp (realistically)

No. 7. The Atlanta Falcons at 6-4

Great heady play from a rookie QB, and a freight train running back could add up to a wild card for this team. However, the remaining schedule for this team gets tough.

A few lucky bounces, and this team could take Washington's place as the NFC's sixth seed.

No. 8. The Dallas Cowboys at 6-4

This team is a surprise, but on the negative side. They should be top three. However, the Romo injury really put them behind. It will take a great effort for them to make the playoffs.

There you have it. The playoff race is far from over, and I can promise the seeds will be different before seasons end. (Although I would not bet against the two current No. 1 teams staying there). 

This has been a great season so far, and I look forward to the finish.