1. Indianapolis Colts (1) – There is no doubt in my mind that the Colts would’ve beaten the Jets had they actually tried to. This is still the best team in the NFL, almost entirely because they still have the best player in the NFL.
2. San Diego Chargers (3) – Many folks expect the Chargers to win the Super Bowl, but I urge those folks to remember that you can never underestimate Norv Turner’s ability to botch a playoff game. That said, hanging 42 points on the Titans in Nashville when their season was on the line is extremely impressive.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (4) – If the Iggles beat Dallas on Sunday, they will lock up the number 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, which means a first round bye and a home game. A few weeks ago, that appeared to be out of reach, as the Saints were undefeated and the Vikings had only one loss. Amazing what a few strong weeks of winning can do.
4. Dallas Cowboys (6) – Give ‘em credit. They took down the Saints, and then embarrassed a very strange Redskins bunch. Their supposed December demons appear to have been exorcized, which makes their tilt with the Eagles for the NFC East title that much more intriguing. There remains a scenario under which the Cowboys can still lock up the number 2 seed, so this game is quite meaningful for them.
5. New Orleans Saints (2) – Okay, being topped by the Cowboys at their very best is understandable. Messing the bed against the Buccaneers? That’s not very Super Bowlish behavior. Panic button time may be approaching in New Orleans.
6. Minnesota Vikings (5) – Speaking of panic buttons, how does a supposedly ferocious defense cough up 36 points in Chicago? Sure, the Bears played their most inspired game of the year, but that’s inexcusable. Where once it appeared the Saints and Vikings were locks to meet in the NFC title game, we now must wonder whether either one of them gets there.
7. Arizona Cardinals (7) – While the Packers have little to play for this weekend (they will either be the 5th or 6th seed), the Cards have a chance to climb as high as the 2nd seed, which includes some nice swag. A lot of dominoes have to fall their way for that to happen, but you have to believe they will play hard to do their part.
8. New England Patriots (10) – In a game Jacksonville desperately needed to win, the Pats absolutely blew them out. This is not one of the great Patriots teams of earlier in the decade, but would it surprise a soul if they show up in Lucas Oil Stadium with a trip to the dance on the line?
9. Green Bay Packers (9) – If they hadn’t completely destroyed the Seahawks, something would have been wrong. For those keeping score, I still see this as a one-and-done playoff team.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (not ranked) – I am just not sure they can score enough to be a factor in the playoffs. You have to like what a turnaround the Bungalows have made this year, however.