As the NFL completes week 13, two things remain clear: Everyone is chasing the Colts and the Seahawks, and those uninterested in the playoff chase are now focusing their efforts on chasing down the elusive Reggie Bush.
AFC East
New England (7-5): New England does not look as dominant as in the past, but with such a weak division they should be able to maintain their spot and get into the playoffs.
Miami (5-7): The Dolphins have managed to win two in a row, including a great comeback against Buffalo. Ronnie Brown is promising, but this team is not ready yet to challenge for a spot.
NY Jets (2-10): Chad Pennington, Jay Fielder, Vinny Testaverde, Brooks Bollinger ... Matt Leinart?
AFC North
Cincinnati (9-3): Cincy has the firepower to compete, but the defense still looks shaky. They will get their playoff spot, but how far they go will depend on their defense.
Pittsburgh (7-5): Ben Roethlisberger has not played well since being injured, and the Steelers are on a three-game losing streak. Outlook = not good.
AFC South
Indianapolis (12-0): 16-0 or rest your starters? What a great dilemma for Tony Dungy.
Jacksonville (9-3): David Garrad will need to bring his “A” game this week. But after Indy, the Jags will have a cakewalk into the playoffs.
AFC West
Denver (9-3): Has Jake Plummer fallen off the wagon back to his old self? Denver is counting on the mistake-free Jake to lead them into the playoffs.
San Diego (8-4): It’s going to be hard for the Chargers to ride just LaDainian Tomlinson into the playoffs.
Kansas City (8-4): Who needs a Priest to bless the team, when a Larry will do just fine. Kansas City will need those legs to run them into the playoffs.
Oakland (4-8): How do you think Randy Moss will react when he can’t even pronounce his quarterback’s name? T-T-Tui-a-as-so-po-po? Well, I am sure Randy’s familiar with the “popo” part.
NFC East
NY Giants (8-4): Eli has got to play better if the Giants want to stay atop the division. The one-two combination of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora is providing good pressure though.
Dallas (7-5): Drew Bledsoe needs some protection with those brick feet of his. After a key loss to the Giants on Sunday, they will need to step up their game to get into the playoffs.
Philadelphia (5-7): All I can say is that was a pathetic performance on Monday Night Football. How far they have fallen.
NFC North
Chicago (9-3): Great defense, non-existent offense. A quarterback controversy is already brewing, with former starter Rex Grossman’s possible return.
Minnesota (7-5): Writer bias: Vikings for Super Bowl! Mark December 1 on your calendar, that is when the Vikings take over the NFC North.
NFC South
Carolina (9-3): Carolina is coming on strong with DeShaun Foster as another weapon. They face crucial games down the stretch against Tampa Bay and Atlanta to secure their position.
Tampa Bay (8-4): It will be tough for a team with such a young offense to make it far. The defense will keep them in the chase though.
Atlanta (7-5): Run Forrest run! I mean Vick. He will never be a pocket passer, let him run.
New Orleans (3-9): The Saints are so important that they get kicked out for a bunch of college volleyball players. Their situation is just messed up.
NFC West
Seattle (10-2): A convincing win against Philadelphia. Shaun Alexander is running for a big contract. This team is the best in the NFC right now.
St. Louis (5-7): There is something to be said about an organization that does not allow its head coach back.
San Francisco (2-10): They might not be in a playoff chase, but they are in the Reggie Bush chase.
