The NFL is upside down once again and that’s just the way the league likes it.
With one month remaining, six playoffs teams from last season are out and three more are iffy. Tampa Bay and the New York Giants may be the only NFC teams to return to the postseason while Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Tennessee are the potential AFC holdovers. Pittsburgh appears the only sure division winner to repeat, though Tampa Bay may, too.
This is why Americans love football. Everybody gets a chance in this democratic-like sport. Unlike baseball where few teams truly contend for titles and the Tampas and Colorados gets a shot every decade or so, the NFL comes down to the smartest front offices, fewest injuries and a smidge of talent.
The final month has several fascinating story lines. Can Washington run the calendar for the third time in four years? Will Miami jump from one win to the playoffs? Does Brett Favre triple the Jets four wins in his first year? Could New England fall from 16-0 to out of the postseason? Is Detroit to become the first 0-16 team?
The answers — no, no, maybe, yes and yes.
Washington finished 5-0 in 2005 and 4-0 last season to reach the playoffs. Another 4-0 finish would bring 11-5 and a wild card, but 10-6 might do it, too. The Redskins might need a 3-0 finish and hope for 10-6 because beating Baltimore tonight looks iffy.
Miami is 7-5 after winning one game last season. Dolphins head of football operations Bill Parcells is just a genius in turning around his fifth franchise. Shows the difference of what a real GM can do if Redskins owner Dan Snyder would ever notice. Instead, Vinny Cerrato gets hammered by fans on his own radio show. The wild part is the Dolphins are only one game back of AFC East leader Jets with the two meeting Dec. 28.
The Jets have doubled their wins to eight this season thanks to trading for Favre and adding key free agents. New York looked like the clear AFC East winner after beating undefeated Tennessee only to lose to mediocre Denver. The Jets will probably outlast Miami, but New Yorkers are planning a Subway Super Bowl versus the Giants.
After a minute away from a 19-0 season, New England is 7-5. Losing quarterback Tom Brady early will do that, though Matt Cassel has been unbelievable for someone who hadn’t started since high school. Makes you wonder how good Brady really is and whether the Patriots might trade him and keep Cassel next year when the latter becomes a free agent. With Seattle, Oakland, Arizona and Buffalo remaining, New England could still reach the playoffs.
And poor Detroit. The Lions really have a chance to finish winless. Detroit hosts Minnesota and New Orleans and visits Indianapolis and Green Bay. Honestly, do you see a win there? The NFL is famous for upsets, like the Giants only loss to Cleveland (4-8). But, the automotive industry isn’t the only company in Detroit whose wheels have come off.
Clear your schedule — Santa isn’t the only thing to watch in coming weeks.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
