Scroll through the gallery above to see Wayne's latest power poll, and if you're on a desktop or laptop computer, click "show caption" to see his thoughts on each team.
With a quarter of the way to go in the 2015 season, things are beginning to clarify themselves in the NFL.
Carolina has a realistic shot at going undefeated with a schedule of 6-6 Atlanta, at 5-7 New York Giants, at the Falcons and 6-6 Tampa Bay remaining.
I still believe Arizona would win in a matchup with the Panthers, but we won’t know that until the NFC Title Game. Yes, I said NFC Title Game because these two teams are likely going into the post season with the top two seeds and I can’t picture them losing at home in the divisional round.
In the AFC, Cincinnati and Denver are playing the best right now. Injuries have finally derailed the Patriots juggernaut and removed the invincibility factor they have played on all season. Once the Pats get Gronk back, look out, but they likely won’t have home field in the AFC title game.
Dangerous teams
There are two teams out there who could upset the apple cart at the top of each conference.
In the NFC, no one wants to see Seattle. The two-time defending NFC champions no longer rely on their defense to win. They are a potent big-play offense ranking fourth in the NFC in scoring, even without RB Marshawn Lynch and TE Jimmy Graham. However, their veteran defense is also coming on. They’ve given up the fewest points (229) in the conference.
In the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers can put up points and yardage with the best of them! The Steelers went into last week’s games ranking 4th in yardage and 9th in scoring in the NFL, then backed that standing with a 45-10 blowout of the Indianapolis Colts.
Surging
Two teams you have to keep an eye on as the playoffs approach: Kansas City and Tampa Bay.
The Chiefs have won six in a row to pull into a tie with Pittsburgh and the New York Jets in the AFC Wild Card race.
The Buccaneers, under rookie quarterback Jameis Winston, have won three of their last four games, four of their last six and five of their last eight games.
Beware of the young team that is playing better and better each week. That team this year is Tampa Bay.
