Since I'm bored, I'm going to do a new playoff prediction now that the season is heading into its last regular season leg...
NFC
1. Cardinals
2. Packers
3. Cowboys
4. Falcons
5. Lions
6. Seahawks
The Cardinals would have to drop at least two more games for the Packers or Lions to go into tiebreaker scenarios, and I don't see that happening especially if the Lions or Packers drop a game to New England or each other at the end of the season.
I chose the Cowboys over the Eagles just because I don't trust Sanchez to lead them to the post season.
The Falcons could potentially be the worst team to make it to the post season in NFL history. At 4-6, if they split the games 3-3 the rest of the way, they're already tied for the worst at 7-9.
The Lions and Packers will likely be fighting for the 2nd seed in the season finale. Either team would have to fall two full games behind for that game to be meaningless, and with 6 games to go and relatively easy schedules, that shouldn't happen.
The Seahawks I pick to win more games than the 49ers and Eagles going forward.
AFC
1. Patriots
2. Broncos
3. Colts
4. Bengals
5. Chiefs
6. Steelers
The Patriots are clearly the hottest team in the AFC right now, and they shouldn't get anything less than the 1st seed unless they have a major collapse.
The Broncos have been semi-sluggish in recent weeks, but they have enough talent to go #2 in the AFC.
The Colts are up and down, but I see Andrew Luck leading them to enough wins to out-win the Bengals.
I picked the Bengals to win the AFC North because, while all teams are inconsistent in that division, I think Cincinnati has the most talent.
I picked Pittsburgh and Kansas City for the wild card spots because I don't think Cleveland has enough offensive fire power to win just enough. And Baltimore is so up and down. Then there's the Dolphins who are a pretty good team when Tannehill is playing well, but until he plays that way week-in and week-out, I can't put them in the playoffs.
And while I'm at it, let's do the top 3 MVP candidates.
1. Aaron Rodgers
2. JJ Watt
3. Tom Brady
Rodgers is in the prime of his career, having a better season than he did in 2011 when he had arguably the best season ever for a NFL quarterback. He's leading his team in incredible ways and it's amazing how calm he is in the most critical situations. As of right now, I don't see anyone who would be a close second.
JJ Watt is having not only another dominant defensive year, but also making plays on offense. He's the best defender in the league, and it looks like he might be a pretty solid TE too.
Tom Brady is leading arguably the hottest team in the league right now (only other team to consider is Green Bay), and he doesn't flinch after a mistake. The reason he's behind Rodgers is because he's actually had to recover from mistakes. However, he's playing well enough to be considered elite, despite his slow start to the season. It's amazing how he's able to lead a team while losing offensive talent every year.