Throughout the season, I discussed the stock of players after each week of the regular season. As we conclude the 2008 NFL year and fantasy seasons come to an end, I will make a twist to the article and discuss the playoff fortunes of teams around the league.
On the Rise
Atlanta
Falcons (10-5)
The Falcons are in the playoffs! The exciting team from the South has locked in a wildcard spot and has an outside chance for a first-round bye with a win over
Miami
Dolphins (10-5)
The Dolphins have won four straight games, which were all close games, but three were on the road. It is never easy to win on the road in the NFL. They’ll need one more victory on the road (in
San Diego
Chargers (7-8)
A 7-8 team on the rise? Sounds ugly, but the Chargers have won three games in a row, while the Broncos have dropped two straight.
Indianapolis
Colts (11-4)
That is eight straight wins for the Peyton Manning-led Colts, who will have to play their playoff games on the road this season. However, that won’t be a problem for a few reasons. Teams have showed they can win the Super Bowl away from home and the Colts are 6-2 on the road this season. No one wants to see Manning enter their building in January. If Bob Sanders can get healthy for the playoffs, beware of the Colts.
On the Fall
Arizona
Cardinals (8-7)
Losers of four of their last five, the Cardinals will look to regain some confidence in Week 17 as they try to get their offense back on track. They have looked awful of late and look like a team that will be one and done come playoff time, despite having home-field advantage in the first round.
Philadelphia
Eagles (8-6-1)
The Eagles could have controlled their own destiny with a win over the Redskins in D.C. on Sunday, but they fell just short. They will need help to make the playoffs in addition to a win against the Cowboys.
Tampa
Bay
Buccaneers (9-6)
Another team that looked like postseason football would be in their future was the Tampa Bay Bucs. They are not in the bracket below because of the quality of opponents they have played, but just three weeks ago they were 9-3. The December schedule got to them, but they still have life and the sixth seed if they beat
On the Fall – Collapse Version
Denver
Broncos (8-7)
See the
New York
Jets (9-6)
The Jets were 8-3 and flying on top of the world after wins over the Patriots and the Titans on the road. What a difference a month makes as the Jets have gone 1-3 over their past four games and have pretty much solidified their plans for January – watching the playoffs from home.
That’s all for this week’s edition. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail me at
pags2122@yahoo.com. Thanks for all of your e-mails so far!