If you're worried about Tennessee ending with losses in two of their final three games, chill out. They lost by a point in a road division game against rising Houston, then rested the starters against the Colts in the season finale.

If you're worried about Tennessee ending with losses in two of their final three games, chill out. They lost by a point in a road division game against rising Houston, then rested the starters against the Colts in the season finale. The important point is this: Tennessee gets both Pro Bowl defensive linemen back for the playoffs in two weeks, Albert Haymesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Worried about the offense? The Titans scored just two points less than the Colts this season, including their Meaningless Bowl in Week 17. COOL STAT: The Titans went 5-2 against teams with winning records this season.

Straight up, the Giants would be No. 1 with Plaxico Burress in the lineup. They still very well may be the NFL's best, with such depth that their backups and DAVID CARR came a game-ending 50-yard field goal from beating the Vikings on the road last week, with Minnesota fighting for their playoff lives.

Straight up, the Giants would be No. 1 with Plaxico Burress in the lineup. They still very well may be the NFL's best, with such depth that their backups and DAVID CARR came a game-ending 50-yard field goal from beating the Vikings on the road last week, with Minnesota fighting for their playoff lives. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagniulo is the hot coaching candidate on playoff bye week, but he needs to get the pass rush going (only 12 sacks in last 8 games). COOL STAT: In one of the toughest schedule stretches in NFL history, the Giants finished 7-3 against an unprecedented 10 straight opponents with winning records to finish the season.

It took every second this season for Carolina to survive the NFC South, 2008's toughest division in football. But at 12-4 with DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith performing weekly miracles, homefield advantage would not matter for a Panthers team that has travelled to the Meadowlands and beaten the Giants in January before.

It took every second this season for Carolina to survive the NFC South, 2008's toughest division in football. But at 12-4 with DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith performing weekly miracles, homefield advantage would not matter for a Panthers team that has travelled to the Meadowlands and beaten the Giants in January before. COOL STAT: The Panthers are the 4th team ever with two players with 10+ rushing TDs (1960 GB, 1975 BAL, 2002 MIN).

What seemed like an outside-the-box theory a few weeks ago has become NFL mainstream: Peyton Manning appears poised to pick up another MVP award. Consider it well-deserved, considering all the fourth-quarter heroics he performed while playing through knee surgery rehab.

What seemed like an outside-the-box theory a few weeks ago has become NFL mainstream: Peyton Manning appears poised to pick up another MVP award. Consider it well-deserved, considering all the fourth-quarter heroics he performed while playing through knee surgery rehab. If Bob Sanders and the defense is refreshed and can survive the revived Chargers, the Colts may be the chic Super Bowl threat. COOL STAT: During Indy's season-ending 9-game winning streak, Peyton Manning has thrown 17 TD passes against just 3 interceptions.

How dare Mike Tomlin for putting Ben Roethlisberger behind that shaky offensive line for even one play in a game that meant nothing. That line couldn't even save Big Ben from the Browns! The good news is that the QB has an extra week to shake the cobwebs from his Week 17 concussion.

How dare Mike Tomlin for putting Ben Roethlisberger behind that shaky offensive line for even one play in a game that meant nothing. That line couldn't even save Big Ben from the Browns! The good news is that the QB has an extra week to shake the cobwebs from his Week 17 concussion. COOL STAT: The No. 1-ranked Steelers defense allowed multiple offensive TDs in just five of 16 games this season.

It really pays to be Offensive Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan. He can make an extra $1 million if his team wins the Super Bowl or simply $100,000 for a first-round playoff win, $200,000 for a divisional round win and $400,000 for making the Super Bowl.

It really pays to be Offensive Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan. He can make an extra $1 million if his team wins the Super Bowl or simply $100,000 for a first-round playoff win, $200,000 for a divisional round win and $400,000 for making the Super Bowl. Those contract incentives seemed absurd at the time of the signing this offseason. You think other GMs will get stingier with some of that fine print? COOL STAT: The Falcons went 6-2 in games decided by a touchdown or less.

It's not all about the defense in Baltimore. Joe Flacco has been one of the best quarterbacks (not just a game manager) over the season's second half, and the 3-pronged running attack of McClain, Rice and McGahee combined to rank the Ravens fourth in rushing this season.

It's not all about the defense in Baltimore. Joe Flacco has been one of the best quarterbacks (not just a game manager) over the season's second half, and the 3-pronged running attack of McClain, Rice and McGahee combined to rank the Ravens fourth in rushing this season. COOL STAT: The Ravens allowed an NFL-low 10.0 points per game at home this season.

Some of you, OK -- more than a few out there -- are giddy over mean, ol' Bill Belichick (not Beli-CHEAT) not making the playoffs. But don't let your disdain of Dr. Evil's ways take away from his accomplishment this season of getting the Patriots to 11-5 without his main man Brady.

Some of you, OK -- more than a few out there -- are giddy over mean, ol' Bill Belichick (not Beli-CHEAT) not making the playoffs. But don't let your disdain of Dr. Evil's ways take away from his accomplishment this season of getting the Patriots to 11-5 without his main man Brady. Tiebreakers be damned, the Patriots were worthy of another run. COOL STAT: New England led the AFC East in both scoring offense and defense this season.

They've been wildly inconsistent, but when all their pieces are healthy and firing everyone saw in Week 17 against Dallas what the Eagles can do. Philly can dismantle teams, as judged by their seven double-digit wins this season.

They've been wildly inconsistent, but when all their pieces are healthy and firing everyone saw in Week 17 against Dallas what the Eagles can do. Philly can dismantle teams, as judged by their seven double-digit wins this season. But it's when games get tight that the Eagles, their QB and their coaches seem to get tighter. COOL STAT: The Eagles were just 1-4-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less this season.

With Adrian Peterson getting fumble-itis down the stretch, maybe he shouldn't feel the weight of the world on his shoulders with every run. After all, his young QB Tarvaris Jackson may surprise in the playoffs -- judging from his recent play.

With Adrian Peterson getting fumble-itis down the stretch, maybe he shouldn't feel the weight of the world on his shoulders with every run. After all, his young QB Tarvaris Jackson may surprise in the playoffs -- judging from his recent play. The guy threw 9 TD passes against just 2 picks this season ... he must be doing something right. Of course, there's the wild-card matter of facing Mad Blitzer Jim Johnson, Philly's defensive coordinator this weekend. COOL STAT: NFL rushing champ Adrian Peterson fumbled five times in December. THIS WEEK: vs. Giants (12-3)

They are a mystery to fantasy geeks and stat hounds. But in terms of football, the Dolphins are legit because they force other teams to beat them, instead of giving anything away. Miami ranks among the best this season in fewest penalties, dropped passes and turnovers.

They are a mystery to fantasy geeks and stat hounds. But in terms of football, the Dolphins are legit because they force other teams to beat them, instead of giving anything away. Miami ranks among the best this season in fewest penalties, dropped passes and turnovers. This tight ship has the Jets and Chad Pennington to thank for this playoff run, not to mention the Big Tuna. COOL STAT: Miami had the lowest point-differential of all 10-win teams this season (+28).

The San Diego Chargers are the Eagles of the AFC, a team that can explode or implode on you. But did they ever blow up the Broncos last week for the AFC West title. The scary thing was that after a seemingly lost season spent running in quicksand, LT looked awfully fresh against the Broncos and could be a huge difference-maker this postseason.

The San Diego Chargers are the Eagles of the AFC, a team that can explode or implode on you. But did they ever blow up the Broncos last week for the AFC West title. The scary thing was that after a seemingly lost season spent running in quicksand, LT looked awfully fresh against the Broncos and could be a huge difference-maker this postseason. COOL STAT: Dating back to 2006, the Chargers have now won 17 straight games in December.

If they only had a defense, the Saints would be involved in Super Bowl talk and we'd be seeing that Drew Brees birthmark every five minutes on TV. Give the Saints credit, despite several big injuries they hung tough and competed down to the last Hail Mary pass of the season -- which incidentally if completed would have broken Dan Marino's all-time single-season passing record.

If they only had a defense, the Saints would be involved in Super Bowl talk and we'd be seeing that Drew Brees birthmark every five minutes on TV. Give the Saints credit, despite several big injuries they hung tough and competed down to the last Hail Mary pass of the season -- which incidentally if completed would have broken Dan Marino's all-time single-season passing record. COOL STAT: The last team to lead the NFL in scoring and not make the postseason was Dan Marino's 1986 Dolphins.

It has already been announced by Bears head coach Lovie Smith that Kyle Orton will enter next summer's training camp as the Chicago starting quarterback, which should only help evolve the offense.

It has already been announced by Bears head coach Lovie Smith that Kyle Orton will enter next summer's training camp as the Chicago starting quarterback, which should only help evolve the offense. Fixing the fallen defense is the bigger concern, and there are already whispers that the Bears might (gulp) move Brian Urlacher from the middle to strongside linebacker. COOL STAT: After rankiing 5th in defense during their Super Bowl run in 2006, Chicago's defense has finished 28th and 21st in total defense in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

It's hard to believe the Jets missed the playoffs after beating both New England and Tennessee on the road late in the season, but Brett Favre definitely proved the Packers front office correct on one front -- football's "Iron Man" may not have enough vitamins to fight through a full season at his best.

It's hard to believe the Jets missed the playoffs after beating both New England and Tennessee on the road late in the season, but Brett Favre definitely proved the Packers front office correct on one front -- football's "Iron Man" may not have enough vitamins to fight through a full season at his best. That fact should not dim the glow off the future Hall of Famer, but all those interceptions do. COOL STAT: The Jets turned the ball over at least twice in five of their last six games.

From coaching phenom to the possible scrap heap, it's been quite a ride for Jim Zorn as head coach this season. How fractured are the Redskins internally? Does the Washington front office still believe corny Zorny can get Washington back atop the rugged NFC East? Is Jason Campbell still worth sticking with at quarterback? Many questions remain in D.C.

From coaching phenom to the possible scrap heap, it's been quite a ride for Jim Zorn as head coach this season. How fractured are the Redskins internally? Does the Washington front office still believe corny Zorny can get Washington back atop the rugged NFC East? Is Jason Campbell still worth sticking with at quarterback? Many questions remain in D.C. COOL STAT: The Redskins haven't had a winning first-year coach since Dudley DeGroot in 1944.

Sometimes how you finish isn't quite good enough, but Houston fans will hold onto hope that they can be the trendy pick of next summer to finally turn the corner into being a contender. Still, even with all the promising talent on this team, it's somewhat daunting to be grinding against the Colts and Titans every year.

Sometimes how you finish isn't quite good enough, but Houston fans will hold onto hope that they can be the trendy pick of next summer to finally turn the corner into being a contender. Still, even with all the promising talent on this team, it's somewhat daunting to be grinding against the Colts and Titans every year. COOL STAT: After allowing 28+ points in their first five and eight of their first 10 games this season, the Texans held every opponent to 24 or less in their final six games.

Give it up for Mike Singletary, who definitely infused the 49ers with more togetherness and fight than the franchise has seen in quite some time. With word that a five-year extension is on the way, the challenge is now to be able to channel his intensity every week, every season.

Give it up for Mike Singletary, who definitely infused the 49ers with more togetherness and fight than the franchise has seen in quite some time. With word that a five-year extension is on the way, the challenge is now to be able to channel his intensity every week, every season. Other fiery personalities as coordinators (like former 49ers and Packers assistant Ray Rhodes) hit the wall when getting their message home to players each week. COOL STAT: The 49ers are expected to open training camp next summer with their seventh offensive coordinator in the last seven years.

What a waste of talent and an embarrassment of riches and ego. Still, most of us saw this brewing last summer. We watched Team Hubris fawn over itselves on HBO's "Hard Knocks" like a team that, you know, had actually won a playoff game since 1996 (which they haven't, in case this sarcasm falls on blind eyeballs).

What a waste of talent and an embarrassment of riches and ego. Still, most of us saw this brewing last summer. We watched Team Hubris fawn over itselves on HBO's "Hard Knocks" like a team that, you know, had actually won a playoff game since 1996 (which they haven't, in case this sarcasm falls on blind eyeballs). The fact remains that it's a team in need a swift kick in the tush, from the owner down to the equipment manager ... actually, I'll admit, their uniforms look very sharp, I apologize. COOL STAT: Two-time Pro Bowl QB Tony Romo has thrown 16 TDs vs. 20 interceptions over his past 15 games.

This defense either got real old in a hurry or did not know how to deal with the oncoming loss of longtime defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who leaves to coach with his son Lane in college next season.

This defense either got real old in a hurry or did not know how to deal with the oncoming loss of longtime defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who leaves to coach with his son Lane in college next season. But how much of this can be Chucky's fault, when the strength of the team collapsed and cost the team a playoff berth? COOL STAT: After allowing just 16.7 points per game in starting the season 9-3, the Bucs gave up 124 points in their last four games (31.0 ppg).

Where do the Broncos go from here? Talk about an epic collapse, Denver blowing a 3-game lead with three to play might be the worst of this wacky NFL season. Much rope was given to Denver head coach/president/GM/king/czar/ruler Mike Shanahan in recent years, but owner Pat Bowlen finally pulled the plug Tuesday.

Where do the Broncos go from here? Talk about an epic collapse, Denver blowing a 3-game lead with three to play might be the worst of this wacky NFL season. Much rope was given to Denver head coach/president/GM/king/czar/ruler Mike Shanahan in recent years, but owner Pat Bowlen finally pulled the plug Tuesday. COOL STAT: Denver became the first team since division play began in 1967 to blow a three-game lead with three games to go.

Really, it's gross to have a playoff team ranked so low, but even the Cardinals would likely admit they're not getting ripped off here. Here's what we know about this year's Cardinals: They can throw the ball.

Really, it's gross to have a playoff team ranked so low, but even the Cardinals would likely admit they're not getting ripped off here. Here's what we know about this year's Cardinals: They can throw the ball. They can't run the ball. They can't stop good teams. They can't win on the road outside the horrible NFC West. They can't win in the cold weather. Yeah, No. 21 sounds about right. COOL STAT: The Cards host their first playoff game since 1948.

The cleansing has begun in J-ville, as two assistants have been informed by coach Jack Del Rio that their servies won't be needed in 2009. Several other assistants appear headed for unemployment as well, plus general manager James "Shack" Harris.

The cleansing has begun in J-ville, as two assistants have been informed by coach Jack Del Rio that their servies won't be needed in 2009. Several other assistants appear headed for unemployment as well, plus general manager James "Shack" Harris. But how much longer will Del Rio himself avoid the axe? COOL STAT: After being a Top 12 defense in each of Jack Del Rio's first five seasons, the Jaguars sunk to 17th in total defense this season.

Well, the final glimmer for Mike McCarthy and company -- at least that nutty No. 4 didn't make the playoffs with the Jets. Now you can go about your business of building around Aaron Rodgers like a normal team, but another winter without the playoffs next year will be a very cold one for the head coach.

Well, the final glimmer for Mike McCarthy and company -- at least that nutty No. 4 didn't make the playoffs with the Jets. Now you can go about your business of building around Aaron Rodgers like a normal team, but another winter without the playoffs next year will be a very cold one for the head coach. COOL STAT: In 16 seasons under Brett Favre, the Packers had a sub-.500 record just once (4-12 in 2005).

Dick Jauron got a contract extension for this? The Bills ruined a perfectly fine chance to overtake the Patriots by closing the season with a 2-8 freefall. How can Jauron be "the guy" if he's gone 7-9 three years in a row? COOL STAT: Buffalo is the sixth team since 1997 to start 5-1 and miss the postseason.

Dick Jauron got a contract extension for this? The Bills ruined a perfectly fine chance to overtake the Patriots by closing the season with a 2-8 freefall. How can Jauron be "the guy" if he's gone 7-9 three years in a row? COOL STAT: Buffalo is the sixth team since 1997 to start 5-1 and miss the postseason.

Mike Holmgren handled this cursed season with class, and sure deserved better. He has reportedly promised his wife that he will remain sidelined from the sidelines for at least one season, then who knows? COOL STAT: Tight end John Carlson led the team in receptions and yards, joining Steve Largent (1976) as the only rookies to lead Seattle in both for a season.

Mike Holmgren handled this cursed season with class, and sure deserved better. He has reportedly promised his wife that he will remain sidelined from the sidelines for at least one season, then who knows? COOL STAT: Tight end John Carlson led the team in receptions and yards, joining Steve Largent (1976) as the only rookies to lead Seattle in both for a season.

Does Marvin Lewis even want to keep his job at this point? Winning three in a row at the end of a wrecked season doesn't do much but drop the Bengals in the draft order in April. Coming soon are offseason "what will happen with..." stories surrounding their starting WRs.

Does Marvin Lewis even want to keep his job at this point? Winning three in a row at the end of a wrecked season doesn't do much but drop the Bengals in the draft order in April. Coming soon are offseason "what will happen with..." stories surrounding their starting WRs. COOL STAT: The Bengals finished 4-3-1 in their final eight games after starting the season 0-8.

While Al Davis missed his chance to gloat in person at knocking the Bucs, Jon Gruden and Lane Kiffin's pop out of the playoffs last week, Davis will preside over more weird uncertainty this offseason.

While Al Davis missed his chance to gloat in person at knocking the Bucs, Jon Gruden and Lane Kiffin's pop out of the playoffs last week, Davis will preside over more weird uncertainty this offseason. Will interim head coach Tom Cable be back? The real question is: Can Davis get anyone better to take the job? COOL STAT: After scoring just 101 points in Tom Cable's first nine games (11.2), the Raiders scored 84 in their last three games (28.0 ppg).

Romeo must die: coaching-wise at least. And so was the Browns GM Savege-ly cast aside the day after the season-ending shutout at Pittsburgh. Crennel went 0-for-8 against the Steelers and averaged 10 losses per season, which is worse than his old boss Bill Belichick's first go-around with the Browns.

Romeo must die: coaching-wise at least. And so was the Browns GM Savege-ly cast aside the day after the season-ending shutout at Pittsburgh. Crennel went 0-for-8 against the Steelers and averaged 10 losses per season, which is worse than his old boss Bill Belichick's first go-around with the Browns. COOL STAT: After going 10-6 in 2007, Cleveland's 6-win drop-off ties with Jacksonville for the biggest in the AFC.

Our buddy Jason Whitlock finally got rid of Carl Peterson in Kansas City, so tip your glass to Big Sexy, Chiefs fans. Now the new search for a general manager begins. Will the Hunt family be able to pry a Scott Pioli type, or is Martyball really coming back for a sequel? COOL STAT: The Chiefs allowed an NFL-high 222 second-half points this season.

Our buddy Jason Whitlock finally got rid of Carl Peterson in Kansas City, so tip your glass to Big Sexy, Chiefs fans. Now the new search for a general manager begins. Will the Hunt family be able to pry a Scott Pioli type, or is Martyball really coming back for a sequel? COOL STAT: The Chiefs allowed an NFL-high 222 second-half points this season.

Note to Rams brass: DO NOT bring back Jim Haslett. What is so difficult about this decision? The guy lost 10 straight games to end the season. The Rams battled in Week 17, sure. But facts are facts, and Haslett only has one winning season in his coaching career.

Note to Rams brass: DO NOT bring back Jim Haslett. What is so difficult about this decision? The guy lost 10 straight games to end the season. The Rams battled in Week 17, sure. But facts are facts, and Haslett only has one winning season in his coaching career. COOL STAT: St. Louis led after three quarters just three times in 2008, and lost each of those games (vs. Bills, Seahawks, 49ers).

Mr. Marinelli, we wish you well. It sure would have been more fun to laugh at the Lions had the boss been a tyrant, or complainer, or began pointing fingers. Marinelli did none of it, despite a deplorable defense that gave up over 500 points.

Mr. Marinelli, we wish you well. It sure would have been more fun to laugh at the Lions had the boss been a tyrant, or complainer, or began pointing fingers. Marinelli did none of it, despite a deplorable defense that gave up over 500 points. Lions fans looking for new hope are throwing their hands up over an actual PROMOTION of the interim general manager, Martin Mayhew. Only in Detroit ... COOL STAT: Detroit allowed an average of 32.3 points per game in 2008, worst in the league and second worst in franchise history (33.9 in 1948).