Bruins Lose 4-3 in OT as Rangers Fight to Stay Alive

For the Bulletin Board: Lundqvist’s “Lucky Bounces,” Savard’s “#ByeByeTorts”

Jacoby Ellsbury’s Struggles Continue – What Next?

Bill Belichick No Longer NFL’s Highest Paid Coach

If the Playoffs Started Today – NFL Week 6

The Cowboys may not be in a good position to play in their home stadium in February, but the two Jersey teams are on track to face off at that time and place. The Chiefs are still holding on, and the Patriots, despite technically being the second-best team in football, are relegated to the Wild Card, thanks to the J-E-T-S!!! The Falcons, Bears, Saints, and Eagles are all tied with the Giants at 4-2, so anything could happen there. The Bills and Panthers are the last winless teams left; which one will win first, if applicable? Find out, as we see what would happen if the playoffs started as of Tuesday, October 19:

NFC

#1 New York Giants

Holding off the Lions helped the Giants make it to #1, which they’re at thanks to their 3-0 conference record. Still, they did give up 20 points to the Lions, which is something to work on. With Eli Manning on their side, and all division games remaining, the division is New York’s to lose.

#2 Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta may have taken a drubbing in Philly, but don’t forget that they took care of business in the Superdome. Atlanta really is showing the promise they showed in Matt Ryan’s rookie year, which could very well take them to the Super Bowl.

#3 Chicago Bears vs #6 Philadelphia Eagles

Philly is lethal, when their quarterbacks are healthy. Kolb has a concussion. Vick has rib cartilage problems. Not only that, but Julius Peppers is on the prowl. Together, that spells doom for the Eagles.

#4 Arizona Cardinals vs #5 New Orleans Saints

The Saints may have had their early season troubles, but they still have Drew Brees. Arizona is still an offensive team, but without Kurt Warner, they just can’t go punch for punch with the Saints.

AFC

#1 New York Jets

This is a team. Mark Sanchez is surprisingly good, the defense is great even without a 100% Darrelle Revis, and they marched right into Denver and coolly won, something Tom Brady had a problem with last attempt. This is the early favorite to win the Super Bowl.

#2 Pittsburgh Steelers

Big Ben is back, and he picked up right where he left off. Of course, a home game against Cleveland helped. If Pittsburgh can be that good without Roethlisberger, how good can they be with him?

#3 Houston Texans vs #6 Baltimore Ravens

The Texans have a little trouble giving up points (167), which Ray Rice and Joe Flacco will be quick to exploit. Sure, Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will keep them in it, but the Ravens’ defense and offense together should be enough.

#4 Kansas City Chiefs vs #5 New England Patriots

Can you believe we might get to see Tom Brady vs Matt Cassel earlier than scheduled? That being said, the Chiefs’ early season success is wearing off big time, with all three rivals just 1.5 games behind. The Chiefs may be leading the division, but they’re still the Chiefs.

What Might Change Next Week:

• Tennessee, providing they take advantage of the visiting Eagles’ injured quarterbacks, will lead the division following the Texans’ and Colts’ bye week.
• Miami has been kind of decent this year. That could mean Pittsburgh drops right back behind Baltimore (vs BUF).
• Arizona visiting Seattle? You’ve gotta believe Pete Carroll will be hungry enough to dispatch the Cards.

Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, baltimore, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL Playoffs, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers