The Playoff Push: Miami Makes a Move

Now, the Dolphins aren't a juggernaut that's a lock to win any given week, but out of those eight remaining games, I'd say that Miami and its "Wildcat" offense has a chance to win eight. If it takes nine wins to get into the AFC playoffs - heck, if it takes 10 wins to get into the AFC playoffs, then the Dolphins are right in the mix.

Chad Pennington's playing fine at QB; at the very least, Chad Pennington is not losing games at QB. The running back duo of Ronnie Brown-Ricky Williams has become potent and, as Denver's Jay Cutler found out, the 'Fins defense is no longer a pushover.

Miami is very much in this. Now, onto this week's playoff breakdown:

Explaining: Dallas and New Orleans

Those teams find their way onto the brink for two reasons: 1. They have not shown any signs of running off big win streaks to jump several teams, and 2. They are both in last in their division. So while their records may look right in the thick of things, it is mathematically impossible to make the playoffs from last in the division - so the 'Boys and Saints need to get working.

Show us what you're made of: Baltimore Ravens.

Is this the case of a team that's overachieving on its way to the playoffs? Or is Baltimore simply benefiting from a favorable schedule thus far? Wins over Cincinnati, Cleveland (twice), Oakland and at Miami. Only the wins at Miami and Cleveland instill any additional confidence - tempered by the fact that the Ravens have lost to Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Indianapolis.

Still ahead are games at Houston, the Giants and Dallas, plus home contests against Pittsburgh, Washington and Philadelphia.

This week's trip to Houston is a must-have for the Ravens. Win and they're 6-3 and keep the inside track to a playoff spot - possibly a division title. Lose and they're back in the pack at 5-4 with a filthy schedule looming.

One foot in the ground: Jacksonville Jaguars.

Look, you just can't lose back-to-back to Cleveland and Cincinnati and be in serious playoff contention. And if you lose back-to-back-to-back to Cleveland, Cincinnati and Detroit - like Jacksonville could - then you may as well just turn in your jerseys for the season.

Time to wake up: Denver Broncos.

If it weren't for the near-complete ineptitude of the AFC West this season, Denver would find itself in much more trouble. Instead, coming off of three straight losses - including two at home - the 4-4 Broncos still hold a one-game lead on San Diego.

That lead will be gone by Sunday if Denver doesn't regroup before Thursday night's trip to Cleveland. The Browns have the weapons to pick apart Denver's struggling secondary, and playing a road game on three days' rest is never easy. San Diego then hosts Kansas City on Sunday, meaning both teams could be 4-5 (and tied for first!) by the end of the weekend.

And Finally ... Five Games on the Playoff Radar:

1. Buffalo (5-3) at New England (5-3): The winner takes the inside track - along with the Jets - on the AFC East crown. The loser is left scrambling.
2. New Orleans (4-4) at Atlanta (5-3): The upstart Falcons open a huge three-game homestand. If the Saints lose, they're at least two losses back of every other team in the NFC South.
3. Green Bay (4-4) at Minnesota (4-4): Chicago's quarterback status is up in the air with Rex Grossman in for Kyle Orton - meaning the winner here might become the NFC North favorite, especially if the Pack completes the series sweep.
4. Indianapolis (4-4) at Pittsburgh (6-2): The Colts, despite a Week 9 win, are still teetering on the brink. Meanwhile, the Steelers launch a potential statement-making stretch of four home games in five weeks.
5. Giants (7-1) at Philadelphia (5-3): New York can take a stranglehold on the NFC East, but the Eagles need this one far more.