National Football League - "Role Reversal"

The Bengals were dysfunctional all year long, but never more so than on their season-ending play in overtime in which they let the Steelers score on a loooooooooong touchdown pass. You'd have to think that if they could have stayed out of trouble off the field this year, they'd still be playing on it.

The Jaguars, needing only a win to lock things up, put forth a turnover fest against the Titans and followed it with defeats to the Patriots and Chiefs. In addition to those three, the Jags also lost to the Redskins, Bills, and Texans (twice). Their inability to beat up on the little guys ultimately cost them their shot at a title.

The Panthers were defined by inconsistency. They could beat the good teams, and lose to the good ones, or vice versa. Picking them on any given week was like flipping a coin. So it's no surprise that Carolina, an early-season Super Bowl pick, finished at 8-8 and also one game out of the playoffs.  

Now for the good news: There's no reason why all four of my "extra" teams shouldn't be in the playoffs next year. When they play the right way, they should all be in the Top 6 of their respective conferences. But since three of them couldn't do what needed to get done, that leaves the spotlight on...

The New Orleans Saints, my pick to make it to Miami in the NFC. And that's not a "homer" selection either. The Saints are a team with a lot of talent, enthusiasm, and for a change, good karma. You couldn't write a better story than having the Saints go to the Super Bowl.

Too bad the AFC Champs are going to come along and ruin the ending...