Hey gang:
As we head into the final three weeks of the NFL's regular season, the playoff picture -- from where I sit -- is finally taking shape.
As I see it, in the NFC, Dallas and Green Bay are locks to get first-round byes, with Seattle and Tampa Bay grabbing the other two divisions. The Giants are all but a lock to get that fifth seed, and will grab that final wild-card spot.
As I see it, in the AFC, New England will have home field throughout the playoffs, with Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and San Diego winning their divisions as well. Indianapolis will join the Patriots in earning a first-round bye. Jacksonville and Cleveland will get the wild-card spots.
I hate to take the drama out of it, but do any of you think really there is a team out there that can beat the Pats? I didn't think so.
Philadelphia and Baltimore had their chances, but couldn't get the job done and Dallas, with the league's second-best record, couldn't handle New England on the Cowboys' home turf.
Who will lose to -- I mean face -- the Patriots is the bigger mystery.
The NFC playoff will be wide open, with each team having a legitimate shot at making the Super Bowl. And the two teams that are playing the best football in the NFC right now might be the Vikings and Seahawks.
It should make for an exciting January.
Stay tuned.
Until next time, take care and God bless.