'98 NFL: At the Half
Surprise! At midway point, Broncos still look like champs
Posted: Wednesday November 04, 1998 12:38 PM
By Peter King
For the first time in a generation, the AFC is not just the better
conference but clearly the dominant one. In each of four consecutive
seasons, from 1977 through '80, the AFC enjoyed at least a 10-win advantage
over the NFC in head-to-head meetings. In no year since has the NFC taken
such a pounding—until this fall. The AFC enjoys a 19-9 lead in
interconference play and should maintain that advantage the rest of the way
as it shoots for a second consecutive Super Bowl win. Here's our projected
playoff lineup, in order of playoff seedings, with final records.
AFC
1. Broncos (14-2) Even without cornerstone tackle
Gary Zimmerman (retired) and with suspect backup Bubby Brister getting
significant time at quarterback, Denver has played better than it did
during last year's title run.
2. Jaguars (11-5) There's a brutal schedule left—two games
against the Steelers, a road game against the Vikings and a home date with
the Bucs—and, even worse, a huge mental block: The road to the Super
Bowl goes through Denver.
3. Jets (10-6) With the best division and conference record of the
four teams that sit atop the AFC East, New York is in the best shape
heading into the second half.
4. Patriots (10-6) The only AFC team with a diverse-enough offense
and a potentially stifling defense to have a prayer of winning at Mile
High.
5. Dolphins (10-6) For Miami to have any success in January,
rookie running back John
Avery has to bust loose a few times and show he can carry the team to
victory.
6. Raiders (10-6) Oakland beats the Steelers in a tiebreaker for
the last AFC wild-card spot, setting up a Heidi Bowl rematch with the Jets
at the windswept Meadowlands.
NFC
1. Vikings (13-3) Two-headed quarterback Randall Cunningham-Brad Johnson makes
Minnesota slump-proof.
2. 49ers (12-4) It's an offensive team for the ages, but
shortcomings at cornerback could hamper San Francisco's title drive.
3. Cowboys (9-7) Being the best in the league's worst division is
nothing to brag about.
4. Packers (11-5) The next three games—all on the
road—are against '97 playoff teams. If Green Bay slips any farther, it
will need three playoff wins away from Lambeau to make a third straight
trip to the Super Bowl.
5. Falcons (10-6) For a coach who's already a Hall of Fame
candidate, Dan Reeves may be doing his best coaching job.
6. Buccaneers (9-7) Considering the strides Tampa Bay made last
season, sneaking into the playoffs as a sixth seed would rank as a major
disappointment.
POSTSEASON
Wild-card playoffs: Jets over Raiders; Patriots over
Dolphins; Cowboys over Buccaneers; Packers over Falcons
Divisional playoffs: Broncos over Patriots; Jaguars over Jets;
Packers over Vikings; 49ers over Cowboys
Championship games: Broncos over Jaguars; Packers over 49ers
Super Bowl XXXIII: Broncos over Packers.
Issue date: Nov. 9, 1998
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