A Wild Week 14

Once again, one man's feeble attempt at handicapping the 2005 NFL Playoffs

AFC
1. Indianapolis (13-0) - With the win over the Jaguars, the Colts clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The only question in Indianapolis is whether or not to rest the starters to avoid injury, or to take a shot at football immortality. Whichever way Dungy goes, don't you just wish he'd keep playing them and take a run at it?

2. Denver (10-3) - It was far from pretty, but yesterday's win over the Ravens was huge for the Broncos, as they managed to stay ahead of the Bengals for the #2-seed and a 1st round playoff bye.

3. Cincinnati (10-3) - Like the Broncos, the Bengals won an ugly game yesterday. You don't get style points, though, and the fans in Cincinnati have suffered too long to worry about cosmetics.

4. New England (8-5) - Miami thwarted the Patriots attempt to clinch the division, but I think we'll all agree that's just a formality at this point. The Pats are playing very well, and are looking like a team that could do a heckuva lot of damage in January.

5. Jacksonville (9-4) - Re-signing David Garrard was one of the best off-season moves any team made this year. He's kept the offense going, and with that defense, they won't be an easy out in January. Oh, and this team's remaining schedule assures them of a spot in the tourney.

6. Pittsburgh (8-5) - Just when you're ready to count them out, the Steelers come up with a huge win against the Bears. They got some help yesterday, too, as both San Diego and Kansas City lost.

7. San Diego (8-5) - That 2-point loss to the Steelers is looming large right about now. If the Chargers finish on the outside, they'll point to that game, and yesterday's loss at home to the Dolphins, as a major reason why they're scheduling tee times instead of flights to Cincinnati or New England.

8. Kansas City (8-5) - No time to dwell on that loss yesterday, as they have a short week to prepare for the Giants on Saturday.

9. Miami (6-7) - The division title is still a possibility, albeit, a remote one. Either way, this team is much improved under Nick Saban.

Mac's Crystal Ball

1. Indianapolis
2. Cincinnati
3. Denver
4. New England
5. Jacksonville
6. Pittsburgh (easier road than SD or KC)


NFC

1. Seattle (11-2) - The road to the Super Bowl in the NFC goes through Seattle this year. WIth all the talk of Indianapolis resting starters, Seattle may be in the same position when the two teams are scheduled to meet on Christmas Eve. In what may be a Super Bowl preview, you'd love for them to go all out and give us a taste. It's not likely to happen, though.

2. Chicago (9-4) - Yesterday's loss confirmed that the Bears lack the ability to come from behind, and that their defense is human, after all.

3. NY Giants (9-4) - They've got a 1-game lead on the Cowboys, but if the inconsistencies on offense (penalties, dropped passes) aren't enough to caste doubt, the injuries to OTs Petitgout, McKenzie and MLB Antonio Pierce should. They beat the Eagles, but the Eagles beat the Giants up.

4. Tampa Bay (9-4) - Nothing is settled in the NFC South.

5. Carolina (9-4) - Again, nothing is settled in the NFC South. The Panthers are the #5-seed right now, but could be the #2-seed next week.

6. Dallas (8-5) - Huge win over the Chiefs, and with the Giants so banged up, the division isn't out of the Cowboys' reach.

7. Minnesota (8-5) - The Vikings are "making another run" at the post-season, and are playing so well, they've likely saved Mike Tice's job. Not sure if that's a good thing or not.

8. Atlanta (7-5) - The Falcons are major players in the playoff picture. With a win tonight, they'll pull to within a game of the NFC South title. The game next week (at Chicago) could have a huge impact on the entire NFC playoff picture.

Mac's Crystal Ball

1. Seattle
2. Carolina
3. Chicago
4. NY Giants
5. Dallas
6. Tampa Bay