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The regular season is now over and the wild card match-ups have been set. In the AFC, I see the Colts beating the Chargers and the Ravens over the Dolphins. In the NFC, I see the Eagles defeating the Vikings and the Falcons winning easily over the Cardinals. And now to the final power rankings of 2008.

1. Indianapolis Colts- record: 12-4 (rank last week (1): defeated Titans, 0-23)

After nine straight victories, I could not keep my hometown team out of the number one spot any longer. Clearly the hottest team in the league, they will get a chance to revenge last year's early playoff exit against the Chargers.

2. Carolina Panthers- record: 12-4 (rank last week (4): defeated Saints, 33-31)

If not for their overtime lost to the Giants, this would be the NFC's number one seed. Still, this team was LONG overdue for a playoff run.

3. Tennessee Titans- record: 13-3 (rank last week (1): lost to Colts, 0-23)

It will be interesting as to which Titans' team will show up in the playoffs: the team that handled the Steelers' or the team that was handled by the Jets and Texans.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers- record: 12-4 (rank last week (5): defeated Browns, 0-31)

The Steelers will have a bye week for Big Ben to recover from his latest concussion. Do not feel sorry for them, though. Other then mobility, they would not be losing much with Byron Leftwich at quarterback.

5. Miami Dolphins- record 11-5 (rank last week (7): defeated Jets, 24-17)

If there was an underrated quarterback award, Chad Pennington would be my pick for it. He is a reminder that one team's trash is another team's treasure.

6. Atlanta Falcons- record 11-5 (rank last week (8): defeated Rams, 31-27)

This organization has gone through hell in a hand basket. Arthur Blank has to be the most grateful owner in the league.

7. New England Patriots- record: 11-5 (rank last week (6): defeated Bills, 13-0)

The Patriots did what they had to do by winning their final four games. Luck just wasn't on their side this time.

8. New York Giants- record: 12-4 (rank last week (3): lost to Vikings, 19-20)

Losing three of their final four games does not bode well heading into the playoffs.

9. Baltimore Ravens- record: 11-5 (rank last week (9): defeated Jaguars, 27-7)

The Ravens will have their hands full with the Dolphins. Joe Flacco's play may be the difference in their game.

10. Minnesota Vikings- record: 10-6 (rank last week (10): defeated Giants, 20-19)

The Vikings were expected to make the playoffs. It wasn't pretty, but they ARE in.

11. San Diego Chargers- record: 8-8 (rank last week (11): defeated Broncos, 52-21)

The Chargers made sure that the referees would not decide the outcome of this game!

12. Philadelphia Eagles- record: 9-6-1 (rank last week (16): defeated Cowboys, 44-6)

Written off just a month ago, the playoff experienced Eagles are capable of beating anyone.

13. Chicago Bears- record: 9-7 (rank last week (12): lost to Texans, 24-31)

Now that the Bears have finally been put out of their misery, for the love of God PLEASE find a quarterback!!!

14. Dallas Cowboys- record: 9-7 (rank last week (11): lost to Eagles, 6-44)

Talk about a team that wanted their season to end! 

15. New Orleans Saints- record: 8-8 (rank last week (14): lost to Panthers, 31-33)

Drew Brees fell 16 yards short of breaking Dan Marino's single season passing yardage. Better luck next year.

16. Houston Texans- record 8-8 (rank last week (20): defeated Bears, 31-24)

The Texans have been clicking well for the last several games and could be a team to watch in 2009.  

17. San Francisco 49ers- record 7-9 (rank last week (18): defeated Redskins, 27-24)

I would like to say the same for the 49ers, but I'd rather wait to see what moves they make in the off-season first.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- record: 9-7 (rank last week (13): lost to Raiders, 24-31)

I know what moves the Bucs will make in the off-season: NONE!

19. Arizona Cardinals- record: 9-7 (rank last week (22): defeated Seahawks, 34-21)

The Cardinals are clearly the worst team going into the playoffs. Enjoy it while it last because they will not advance past the Falcons.

20. New York Jets- record: 9-7 (rank last week (19): lost to Dolphins, 17-24)

A calculated ‘win now' move that blew up in their face. Now the Jets' coaching staff is next to be blown up.

21. Denver Broncos- record: 8-8 (rank last week (17): lost to Chargers, 21-52)

Another coaching staff that should, but will not be, dismantled.

22. Washington Redskins- record: 8-8 (rank last week (21): lost to 49ers, 24-27)

Jim Zorn is not the worst head coach in the NFL. He's not even the worst head coach in his division.

23. Green Bay Packers- record: 6-10 (rank last week (27): defeated Lions, 31-21)

This is still a talented team that can overcome this disappoint season in 2009.

24. Cincinnati Bengals- record 4-11-1 (rank last week (28): defeated Chiefs, 16-6)

The Bengals ended their terrible season on a somewhat high note by winning their final three games.

25. Oakland Raiders- record: 5-11 (rank last week (29): defeated Bucs, 31-24)

Do you suppose by winning their final two games that will be enough to convince Al Davis to keep Tom Cable? Does anyone else in their right mind want this job?

26. Buffalo Bills- record: 7-9 (rank last week (26): lost to Patriots, 0-13

Did my glowing endorsement of Trent Edwards at the beginning of the season come too soon?  

27. Seattle Seahawks- record: 4-12 (rank last week (23): lost to Cardinals, 21-34)

Happy trails, Coach Holmgren!!!

28. Jacksonville Jaguars- record: 5-11 (rank last week (25): lost to Ravens, 7-27)

Disappointing, just disappointing.

29. St. Louis Rams- record: 2-14 (rank last week (31): lost to Falcons, 27-31)

They lost, but at least they were competitive against a playoff team.

30. Kansas City Chiefs- record 2-14 (rank last week (30): lost to Bengals, 6-16)

I like Herm Edwards, but I would be really surprised if he survives the off-season.

31. Cleveland Browns- record: 4-12 (rank last week (31): lost to Falcons, 27-31)

Let the GM and head coach searches begin! 

32. Detroit Lions- record 0-16 (rank last week (32): lost to Packers, 21-31)

Now officially the worst team over the past 30 years, the only way the new regime CAN go is up!

Five notes from the final week:

1. Not only did the Eagles push their way into the playoffs at the last minute, their thumping of the dysfunctional Cowboys should put the NFC playoff teams on notice. And Donovan McNabb could be auditioning for his future employer when the Eagles travel to Minnesota.

2. The Indianapolis Colts, winners of nine straight games, are the hottest team in the league right now. They will get a chance to avenge their playoff loss last year at home to the Chargers. If the Colts can manage to contain the run this time, they should have no problem beating the Chargers. But that is a BIG if.

3. Only one day after Eric Mangini was fired from the Jets, it is rumored that the Browns are interested in him. Really??? So they want to go from one Belichick bust to another one? Matter of fact; has ANY of Belichick's protégés been successful at ANY level of late?

4. PLEASE, somebody sign Bill Cowher! This is getting ridiculous!

5. This is my final regular season blog for 2008. You may hear from me periodically between now and preseason 2009. Until then, Happy New Years and GO COLTS!