NFL Week 14-15 - Playoff Edition

Didja miss us? Well, we're BACK after a one-week hiatus with our customary rundown of all the NFL action.

Q. Last time out, we talked about the teams which have been eliminated from playoff contention, and by now several more have joined those ranks. In the AFC, we've got Cleveland, Houston, Jacksonville, Oakland and Buffalo. I gotta say, I'm surprised to see the Jaguars on this list. How about you? Any other surprises?

I'm really surprised. Jacksonville had high expectations. And early in the season, no one expected Green Bay eliminated from playoff contention.

Q. Over in the NFC, San Francisco, Green Bay, New Orleans are all out of it. Stunning! These are teams with a lot of talent, many of whom were early picks to go deep into the playoffs. Who's the biggest surprise to you, and why?

Well, San Francisco was never all that good. New Orleans was trapped in a great division. So it comes down to Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers was labeled a phenomenon apparently too early in the season.

Q. Okay, enough with the losers, on to the winners. Despite their loss to the Texans today, the Titans seem head and shoulders above the rest of the NFL. But are they good enough to make a Super Bowl run?

Perhaps not, considering what we saw today. I just can't see them beating an AFC heavyweight if needed.

Q. The Steelers seem very streaky to me. How durable is this team?

They're a good team, but they didn't really show it today with a 13-9 win over the division rival Ravens.

Q. I think the Jets are a little flukey, but Favre's playoff experience will certainly serve them well down the stretch. How good are the Jets?

Very good, but still not good enough to convincingly beat a wounded team like Buffalo or win the AFC East early.

Q. I gotta say -- and not just 'cause I dislike the Rat-Coach -- I think this year's Broncos are pretty weak. You?

Weak, but they've still nearly clinched the AFC West.

Q. The Panthers -- real or fake? I always seem to think of them as tougher than they actually are.

They certainly looked good when they dismantled the Broncos this week.

Q. Are the Vikings really a playoff team?! Why?

I'm honestly not sure. They're a very overlooked 9-5 division leader, so I believe they should be considered one.

Q. And I know I say this every week, but THE CARDINALS?? Does this team belong on the short list of Super Bowl contenders?

Definitely, before their three-touchdown defeat by Minnesota.

Q. The Bucs and Falcons are battling for the remaining playoff spot. Who's got the best shot?

With the way Tampa Bay's defense has been lately, definitely Atlanta.

Q. Other bubble teams include the Bears, Cowboys, Eagles and Redskins. Who of this group has what it takes, and why?

None of these teams are really all that good. You can't call Washington and Philadelphia contenders when they're in third and fourth place in the West, and the Cowboys are disorganized but did pretty well against the Giants and have a good chance of getting a spot. This leaves Chicago, who will most likely get a playoff berth if they win their last few games.

Q. At this point, we can really start forecasting Super Bowl. Knowing what you know now, who do you think will be in Super Bowl whatever-it-is?

The Giants and the Patriots. Yes, again.

Q. And who's gonna win?

The Giants. Yes, again.

Q. Now comes the point where Hen gets to type whatever he wants.

The Lions will most likely go winless at this point.