Parity seems to be making a huge comeback to the league. Fans of the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants would probably have an argument against that assertion, but there really are no sure picks beyond those two squads. The AFC East, the division to which I'm most partial, is currently a four-way dash to the top. I definitely couldn't have imagined that at this time last year.
So let me embarrass myself now.
First up, the NFC.
East Champs: New York Giants (Currently 8-1)
I don't see the reigning champs finishing any worse than 11-5, and although the remaining three teams in the division are all very much alive, I think they're going to have to settle for a Wild Card. Eli and company look ten times better than last year's championship team, which should absolutely frighten the rest of the NFL.
North Champs: Minnesota Vikings (Currently 5-4)
The Chicago Bears (currently 5-4) could easily win this division, especially if they are able to beat the Vikes in the Metrodome in a few weeks. But the Bears' problem this year, as it has been for the past several years, is the quarterback spot. Kyle Orton thinks he could play this weekend against Green Bay, but something tells me that his high ankle sprain won't be completely healed for little longer. Rex Grossman kept the Bears in it 'til the end against the Titans, but we've seen so much inconsistency from him in the past that we can never safely bank on him. A case can also be made for the Packers (currently 4-5), but I feel that their last two games (OT loss against the Titans and a one-point loss against the Vikes) show their inability to put games away. I give this one to the dudes in purple because they've got a veteran in Gus Frerotte, a stud in Adrian Peterson, and schedule that looks favorable down the stretch.
South Champs: Carolina Panthers (Currently 7-2)
The Panthers will exact revenge on the Bucs in Week 14 for a humiliating loss earlier this year, and, in doing so, will wrap up the NFC South. Kudos to Matt Ryan and the surprising Falcons (currently 6-3), but reality will soon set in, and I don't see that squad keeping pace with Tampa Bay or Carolina.
West Champs: Arizona Cardinals (Currently 5-3)
These guys would have to have a supreme meltdown to not win this, 2008's sorriest division. They could probably finish 8-8 and still not break a sweat about the 49ers sneaking up on them. Oh, and Kurt Warner for MVP? I dunno. Maybe.
Wild Card #1: Washington Redskins (Currently 6-3)
I'll take a page from the CBS pundits and say that the Redskins won't overtake the Giants, but they'll finish a close second because their remaining divisional games are all at home. They've already shown they can handle the Cowboys and the Eagles, so it'll be interesting to watch their rematch against the Giants. Plus, they get to play a couple o' cupcake teams like the Bengals and 49ers. Playoffs? No problem.
Wild Card #2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Currently 6-3)
The defense will get 'em in. The offense will determine whether they stay in or not. I have to admit that I haven't seen them play at all this year, but their remaining schedule looks like they'll have no problem racking up a few wins.
Okay. Deep breath. AFC Time.
East Champs: New York Jets (Currently 6-3)
As much as it pains me as a Pats fan to say this, I think the division will start to take a definitive shape when Favre and the Jets beat New England on Thursday night. The Patriots many injuries are simply going to catch up to them. As I write this, I'm browsing through a story that says Adalius Thomas is likely gone for the season. I think it also comes down to the comparison of QBs. Favre is Favre. The dude will probably have an adjective made out of his name someday to describe outstanding quarterbacks. Matt Cassel is Matt Cassel. Sure, it looks like he's gaining confidence and growing up before our eyes, but in the classroom that is the NFL, he remains a C-student (7 TDs against 7 INTs in 8 starts). The Jets can score more points than the Patriots, and that's the difference.
North Champs: Pittsburgh Steelers (Currently 6-3)
Although the Ravens (currently 6-3) could very well surprise us, this division comes down, once again, to the respective QBs. Ben Roethlisberger has a ring. Joe Flacco is the rookie, and although he's been impressive, I've gotta believe that experience is going to trump inexperience.
Look for the Bengals to play spoiler. Am I joking? Yes. Yes, I am. Ha ha.
South Champs: Tennessee Titans (Currently 9-0)
I think they've padded the lead pretty well. The Colts (5-4) are a distant second. Will they finish 16-0? Of course not. Will they be playing in January? Let me answer that question with another question: is Barack Obama the President-Elect?
West Champs: Denver Broncos (Currently 5-4)
The San Diego Chargers have relegated themselves to sitting on the sidelines come playoff time due to their inconsistent play against teams they could've and should've beaten. Did you see that game this past weekend? The lowly Chiefs would've taken them to overtime were it not for the fact that they have nothing to play for! Now they have to virtually run the table against teams like the Steelers, Colts, Buccaneers and Broncos. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why the Denver Broncos will win the West in spite of themselves.
Wild Card #1: New England Patriots (Currently 6-3)
Look for Cassel's crew to finish right behind the Jets and probably make an early exit in the first round, regardless of whom they play.
Wild Card #2: Indianapolis Colts (Currently 5-4)
It's taken a while for Manning to look like he's fully recovered from that offseason knee surgery, but he's looking like the supremely confident quarterback we're used to. Would I ever count a Manning-led team out of it? Not on your life. Of course, it's also nice to have teams like Houston, Cincinnati and Detroit on your remaining schedule.
As a famous philosopher once said, "it is what it is." If there's one thing I've learned through all of this analysis, it's that being a sports prognosticator isn't as easy as one would believe. Make sure to check back in at the end of December so you can guffaw at my picks. I'll be eagerly awaiting your ridicule!
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