Who Wants It...Who Deserves It...Who Doesn't

This past weekend several teams had a chance to clinch playoff spots, solidify playoff spots, or move into playoff spots. This time of year the better teams should rise up and begin playing their best football of the year.

The teams that will go to the playoffs, and advance, are the teams that are peaking now. This past weekend gave us a glimpse of who those teams might be.

Teams That Want It
Jacksonville: The Jaguars went to a frozen Green Bay and took it to the Packers. The Packers were playing for a possible division title, but the Jags came out aggressive and took the early lead. Jacksonville suddenly looks very good for the last spot in the AFC.

San Diego: Nobody would have blamed the Chargers for going to Cleveland and laying a snowy egg. Instead, they went there, shut down the Browns, and ran their way to a division title. Marty knows how to win in the snow and cold, and now Pittsburgh and New England may have somebody else to worry about.

Buffalo: The Bills went on the road and won their 5th straight. And it wasn't close. These guys are playing great football. The competition is stiff, but the Bills have the easy schedule.

Atlanta: They held off a desperate Panthers team and clinched a 1st round bye. Watch out Philly!

Carolina: The Panthers went into hostile territory against a tough team and hung in until OT. If they do get to the playoffs, they won't go stumbling in.

New Orleans: I can't believe I just typed that! The Saints have knocked out two other wannabes in the last two weeks. They may not be dominating the competition, but they're winning. They need a little help, but they are not quitting.

Teams That Deserve It:
New York Jets: We don't hear too much about them, but they are among the best in the league. They took care of business against the Seahawks.

New England, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Indianapolis: The Super Bowl winner should emerge from this group.

Teams That Are Blowing It:
Denver: What happened?!?! The Broncos haven't played well for a month. Blaming Plummer is easy, but the Broncos quit on Sunday. At least they played well in their other losses. Now we have to question their heart.

Tampa Bay: Everything was going their way. Carolina lost, Seattle lost, St Louis lost. Then they gave up two TDs in the 4th quarter to the Saints! Losing at San Diego you can understand, but this?

Seattle: The Seahawks have had every opportunity to wrap this thing up. But can't. If it weren't for the bonehead call to have Moss throw a pass last week, the Seahawks would be handing the division title to the Cardinals next week!

St Louis: The Rams have lost it. Martz has now proven beyond doubt that prior success was Vermeil's accomplishment, not his.

Playing Well, But....
Baltimore: The Ravens still have a good defense, but the offense is letting them down. A tough schedule isn't going to help them the last two weeks.

Green Bay: The Packers let one get away against Jacksonville. Now they have to go to Minneapolis, where they don't usually play well, and play for the division title.

Minnesota: Just when you're about to count them out, the Vikings suddenly play smart offense in the final 3 minutes. Tice apparently would like to stick around a while longer. He'll get his wish if the Vikes can stuff the Packers on Christmas Eve. Still, that defense is troublesome.