Q: Is the NFL becoming a four-team league? Free agency has seen an arms race develop between the Broncos and the Patriots in the AFC. We've already witnessed the arms race in the NFC West with the Seahawks and 49ers. Panthers, Colts and even Cardinals fans will argue their team can challenge the "big four," but I cannot see anyone displacing any of these teams in the conference championship games this season, regardless of what else happens going forward in free agency and the draft. Just my opinion, but I don't think any other teams are close.

Tom in Boston

A: Don't count out New Orleans. Still, New England and Denver have stepped up. They were the best teams in the AFC last year, and now they are even better with what they did the first week of free agency. It's an interesting dynamic, though. San Francisco and Seattle have young quarterbacks who aren't paid much. They have the flexibility to add an extra few players. The Patriots and Broncos each have a high-paid quarterback who is toward the end of his career, and they are going for it. It should make for a fun season.