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Now that every team in the NFL has at least eight games under its belt, we can start thinking about the upcoming playoffs - including the chase for first-round byes.

Heading into Thursday’s game between Oakland and San Diego, 12 playoff spots were very much up for grabs with 20 of 32 teams boasting at least a .500 mark - with 14 having fewer than three losses.

It’ll make for an interesting final 50 days of the regular season, which ends on New Year’s Day.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how the conference races for playoff berths are shaping up (current record in parentheses):

NFC

Sure things: Green Bay (8-0), San Francisco (7-1), New York Giants (6-2).

At this point, those three look pretty good - and with good reason because they lead their respective divisions. All three should coast to division titles - the Packers because they’re well ahead of the other teams, and the Giants and 49ers because the rest of their divisions stinks.

Good bets: New Orleans (6-3), Detroit (6-2), Atlanta (5-3), Chicago (5-3).

Either the Saints or Falcons will take a major step forward when they clash Sunday in the Georgia Dome, while the Lions and Bears will duke it out in the NFC North to finish second to the Packers.

Hanging in: Tampa Bay (4-4), Dallas (4-4), Philadelphia (3-5).

Full article below.
MICKLES: Let talk of playoffs get under way | Saints | The Advocate

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