Playoffs - NFL Post-season Picture Gaining Focus

NFL Playoffs Already Out of Reach for Several Teams After Week 5

Oct 14, 2009

It has been a boon or bust season through week 5 for many NFL teams, and though the playoffs are several months away, making picks, NFL-style, is now easier for NFL fans.

With a record-number of divisional leaders undefeated after five weeks, the NFL playoff picture is already clearing in both the AFC and NFC for NFL fans.

Playoffs - NFL Divisional Leaders Rising in the NFC

In the NFC East, the New York Giants, currently 5-0 under the leadership of Eli Manning and a stout defensive front, are the clear class of the division, and for those making picks, NFL teams capable of contesting them are few. While the Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) and Dallas Cowboys (3-2) are both talented squads with good quarterback play, neither have exhibited the type of consistency necessary to catch the Giants.

In the NFC North, Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson have propelled the Minnesota Vikings (5-0) into front-runner status, with only the Chicago Bears (3-1) appearing to be able to compete against them for the division title. This, of course, will depend upon whether Jay Cutler can play consistently well, which is no guarantee. For those making picks, NFL teams undefeated a third of the way through the season are safe bets to make the playoffs, and the Minnesota Vikings are likely no exception.

In the NFC South, the New Orleans Saints (4-0), behind Drew Brees and a surprising defense which has only given up 66 points through four games, appear to be the clear divisional favorites. While the Atlanta Falcons (3-1) could give the Saints a run—with Matt Ryan and Roddy White beginning to shine—both the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are by all appearances out of the playoff picture. For those making playoff picks, NFL teams with leading point differentials are very strong bets, and the Saints stand above most teams in this category, including the Falcons.

Playoffs - NFL Divisional Leaders Which Won't be Caught in the AFC

No team has been more of a surprise than the Denver Broncos (5-0), who under the consistent quarterback play of Kyle Orton and fiery coaching of Josh McDaniels are the clear favorites in the AFC West. No other team is above .500 in this division, and for those making picks, NFL teams which are undefeated and have no competition above .500 after week 5 are very good bets.

In the AFC South, a similar story is brewing with the surprise collapse of the Tennessee Titans (0-5) and subsequent rise of Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts (5-0). With every other divisional foe under .500, the Colts are a solid playoff bet.

Playoffs - NFL Divisions Remaining Wide Open

In the NFC West, three teams will likely battle it out all season long for the divisional crown: the San Francisco 49ers (3-2), Arizona Cardinals (2-2), and the surprising Seattle Seahawks (2-3), which have gotten a boost from the return of Matt Hasselbeck.

In the AFC North, the story has been the fast start by Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals (4-1), which will have a difficult time holing off the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) and divisional power Baltimore Ravens (3-2) in this cluttered division.

Similarly clogged is the AFC East, where the struggling New England Patriots (3-2) and fading New York Jets (3-2) will both attempt to put distance between themselves and the Miami Dolphins (2-3) with their new quarterback, Chad Henne.

NFL fans interested in purchasing playoff tickets can now reference the following 2010 dates:

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