| RANKING THE PLAYOFF TEAMS |
| Team |
Record |
Comment |
| 1. Rams |
13-3 |
The NFC favorites got an extra week of well-deserved rest. |
| 2. Colts |
13-3 |
The defense needs to rebound after a bad final month. |
| 3. Jaguars |
14-2 |
A healthy Mark Brunell would be very good news. |
| 4. Bucs |
11-5 |
If defense wins championships, the Bucs are overdue. |
| 5. Titans |
14-3 |
Thank goodness for Jevon Kearse and the special teams. |
| 6. Vikings |
11-6 |
Win over Dallas was their most complete game. |
| 7. Redskins |
11-6 |
Win over Detroit tempered by injury to Stephen Davis. |
| 8. Dolphins |
10-7 |
Won by running the ball and getting to the quarterback. |
Surprise of the week:
The Cowboys ran the ball just 16 times, a season low, while the Vikings ran it 38 times, a season high.
Coaching move of the week:
What else but the Titans' execution of their kickoff return for a miracle victory over the stunned Bills?
Best matchup for next week:
Everyone has been waiting for the Vikings and Rams to collide to see what kind of points will be scored, and now we'll see it next Sunday.
Game ball for wild-card weekend:
Give it to Vikings running back Robert Smith, who ran the ball a season-high 28 times for 140 yards -- his most carries in more than two years -- and also caught a TD pass
Store it away:
The Redskins might still upset the Bucs next week, even if Stephen Davis doesn't play.
