[EmpireWF]

As the title reads, it's not too early to be talking about playoff races in the NFL. Now let's do so...

In the AFC:

-Miami Dolphins: 1-5 (0-3 division), a huge let down to most fans, rushing Culpepper back will hurt them this season. Inconsistant QB play is a pain.

-Buffalo Bills: 2-4 (1-2), a decent defense but you just can't have much faith in the offense.

-Cleveland Browns: 1-4 (0-2), a team in complete rebuilding mode. Is Charlie Frye a guy who can turn the franchise around?

-Houston Texans: 1-4 (0-1), they still have trouble blocking for Carr. They possess one of the worst defenses in the game. That equals rare wins.

-Tennessee Titans: 1-5 (0-1), Vince Young's rookie year will be painful but he doesn't have a ton of talent around him.

-Oakland Raiders: 0-5 (0-2), Easily the worst team in the NFL. 'Nuff Said.

Teams in the middle:

These teams are ones where we really can't tell how well they'll be because it's too early for them.

-New York Jets: 3-3 (2-1), as surprising a team as you can find. A seemingly easy schedule helps them down the stretch. Can their offense continune good play?

-Cincinnati Bengals: 3-2 (2-0), they've played down to their recent opponents, c'mon Marvin Lewis, you're better than that.

-Pittsburgh Steelers: 2-3 (0-1), still can't count them out, too much talent.

-Kansas City Chiefs: 2-3 (0-1), a good defense, if the offense can score more, they should improve.

Teams who should make the playoffs include: New England Patriots (4-1, 3-0), Baltimore Ravens (4-2, 1-0...even w/ McNair hurt, their defense is too good), Indy Colts (5-0, 3-0), Jax Jaguars (3-2, 0-1), SD Chargers (4-1, 1-0) and Denver Broncos(4-1, 2-0)

In the NFC: (teams out of it already)

-Arizona Cardinals: 1-4 (1-2 division): The QB switch will halt their progress right away but Leinart should get a feel for the league for next year. And their defense isn't too good.

-San Fran 49ers: 2-4 (1-1): A young offense and one of the worst defenses in the game doesn't help matters.

-Tampa Bay Bucs: 1-4 (0-3): A tough start and they're already playing the rookie QB. Too tough a division as well.

-Detroit Lions: 1-5 (0-3): A good offense, a bad defense. In the same division as the Bears, they won't do much.

-Green Bay Packers: 1-4 (1-1): The offense isn't doing much, what's up with Favre? He's old!

-Washington Redskins: 2-4 (0-2): Yes, I put them here. Why? They started slow again and in the tough division, they won't be able to win with a .500 record (3-3). Try again next year Snider.


Teams still in the hunt include:

Philly Eagles, NY Giants, Dallas Cowboys
Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons
Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams

Four of these teams won't make it.

Did I get any projections wrong?

[dhmn]

You picked AFC teams that 'should' make the playoffs but not NFC?

I'll take Dallas to overcome Philly *IF* T.O. does what he did Sunday, AND Marion Barber (the 3rd) becomes the full time running back.

I hate to say it but I don't think my Vikings will make the playoffs unless they somehow overtake Chicago in the North division.

I'll take St. Louis Chicago Dallas and New Orleans as division winners...with the NFC wild cards going to Carolina and either MInnesota or Seattle (ok.. so I said it first but I gotta give the Vikings defense a little credit even thought the offense hasn't done anything.)

[legend]

This awful beat that the Rams just took is going to take a lot of the wind out of their sails, and I look for them now to fold.

Steve McNair has been washed up for the last three years. The Ravens will be better off without him, but I see them falling by the wayside as well.

I have to wonder about Cuncunnati's coaching. When you have five seconds on the clock and no timeouts, with your options being a 62 yard field goal attempt, a quick out that leaves you a second, or a Hail Mary, to me the worst choice is the 62 yard field goal, but that's what they tried. Good bye Cincy.

Everybody thinks this Chicago team is the 1986 version, but I can still remmeber them not moving the ball against good defenses like Carolina. They won't lose at home though, and if they get that home field thruout, forget it.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Raiders are gone...so are the Texans...Packers probably done...Dolphins are showing life with Joey...

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Dolphins are showing life with Joey...

You're kidding, right?

[legend]

All the coaching "geniuses" have great quarterbacks. Saban is stuck with these clowns until they get someone better. How does Shanahan look with Plummer in Denver? No quarterback equals no chance in the NFL.

[dhmn]

Originally Posted by legend

I have to wonder about Cuncunnati's coaching. When you have five seconds on the clock and no timeouts, with your options being a 62 yard field goal attempt, a quick out that leaves you a second, or a Hail Mary, to me the worst choice is the 62 yard field goal, but that's what they tried. Good bye Cincy.

IF it were in an indoor stadium, MAYBE you try for a field goal that long? The kicker has to kick it so low there's a 60/40 %(or greater?) chance of it getting blocked at the line already. I don't think anyone kicking now will actually achieve what Jason Elam did in 1988 to match Jack Dempsey's record 63 yard field goal either.

[ThePundit]

Saban did the same thing that Lewis did. He tried a 50 yard field goal at the swirling end of Giants stadium. He should have gone on 4th down and tried to get closer. And it was windy in the Meadowlands. A 50 yard field goal there in those conditions is the same as a 62 yarder in TB. I still think Cincy will come back and make the playoffs.

[legend]

Saban had Mare, who has had about a dozen 50 yarders in his career, try a 51 yarder that was wide, but had plenty of distance. Lewis wanted his kicker to practically tie an NFl record, on grass, to win the game.

[kenman923]

I would have to say that I agree, especially watching these games today.

Here's where I see the playoffs:

AFC

East: New England (No brainer)
North: Baltimore
South: Indianapolis (Another no brainer)
West: San Diego

Wild Cards

Denver
Cincinnati

NFC

East: Philadelphia
North: Chicago (No Brainer)
South: New Orleans
West: Seattle

Wild Card

Dallas
St. Louis

[EmpireWF]

Teams Still in Serious Playoff Contention in NFC:

NY Giants
Dallas Cowboys
Philly Eagles
Chicago Bears (clear division winner)
Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams

Teams Still in Serious Playoff Contention in AFC:

New England Patriots (clear division winner)
NY Jets
Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Ravens
Indianapolis Colts (clear division winner)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Denver Broncos
San Diego Chargers