An Early Playoff Forecast

NFL.com has posted a beautiful (if not hard to find) chart displaying the playoff picture as it stands today. There’s some very interesting stuff going on right now, so let’s take a look at some of the highlights.


• Only five out of twelve teams that would make the playoffs today made the playoffs last year. That’s what separates the NFL from other sports: parity.

• An astounding five out of twelve starting quarterbacks to make the playoffs are aged 35 or over. The list includes Kerry Collins, Kurt Warner, Gus Frerotte, Jeff Garcia, and everyone’s favorite football senior Brett Favre. A year ago, only two over the age of 35 made it: Garcia and Favre (Collins was also in as a backup, but saw no playing time).

• Two teams that finished last in their divisions (and were largely expected to be non-factors) have made their case for a playoff berth: the Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens. The two big birds also happen to feature rookie quarterbacks who have played exceptionally well. It’s been a while since a rookie quarterback brought his team to the playoffs. It’s been a LONG while since two have.

• A team that finished DEAD LAST in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins, is pursuing a wild-card playoff berth. Now that’s impressive.

• The Denver Broncos are only 7-5 but can clinch a playoff spot this week with a win and a San Diego Chargers loss. Now that’s pathetic.

• Three (of four) teams from the NFC South would make the playoffs today.

• The Arizona Cardinals are going to make the playoffs! Seriously, it’s already wrapped up! Holy cow! I’ll be rooting for this underdog.

Fortunately for many of the hard working teams out there, the playoffs DON'T begin today, and the picture will likely be altered in at least one or two ways. The Dallas Cowboys, for example, have an uphill climb to get the wild-card berth, but there's a lot invested in this team and if anyone can do it, they can. Also in the hunt is the Chicago Bears, the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots, and every other team in the NFC East.