“The playoff between the two top-ranked teams will decide the champion of the tournament.”

“Given that impetus, the Jets went on to whomp the Packers and gain the coveted spot in the playoff.”

“Dallas can't afford either to be coughing up points to their Western conference competitors while jockeying for playoff position.”

“Even if this team sneaks into the playoffs as a wild card, it clearly is not a playoff-caliber team.”

“To gain the playoffs as the wild card, a team will need 90 wins, according to the best estimates.”

“Within three seasons, Mariucci had guided the 49ers to the playoffs, a remarkable accomplishment.”