We had plenty of upsets this week, and the playoff chase has gotten crazier. With three weeks to go, I'll be adding that analysis to this column. Also, I'm increasing my Power Rankings to fourteen teams, to match the number of playoff teams.
Power Rankings [Last week's position]
1. Buffalo Bills (8-6) [4] : Huge improvement this week, helped by some shocking upsets
2. New England Patriots (9-5) [1] : The Colts pummeled the Patriots
3. Dallas Cowboys (10-4) [5] : The division leader is on the rise
4. Tampa Bay Bucs (10-4) [2] : Call the police! The Saints defense stole the Bucs offense!
5. Arizona Cardinals (10-4) [3] : Our former top team is dropping
6. Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) [6]
7. Los Angeles Rams (10-4) [7]
8. Indianapolis Colts (8-6) [8]
9. Green Bay Packers (11-3) [9]
10. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) [11] : They regained the division lead
11. Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) [13]
12. Tennessee Titans (9-5) [10]
13. San Francisco 49ers (8-6) [15]
14. Denver Broncos (7-7) [12]
Division Rankings [Last week's position]
1. NFC West [1]
2. AFC East [2]
3. AFC West [3]
4 (tie). AFC North [4] : Not a stellar week for the division
4 (tie). NFC East [6]
6. NFC South [5] : The Saints were the only winners, and the Bucs were shut out
7. AFC South [7]
8. NFC North [8] : Only 1/4 of a point separate them from #7
Division and Playoff Races
AFC East : The Patriots lead the division, with the Bills close at their heels. The Bills seem to be strengthening, and the Patriots have lost their momentum. This week will make a huge difference, as the two division leaders face each other. The Pats won the first meeting, so winning again will give them such a strong lead, especially since they face the Jags the next week. A Bills win ties the teams, and a forthcoming win against the Jets would give them a better divisional record. The Dolphins have a slim chance at the division title, and a chance at the playoffs. However, they face three tough opponents remaining on their schedule, so they may not win another game. Two losses take them out of the playoff hunt.
AFC North : This is the tightest division. The Bengals lead now, but it is still anyone's race.
AFC South : The Texans and Jags are out of the race. The Titans lead by one game, but they are losing strength. The Colts could surpass them, although they have a slightly tougher road. If the Colts beat the Cardinals this week, they are likely to win all of their remaining games. They would still need the Titans to lose their remaining division game, or lose their other two games. Neither option seems likely. The Titans will likely win the division, with the Colts sealing a playoff spot.
AFC West : The Chiefs hold a two-game lead and a six-game winning streak. All the Chiefs have to do is win their last division game, or win this week and the Chargers lose. The Chargers are likely to be the division runner-up, and could capture the final playoff spot, after the Colts and AFC East runner-up.
NFC East : Dallas wins the title with one more win. The Eagles are chasing a playoff spot, but they will need some help.
NFC North : Green Bay has won the title. The Vikings are hoping for a playoff spot, and currently hold the last spot. They need to stay ahead of the Saints and Eagles.
NFC South : Tampa Bay wins the title with one more win. The Saints are chasing a playoff spot, but they need some help.
NFC West : The Cardinals and Rams are tied for the lead. The Rams are improving while the Cards are sliding, so the Rams actually seem to have a better chance. They certainly have an easier schedule, as the Cardinals have the hot Colts and strong Cowboys remaining before facing Seattle, while the Rams face the inconsistent Vikings and faltering Ravens before closing against the 49ers. The Rams have the tougher division game remaining, and are already a game behind, so the Rams need to win one more game than the Cardinals in order to capture the division. Both teams will seal a playoff spot with one more win. The 49ers could capture another playoff spot with two wins.
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