For the 15th consecutive season, five or more teams will qualify for the playoffs that were not in the postseason the year before. The Falcons, Bears, Chiefs and Steelers did not make the playoffs in 2009 but have already clinched a playoff appearance this season.
This Sunday, that number may grow to as many as seven. The Jaguars are the remaining club in contention for a playoff spot in the AFC that did not qualify in 2009. Of the five teams in contention for the remaining two playoff spots in the NFC, four did not qualify for the postseason last season: the Giants, Rams, Seahawks and Buccaneers.
As the regular season draws to a close, so does our pick 'em panel for this season. Rabblerousr, by virtue of his picks for this week will take the win for the season. He will walk away with a very impressive winning percentage of 65% or more. Check some of the other panels that publish regularly, and you won't find many pundits with a better record. All our 'newbies' finished strong: Paul is virtually assured of second place, and KD is challenging Dave for the third spot. Brandon sends his regards from his oil-rig and is coasting as the season closes. Aaron is locked in a blogger deathmatch with me for last place and has fiendishly chosen his picks so that the worst that can happen to him is a tie for last place with me, he cannot gain sole possession of last place - that honor could be all mine.
From all of us at BTB, Happy New Year everybody!
Week 17, 2010 Selections