Prime Contenders
The Six Top Teams In The Playoff Race

New England Patriots

Solid defense, timely offense and outstanding special teams have quietly carried the Pats to the top of the league. Tom Brady is a better quarterback now than he was when he won a Super Bowl two seasons ago. Bethel Johnson's kick-off returns change games by dramatically altering field position, and who would you rather send in to kick a 45-yard field goal into a January Foxboro wind than Adam Vinatieri? A questionable running game could be their Achilles' Heel, however.

St. Louis Rams

The talent on offense is electrifying, and the offensive and defensive lines may be the best in the league. That's practically a blueprint for championships. Add to that the fact that the Rams' D leads the NFC in takeaways - by a wide margin - and they should be at the top of this list. They also lead the NFC in turnovers, however. If that trend continues into the postseason, it will negate the big plays on both sides of the ball.

Philadelphia Eagles

Andy Reid never panicked. Donovan McNabb battled injuries, played through an early season slump and is now an MVP candidate. Duce Staley's holdout was an early distraction, but McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Correll Buckhalter, and Staley's eventual return propped up the running game to the point where they lead the NFC in rushing touchdowns. The Eagles have always won with defense - they are in the middle of the NFC in terms of yards allowed, but third where it counts: scoring D.

Indianapolis Colts

Teams with something to prove can be dangerous, and the Colts may have more to prove than any team in the league. Only the Chiefs score more, but the key to the Colts' chances rests with their defense. David Thornton, Mike Doss and Dwight Freeney lead a unit that finally brings balance to Indianapolis. They have answered questions about their toughness by winning several close games, but perhaps most impressive has been their ability to bounce back from tough losses.

Tennessee Titans

Jeff Fisher's club has all the classic intangibles needed to win championships - toughness and leadership at quarterback, the best run defense in the NFL, the second best third-down conversion ratio in the AFC and the second highest time of possession in the AFC. Eddie George and their running game, though, are nowhere near what they once were - and that simply puts too much pressure on an injured and aching Steve McNair. They'll have to do it on the road, too.

Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive juggernaut: Dick Vermeil has successfully moved the Greatest Show on Turf a few miles west. Trent Green's play seems to get better and better each week. Priest Holmes borders on unstoppable and is impossible to keep out of the end zone. Dante Hall is a demon on returns; altering games even when he doesn't touch the ball since teams now go out of their way to avoid him. Their leaky run defense may be too much to overcome, however.