The Observer, November 10, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 10
NFL Guru: NFL playoff picture solidifying
Now that each team has reached the midseason point with eight games played, it is easier to forecast possible playoff scenarios. With a legitimate shot at a postseason berth still possible for many teams (well, maybe not the Arizona Cardinals), there are a plethora of clubs worth discussing.
However, there are a few teams who have emerged as front runners for the postseason. It is impossible to think about the AFC playoffs without mentioning the Indianapolis Colts. As the NFL's last remaining unbeaten team for the second straight season (last year they opened 13-0 en route to a 14-2 record), the Colts look to be the best of the conference.
And the kicker? The first half of their season was their tough half, which included road games against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots. Their opponents during the second half of the season have a combined winning percentage of just .406. The Colts aren't dominating opponents like they did last season, but they're winning consistently with contributions from every aspect of the team – offense, defense, and special teams.
The title of the second best team in the AFC could be bestowed upon several teams, but the Broncos earn it based on a defense not usually seen in the thin air of the Mile High City. Denver's defense has been particularly stingy, allowing just 12 points a game (the fewest in the NFL, even less than the Chicago Bears). Take out the 34 points they allowed in a close loss to the Colts and they are allowing less than 10. The offense, stagnant for the first six games of the year, has come alive the past two weeks, scoring 31 points in consecutive games. As quarterback Jake Plummer continues to get back into his groove, the Broncos look to do nothing but improve.
Up until last week, the Chicago Bears were sitting pretty on a dependable defense, a surprisingly perky offense, and a perfect 7-0 record. Then they fell flat on their face last week to the woeful Miami Dolphins, 31-13. That loss, and a last-gasp win against the Cardinals in Week 6, sent shockwaves through NFL team rankings.
The Bears still have the best record in the NFC and a three game lead in their division, but the next few weeks will be critical, featuring road games against the Giants and the New England Patriots. If Chicago can win at least two of their next three, consider their ticket to a first-round bye printed and stamped. If not, the conference is as wide open as it was in week one.
The New York Giants are poised to take the mantle of best in the NFC should the Bears falter, and the G-men get their perfect chance to forcibly wrest control of the conference against the Bears this week at the Meadowlands. The Giants have the momentum right now, riding a five-game winning streak after a horrific blowout loss to Seattle in week three. This game will provide a good indication of how good the Giants really are. The real burden lies on the shoulders of quarterback Eli Manning, who will have to pick up his game (four-game streak of less than 200 yards passing) to keep Chicago's swarming defense from focusing on the run on Sunday.
