With the NFL season heading into the stretch, the separation between contenders and pretenders is almost complete. Several preseason favorites have struggled, while a few surprise teams suddenly find themselves with Super Bowl aspirations. Defending AFC Champion Oakland is stuck in a black hole and both New York teams find themselves in giant predicaments. Meanwhile, Dallas and Carolina have emerged as favorites in a surprisingly weak NFC. What follows is a rundown of each team and wild estimates at their odds of winning the Super Bowl.
 

Contenders...

Tennessee Titans 2.5-1

The Titans have looked invincible the last two games against quality opponents. They may have the best quarterback in the league in Steve McNair, and Jeff Fisher has proven he can win in the playoffs. If not for the Chiefs’ gaudy record (achieved against inferior opponents), the Titans would be the AFC favorite. I say they are the favorite.
 

Kansas City Chiefs 3-1

Things might be a little more comfortable for the Chiefs if they found a way to lose a game before the playoffs. Putting an undefeated record on the line against hungry teams with a nothing-to-lose attitude in the playoffs could be treacherous. The Chiefs would be best off losing a game or two like the ’98 Broncos, then cruising to a championship.
 

New England Patriots 3-1

These Patriots are certainly better than the team that won the Super Bowl two years ago, but might not be as lucky.
 

Indianapolis Colts 5-1

If the Colts were in the NFC, they would undoubtedly be the favorite.
 

The Jury Is Still Out...

St. Louis Rams 7-1

It’s hard to figure the Rams, but a playoff berth and home field advantage for at least one game in the playoffs seems likely. An all-Missouri Super Bowl is a distinct possibility.
 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-1

The Bucs may have lost their status as The Team To Beat in the NFC, but should get it together in time to make the playoffs. Once there they will doubtlessly be The Team No One Wants To Play. While the Bucs do have five losses, it is not time to panic. This still seems like a team capable of winning three playoff games and might be the only team that could give the AFC champ a game in the Super Bowl.
 

Philadelphia Eagles 15-1

After a huge road win over the Packers, Philly is re-emerging as The Team To Beat in the NFC.
 

Denver Broncos 15-1

With Jake Plummer coming back from a broken foot, the Broncos probably have the best shot at ending the Chiefs’ perfect season and becoming the Team No One Wants To Play in the AFC.
 

Minnesota Vikings 20-1

Throw the ball to Randy Moss. Every play.
 

Washington Redskins 40-1

Steve Spurrier’s wild decision to go for it on fourth down on their own 20-yard line may have lit a fire under the Skins’ skins, and playoff spots are up for grabs in the NFC.
 

New York Giants 40-1

The Giants are the league’s most puzzling team. Is Jeremy Shockey a great player, a cancer, or both? Is Tiki Barber a good running back or a liability? Is Kerry Collins the answer? Can Jim Fassel coach? Most of these questions should be answered by January. If the Giants can right the ship and make the playoffs, they should be the proverbial Team No One Wants To Play.
 

Green Bay Packers 40-1

In a weak division, the Packers might be able to make the playoffs and hope Brett Favre can will them past teams like the Cowboys and Panthers once there.
 

Darkhorses...

Dallas Cowboys 8-1

The Cowboys are one of the de facto favorites in the putrid NFC, featuring an exciting offense and the best points-per-game defense in the NFL. It is hard to imagine this team doing big things in the postseason, though they do have the best coach in NFL history.
 

Carolina Panthers 12-1

At this point you’re either a believer or you’re not. The Panthers are 7-2, with an average scoring margin of just +1.7 points per game. This team is looking a lot like the 2001 Chicago Bears, who went 13-3 before losing quietly in the playoffs. While they will almost surely make the playoffs, I can’t see the Panthers winning more than a game or two once there.
 

Baltimore Ravens 15-1

While the quarterback situation is a joke, especially with Kyle Boller out for the season, the Ravens do have Jamal Lewis, Ray Lewis, a good defense, a savvy coach and a sorry division. They should definitely make the playoffs, where defense and the running game gain even more importance.
 

Miami Dolphins 20-1

“There’s no turning back now. If we’re going to do anything, if we’re going to make a run, it starts this week,” head coach Dave Wannstedt said after getting annihilated by the Titans. With one of the best defenses in the league, a run is not out of the question. The Dolphins must avoid their usual December swoon to make the playoffs and save Wannstedt’s job.
 

Longshots...

Seattle Seahawks 25-1

It’s easy to forget Seattle is 6-3 (tied for third best record in the NFC) and should make the playoffs. The NFC is weak enough that even a mediocre team like the Seahawks could get hot and make a Super Bowl run.
 

San Francisco 49ers 40-1

Despite a losing record, the Niners have a +5.5 scoring margin and may have found an exciting leader in Tim Rattay. San Fran has looked great at times, and might have a chance in the playoffs—if they can string together some wins and sneak in.
 

Barely Breathing...

New Orleans Saints 50-1

Traditionally New Orleans has faded down the stretch, but the Saints appear to be getting better as the season progresses. A playoff berth is not out of the question.
 

Pittsburgh Steelers 50-1

Despite their 3-6 record, Pittsburgh still has a shot to win the pathetic AFC North. A normally dependable defense has struggled and will have to improve for the Steelers to have a chance.
 

New York Jets 70-1

It’s not quite over. The Jets have been looking good in recent weeks and a long winning streak is not inconceivable. It says here the Jets will get at least seven wins.
 

Buffalo Bills 70-1

What happened to this offense? What happened to Drew Bledsoe? In two months, Gregg Williams will be wondering what happened to his job.
 

Cleveland Browns 70-1

The Browns and their horrible offense will not luck into another playoff spot like last year, even in what may be the worst NFL division of the last five years.
 

Cincinnati Bengals 70-1

The Bengals already have five wins, since Chad Johnson has guaranteed a win this weekend over the undefeated Chiefs.
 

Finished...

Arizona Cardinals 1000-1

So long Emmett. It’s been a pleasure.
 

Chicago Bears 1000-1

Blah.
 

Oakland Raiders 1000-1

The defending AFC champs are an incredible 0-9 against the spread.
 

Atlanta Falcons 1000-1

Michael Vick may not be coming back this season, and you can’t blame him.
 

San Diego Chargers 1000-1

With Doug Flutie now at the controls, the Bolts may be able to represent those awesome throwback baby blue uniforms a little better.
 

Houston Texans 1000-1

This team looks like it might be “two years away” for the next five years.
 

Jacksonville Jaguars 1000-1

Jaguars : Bad :: Sasquatch: Sasquatch.
 

Detroit Lions 1000-1

This team sucks.