Here are the top 4 advancements in football safety:

1) Mobile Virtual Players

Dartmouth.edu

Head coach Buddy Teevens of Dartmouth College eliminated tackling in practice back in 2010. Instead of players, the team has been using robots, known as Mobile Virtual Players. The equipment was designed by a former Dartmouth football player, in an attempt to limit the brunt of the punishment during tackling drills, sparring humans potential harm. NFL officials are beginning to catch wind of this technology, and they have met with Teevens to discuss the robot’s effectiveness. “We are always interested in new technologies that will improve training techniques with an eye toward the health and safety of players,” says Jeff Miller, NFL’s senior vice president of health and safety policy.

2) BrainScope

BrainScope

The NFL has partnered with General Electric in an effort to discover new safety improvements for the sport. The two businesses recently gave $500,000 to the Maryland-based start-up BrainScope for further development of its mobile device that can conduct and analyze electroencephalograms, enabling the diagnosing of brain injuries immediately after a collision. The products, which use electrodes attached to a mobile device, are not yet cleared for commercial use, but we should expect to see them very soon!

3) Heart Health Questionnaire

The medical community is currently divided on whether EKG screenings are an effective way to uncover heart problems in athletes. Many believe they are unreliable, giving false positives and false negatives, including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. These organizations support the use of a 14-point questionnaire about symptoms and family heart history, which can be assessed by physicians for further testing or monitoring.

4) Guardian Caps

Guardian Caps

Guardian Caps estimates that over 40,000 of its padded coverings are used across the United States by football and lacrosse teams. The padding fits over helmets and hooks to face masks, reducing impact by up to 33 percent. This technology has been cleared by the National Federation of State High School Associations for use in practice and games. The Atlanta-based company is also committed to helping to aid brain injury research, donating 5 percent of its profits to research.

Number 5: Class of 2003

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 5: Terence Newman, CB, Kansas State.

Round 2, pick 38: Al Johnson, C, Wisconsin.

Round 3, pick 69: Jason Witten, TE, Tennessee.

Round 4, pick 103: Bradie James, LB, LSU.

Round 6, pick 178: B.J. Tucker, CB, Wisconsin.

Round 6, pick 186: Zuriel Smith, WR, Hampton.

Round 7, pick 219: Justin Bates, G, Colorado.

What Makes Them Special?

Following the 2002 season, the 5-11 Dallas Cowboys were desperate for a shutdown corner. Terence Newman stepped in and made significant contributions for the better part of nine years. He made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009, intercepting at least three passes in all but one season (2006). Bradie James was one of the most consistent players for the Cowboys in recent memory. He recorded at least 100 tackles in five straight seasons and led the Cowboys in tackles six times. Jason Witten has been a rock for the organization to this day. He has earned 10 trips to the Pro Bowl and will certainly be considered for the Ring of Honor some day.

Number 4: Class of 2005

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 11: DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Troy State.

Round 1, pick 20: Marcus Spears, DE, LSU.

Round 2, pick 42: Kevin Burnett, LB, Tennessee.

Round 4, pick 132: Chris Canty, DE, Virginia.

Round 6, pick 208: Justin Beriault, DB, Ball State.

Round 6, pick 209: Rob Petitti, T, Pittsburgh.

Round 7, pick 224: Jay Ratliff, DE, Auburn.

What Makes Them Special?

On his own, DeMarcus Ware makes for a spectacular draft class. Since his rookie year began, Ware has been one of the top pass rushers in the National Football League, recording 134.5 sacks during those 11 seasons and being selected to nine Pro Bowls. The last draft selection by the Cowboys in 2005, Jay Ratliff, proved to be a stellar defensive player as well. Marion Barber provided several quality years for the team, while Spears, Burnett, and Canty all proved to be great value picks as well.

Number 3: Class of 1990

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 17: Emmitt Smith, RB, Florida.

Round 2, pick 26: Alexander Wright, WR, Auburn.

Round 3, pick 64: Jimmie Jones, DT, Miami (Fla.).

Round 9, pick 221: Kenneth Gant, DB, Albany State (Ga.).

Round 11, pick 277: Dave Harper, LB, Humboldt State.

What Makes Them Special?

Although Emmitt Smith is the only notable name from the 1990 draft class, he stand alone as one of the greatest Cowboys of all time. If a team lands a running back that becomes the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and helps the team win three Super Bowls in four year, then that is good enough to put the 1990 class on the list. Let’s be honest, not many general managers would pass up the opportunity to land one of the greatest running backs in NFL history if it meant forgoing the rest of their draft picks.

Number 2: Class of 1991

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 1: Russell Maryland , DT, Miami (Fla.).

Round 1, pick 12: Alvin Harper, WR, Tennessee.

Round 1, pick 20: Kelvin Pritchett, DT, Mississippi.

Round 2, pick 37: Dixon Edwards, LB, Michigan State.

Round 3, pick 62: Godfrey Myles, LB, Florida.

Round 3, pick 64: James Richards, G, California.

Round 3, pick 70: Erik Williams , T, Central State (Ohio).

Round 4, pick 97: Curvin Richards, RB, Pittsburgh.

Round 4, pick 106: Bill Musgrave, QB, Oregon.

Round 4, pick 108: Tony Hill , DE, Tennessee-Chattanooga.

Round 4, pick 110: Kevin Harris, DE, Texas Southern.

Round 5, pick 132: Darrick Brownlow, LB, Illinois.

Round 6, pick 153: Mike Sullivan, G, Miami (Fla.).

Round 7, pick 173: Leon Lett, DE, Emporia State.

Round 9, pick 235: Damon Mays, WR, Missouri.

Round 10, pick 264: Sean Love, G, Penn State.

Round 11, pick 291: Tony Boles, RB, Michigan.

Round 12, pick 320: Larry Brown, CB, TCU.

What Makes Them Special?

The NFL draft is an exciting time of the year for any team, but it is especially special when you have 18 picks. The draft began with Jimmy Johnson grabbing one of his former Miami Players, Russell Maryland. He was one of the foundational pieces that helped the team win three Super Bowls. Lining up next to Maryland during the height of the Cowboys success was Leon Lett. The Defensive End was an absolute steal in the seventh round. Another steal for Dallas came when the landed Larry Brown in the 12th round. Brown was the starting corner for all three Super Bowls and was one of only four defensive players to win Super Bowl MVP since 1987. On offense, Erik WIlliams was one of the best pickups. He started at right tackle for one of the best offensive lines in NFL history.

Number 1: Class of 1989

The Selections:

Round 1, pick 1: Troy Aikman, UCLA

Round 2, pick 39: Daryl Johnston, Syracuse

Round 3, pick 57: Mark Stepnoski, Pittsburgh

Round 3, pick 68: Rhondy Weston, Florida

Round 4, pick 85: Tony Tolbert, UTEP

Round 5, pick 113: Keith Jennings, Clemson

Round 5, pick 119: Willis Crockett, Georgia Tech

Round 5, pick 125: Jeff Roth, Florida

Round 7, pick 168: Kevin Peterson, Northwestern

Round 8, pick 196: Charvez Foger, Nevada

Round 9, pick 224: Tim Jackson, Nebraska

Round 10, pick 252: Rod Carter, Miami (FL)

Round 11, pick 280: Randy Shannon, Miami (FL)

Round 12, pick 308: Scott Ankrom, TCU

What Makes Them Special?

Troy Aikman certainly was the crown jewel of the 1989 draft class, as a Hall of Fame quarterback who led the franchise to three Super Bowl victories. But the Cowboys did not stop there, they hit on a number of other picks as well. Johnston was a two-time Pro Bowl fullback who helped the team for 11 years. Stepnoski had a six-year stint with the Cowboys, making it to three Super Bowls during this time. The 1989 class does not get enough credit for its help as the core of the Cowboys dynasty during the 1990s. The Dallas Cowboys secured three offensive cornerstones, including their leader.

The Denver Broncos, with Peyton Manning at the helm, defeated the Carolina Panthers by a score of 24-10 in Sunday’s Super Bowl game at Levi’s Stadium. In his 18th season, Manning was able to take home his second Super Bowl trophy. This was certainly a great moment to see for fans who have watched him dominate the field for so many years.

Following the game, Peyton Manning said that he is “very much at peace” as he contemplates retirement from the NFL.

In an interview today, Manning stated: “I’m very much at peace right now and I think, however it works out, it’ll work out the way it’s supposed to. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and to be playing with a group of special guys.”

The veteran quarterback had celebrated the victory with his team all night. Before he makes a final decision on his future he plans to take some time away from the game to think and reflect.

“I got some good advice from my old coach Tony Dungy. He told me just to take some time after this game and not make an emotional decision,” Manning said, referring to his former Indianapolis Colts coach. “There’s been a lot of emotion these past two weeks and certainly in the Super Bowl, so to take some time and to get away and kind of reflect on what’s happened this season and maybe a few other things.”

This was an interesting season for Manning. He struggled to begin the season, looking like a shell of him old self. But when the season is on the line, it is the players like Peyton Manning who shine brightest. He is the ultimate leader and the type of person that anyone would want to have in their locker room.

After this emotional and trying season, Manning certainly deserves some time to relax and enjoy the moment. “I’ve been fortunate to be on a Super Bowl team before and I remember how special that was, almost 10 years ago, and it was just as special tonight,” Manning stated said. “It’s even better when you can celebrate with your family and your friends and I’ve been doing that tonight.”

There is no question that with a Super Bowl win would be an incredible way for one of the greatest football players of all time to would be an incredible way to leave the game. If he decides to hang up his cleats this offseason, it will certainly be sad to see.

1) Carolina Panthers

Carolina had a nearly perfect season, finishing with an incredible 15-1 record along with the conference’s top overall seed in the playoffs. Although they benefited from one of the easiest schedules in the league, as the season went on everyone realized how good the Panthers really are. Now Carolina will need to continue to win as the competition ramps up. They are fortunate to have a week of rest before their quest for a Super Bowl begins.

2) Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals fell apart at home against Seattle, but they still have a bye week to rest up. Arizona has been one of the league’s most impressive teams going into Week 17, and they still remain a massive threat to win the Super Bowl. Their toughest matchup will undoubtedly be Seattle. The beatdown they suffered will not bode well for their confidence if the two teams matchup at some point.

3) Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings pulled off a tough win in Green Bay in Week 17, winning the NFC North division in the process. They finished with an 11-5 record and will now play host to an intimidating Seahawks team this week. There is no question that Minnesota has the talent to win this game and go far in the playoffs, but Seattle has experience on their side. The Vikings defense is certainly good enough to slow down Russell Wilson. However, will their offense be able to do enough against Seattle?

4) Washington Redskins

Through the second half of their schedule, the Washington Redskins have been on a tear. Jay Gruden was criticized for his decision to go with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, but the decision really paid. He has helped develop Cousins into a real quality player who can lead the team to wins. Although they will likely be the underdog in any NFC matchup, they do have home-field advantage to begin the playoffs. The difference in play at home this season has been great, and they will have the chance to surprise everyone with a home playoff victory.

5) Green Bay Packers

The Packers made a late-game push against the Vikings but fell short in the end. The loss cost them the division and home-field advantage in the wild-card round. Surprisingly, the loss actually gives them an easier matchup than the third seed. Green Bay has struggled of late and they seem to be a shell of their old self. Injuries have really slowed the team down, especially on offense. Their defense has been good enough to keep the Packers hanging around, so you can never count them out.

6) Seattle Seahawks

Seattle’s crushing win over the Cardinals sent a loud message to the rest of the conference: the two-time NFC champions are still here and will not go away without a fight. This team strikes fear into every opponent that it faces. The recipe for Seattle’s success is similar to year’s past, however, Russell Wilson has developed into an elite playmaker, now more than ever.

1) Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos propelled themselves into the top overall seed with their 27-20 win over the San Diego Chargers in Week 17. This is a huge advantage as it will keep them in Denver throughout the AFC playoffs as well as give them a bye week to rest. The extra week will also give them some more time to figure out what to do at the quarterback position. The return of Peyton Manning was encouraging, but he was also one of the leaders in interceptions this season despite missing six games. Brock Osweiler has played well but clearly has less upside. The coaching staff will now have to decide whether or not they want to opt for more ball control in Osweiler or a higher ceiling but lower floor in Manning.

2) New England Patriots

New England’s loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 was not pretty. Injuries and a conservative game plan really held the Patriots back. It now has people questioning whether they should have just benched all of their healthy players instead of risking further damage. The week off should allow Julian Edelman to make a healthy return to the field. But there are still plenty of reasons to be concerned with the Patriots right now, as their run-heavy approach was easily stopped by a terrible Dolphins defense.

3) Cincinnati Bengals

Although the Bengals won a tight game against Baltimore, they did not earn themselves a first-round bye. They are now stuck playing on Wild Card Weekend, which the team definitely does not want to do. Cincinnati will now be forced to take on Pittsburgh with Andy Dalton still on the sidelines. Marvin Lewis has built a strong team, but they will likely be the underdogs in their own stadium without Dalton. It may be a tough pill to swallow for Bengals fans, but they have to wait another year to get Lewis his first playoff win.

4) Houston Texans

Bill O’Brien and his team deserve a lot of credit for bouncing back from some major injuries and poor play that plagued the team early in the year. While they will likely be the underdog in any matchup, it will not be by much. Lucky for them, they will have home field advantage against the Chiefs. If quarterback Brian Hoyer is able to return, then the Texans should have a real shot at advancing.

5) Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs may be the hottest team in all of football; they have won 10 games in a row. Led by an amazing defense, Kansas City nearly won the AFC West While storming their way into the fifth seed. Andy Reid has truly been masterful this season. Despite losing their best offense player (Jamaal Charles), the team has not missed a step. Everyone should be nervous about facing the Chiefs this postseason.

6) Pittsburgh Steelers

Thankfully for Pittsburgh, their Week 16 loss to Baltimore did not end up mattering. The Steelers got some much-needed help from the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, as Buffalo took down the Jets. Now they enter the playoffs with arguably the best quarterback in the conference. Their defense has shown glimpses of being Super Bowl-worthy. Their first test will be against AJ McCarron of the Bengals, which is sure to be a favorable matchup.

The 2015-16 football season will be one to forget for the Dallas Cowboys. The team has struggled to produce in the absence of Tony Romo. For the fourth time this season, the Cowboys failed to score an offensive touchdown in their 16-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

It did not matter whether it was Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel or Kellen Moore starting in place of Tony Romo this season, the offense simply could not get anything going.

To make matters worse, Cowboys fans had to watch Weeden complete 15 of 24 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Houston Texans in a 24-8 win against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Cowboys cut Weeden on November 17th.

This season was the first time the Cowboys have had four games without an offensive touchdown since the 2001. The 2001 season was also the last time the Cowboys started four different quarterbacks in one season: Quincy Carter, Anthony Wright, Ryan Leaf and Clint Stoerner.

“It’s certainly been one of the bigger disappointments this year. … Points on the board have to be made through touchdowns first,” said Coordinator Scott Linehan. “Field goals aren’t going to cut it. So it’s been an Achilles heel of ours this year and there’s going to be a time for that evaluation and talking about what we do and what the reasons are and all of that stuff. Last year, we made a really big gain in that area and this year has obviously been the flip side of it. Not going to win enough games if you don’t put enough points on the board on offense, that’s for sure.”

Interestingly, the Cowboys have scored on eight opening possessions this season, including yesterday against the Bills. But the Cowboys were forced to settle for a field goal, a common story this season.

“For whatever the reason, we can’t make a play when we need to make it,” stated Stephen Jones, the Cowboys chief operating officer. “We come out, we drive the ball well, but then we can’t get it in the end zone so it’s settle for a field goal. Then for whatever reason, it deteriorates from there. I feel like we’ve played that game every year this year. It feels like the same game.”

The only good news that you can take away from this season is that the Cowboys will now be in a great position for a top pick in the 2016 draft.

If the draft were to happen today, the Cowboys would have the 5th selection. A top 5 pick would help the Cowboys get a impact player that could truly help their team. According to Stephen Jones, their top need is for a quarterback.

“We probably should have done what we’ve historically done, which is go with the Kitnas, go with the Ortons, go with that type of proven backup in case something does happen to Tony,” Jones explained on DallasCowboys.com.

Unfortunately the did not have a proven backup in place this season, and once Romo went down they were forced to pay for their mistake. “That’s going to be No. 1 on our list, how do we do that better in the future,” continued Jones.

There will be a number of back-up quarterbacks available in the free-agent market this offseason. There are also two highly coveted college quarterbacks on the Cowboys radar, including Jared Goff from California and Paxton Lynch from Memphis. This will give Dallas a lot of flexibility to address their quarterback concerns, in addition to their concerns at running back, defensive tackle and linebacker.

“The rules call for you if you’ve had the season we’ve had to get an advantage in talent coming up for the next year,” stated Cowboys owner Jerry Jones after last Saturday’s 19-16 loss to the New York Jets, “and so we do have an advantage in talent to couple with a roster of really outstanding relatively young players as well as players as the right time in their careers and the right place for us on the cap, so there is a lot to do.”

Source: ESPN

The Dallas Cowboys are arguably the greatest franchise to ever set foot on a football field. While the Packers may boast more NFL championships and the Steelers more Super Bowls, the Cowboys are America’s Team. They have managed to be competitive in every single era and have several Super Bowl wins as well. The Dallas Cowboys have had some incredible teams with some very impressive players. Here are some of the greatest players to ever put on a Cowboys uniform.

1) Roger Staubach (QB, 1969-1979)

His legacy has lived on well past his time on the field. Roger Staubach has remained the face and embodiment of the Cowboys for the last 40-plus years. As a 10th-round draft pick in the 1965 draft, Staubach may be the smartest draft pick in franchise history. He led the Cowboys to four Super Bowls, claiming victory in two of them, and defined leadership for the organization that became “America’s Team.”

2) Emmitt Smith (RB, 1990-2002)

Smith was the anchor for the Cowboys during their three Super Bowl wins in four years in the 1990s. Although he was considered to be too small and too slow, Emmitt Smith retired as one of the most accomplished runners in league history. He was a regular-season and Super Bowl MVP and went on to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. He even holds the record for most postseason rushing yards as well.

3) Bob Lilly (DT, 1961-1974)

Bob Lilly, or “Mr. Cowboy”, was the first player drafted by the franchise in 1961 and became the foundation of Tom Landry’s “Doomsday Defense,” locking down at the defensive tackle for 14 years. Towards the end of his career, Lilly and the Cowboys reached two Super Bowls, winning one of them. Bob Lilly was known for his non-traditional pre-snap stance, in which he lined up with both hands on the ground.

4) Troy Aikman (QB, 1989-2000)

Troy Aikman was the quarterback throughout the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s, although he does not remember playing in Super Bowl XXVIII. On top of the Super Bowl rings, Aikman was voted into six straight Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

5) Tony Dorsett (RB, 1977-1987)

Dorsett ran his way into four Pro Bowls and an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Heisman Trophy winner rushed for 12,739 yards during his professional career. Tony Dorsett us a winner in every sense of the word: he is the only football player to win the college championship (NCAA title at Pittsburgh) and pro championship (Super Bowl XII) in back-to-back years.

6) Michael Irvin (WR, 1988-1999)

Michael Irvin talked as good a game as he played. His physical play actually forced the NFL to adjust the rulebook to prevent physical wide receivers from pushing off helpless cornerbacks. Irvin was voted into five-straight Pro Bowls and the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well. He tallied up a total of 11,904 receiving yards throughout his career and was was a member of the Cowboys trio of Super Bowl triumphs.

7) Larry Allen (OG, 1994-2005)

Larry Allen (along with number 8 on the list, Rayfield Wright) was one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time. Allen was the rock that protected Aikman and blocked for smith, allowing the explosive offense to fire on all cylinders. He was asked to slide all over the line, however, guard is the position for which he will be remembered most. Allen may have been the strongest man in NFL history as well: he recorded a bench press of a whopping 692 pounds.

8) Rayfield Wright (OT, 1967-1979)

Rayfield Wright played all over the field, including tight end, defensive end, and tackle. In addition to his six straight Pro Bowls, Wright played a vital role during the Cowboy’s two Super Bowl titles. He protected Staubach and opened up holes for Dorsett against some of the best defenses in NFL history, such as the Steel Curtain, the Purple People Eaters, and the Orange Crush.

9) Randy White (DT, 1975-1988)

White played on the Dallas Cowboys’ Doomsday defense that led the Cowboys to a Super Bowl XII victory. He was MVP in the Super Bowl win over Denver in the 1977-78 season. Randy White was a member of nine straight Pro Bowls and was elected into the Hall of Fame. White was incredibly strong for his size and extremely quick for his position.

10) Mel Renfro (DB, 1964-1977)

Renfro’s career included 52 interceptions and 10 straight Pro Bowl visits. He was later elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played on four Cowboy Super Bowl teams (winning two), including the last game he ever played against Denver in Super Bowl XII.

Bowl season is almost here, with some exciting games kicking off this Saturday. These games make for some great bonus football and an opportunity for fans to watch their favorite players play one last time. The main event, however, that everyone is waiting for is the second annual College Football Playoffs.

This year’s four-team selection was a little easier than last year’s, with the four playoff teams — Clemson, Alabama, Michigan State, Oklahoma — clearly standing a step ahead the rest of the field. In years past, the selection of teams for the championship game has been met with a great deal of controversies. This year’s selection feels much cleaner in comparison, and we are now set up with two great matchups.

The Orange Bowl will feature a matchup of speed vs. speed when top-ranked Clemson squares off against Oklahoma. On the other side, you will have a matchup of hard-hitting teams in Alabama and Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl.

The computers have been crunching the numbers all season, and it appears that they favor Alabama to win the championship. SB Nation has compiled this data, which details exactly what who is favored in each possible matchup (Note: Bold refers to first round match-ups). 

Source: SB Nation

The Clemson-Oklahoma game is a virtual tossup, featuring a number of dead-even matchups. The Alabama-Michigan State matchup skews toward the Tide.

Based on the probabilities in the links above, here are the likely championship game matchups:

1) Clemson vs. Alabama: 40%

2) Alabama vs. Oklahoma: 34%

3) Clemson vs. Michigan State: 14%

4) Michigan State vs. Oklahoma: 12%

Here is who is most likely to win the national title:

1) Alabama: 42%

2) Clemson: 28%

3) Oklahoma: 22%

4) Michigan State: 8%

It does not really come as much surprise that Alabama is the clear favorite this postseason. On paper, Alabama has it’s best defense since 2011. But they are not locked to win it all by any means. Despite featuring the Heisman trophy winner Derrick Henry in the backfield, their offense is still shaky. Their offensive line is the worst they’ve had since 2007.

The semi-final games for the playoff championships will kick off on Thursday, December 31. While the numbers show that Alabama is favored, if we have learned anything from years past, anything can happen when everything is on the line.

1) Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have taken the league by storm this year. With a 12-0 record, Cam Newton and the Panthers appear to be unstoppable this season. While the New Orleans Saints gave them a run for their money yesterday, the Panthers somehow pulled together to make a comeback and win the game in the last few minutes of the game. This game truly speaks volumes to the resiliency of the Panthers squad. They showed the league that they are capable of weathering an offensive onslaught, which Drew Breese provided, and show poise when the game is on the line. Their remaining schedule is favorable, with games against the Falcons, Giants, and Buccaneers. A 16-0 regular season is a real possibility unless they decide to rest starters once they clinch home-field advantage for the playoffs.

2) New England Patriots

The New England Patriots got off to an incredible start this season, but injuries to their offense are beginning to slow them down. Back-to-back losses against the Denver Broncos and then Philadelphia Eagles make you wonder just how strong of a team they are entering the post-season. The hope to get some of their players back from injury before the playoffs start to help them get back on track. But regardless, when you have Tom Brady at the helm and Bill Belichick still on the sidelines, you can never count the team out.

3) Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have reached the playoffs for four consecutive years, but they also became the first NFL team to lose four straight opening-round games. The Bengals have continued to improve, and this year may finally be the year the team mounts a successful postseason run. The team is firing on all cylinders this year. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are an incredibly lethal combination on offense.

4) Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals continue to cruise their opponents and have established themselves as the second-best team in the NFC behind the Carolina Panthers. The Cardinals proved that this is the case Sunday, when they put a 27-3 beat down on the St. Louis Rams. Their remaining schedule will be somewhat of a challenge as their final two weeks of the season have them matching up against the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks — two teams fighting for Wild Card spots or their divisions.

5) Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos continue to improve with Peyton Manning on the sidelines. The question that remains is whether or not the team is now better with Brock Osweiler under the center. While Osweiler is not doing anything truly spectacular, he is doing a great job of managing the team and eliminating mistakes. Their continued success during this transition is a real testament to the team and shows that they are a contender. They are currently atop the division and are in contention with the Bengals and New England Patriots for a first-round bye.

6) Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are back to their winning ways, coming off two impressive wins against the Pittsburgh Steelers and now the Minnesota Vikings. Russell Wilson and the Seahawks are overcoming their deficiencies and injuries are playing some inspiring football. If the team continues to play at this caliber for the remainder of the season, we can certainly expect to see them make some noise in the playoffs once again.

7) Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have won an impressive six games in a row. They have vaulted themselves into the playoff picture, now occupying one of the AFC wildcard spots. Everything appears to be clicking with the team at just the right time. Alex Smith and Jeremy Maclin have developed a strong connection in the passing game; Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware have proven to be a monster combination at running back in Jamaal Charles’ absence.

8) Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings started the season red hot, sitting at 7-2 just a few weeks ago. Their fortunes have slowly begun to change and the team now sits at 8-4. A loss to the Seattle Seahawks have them no tied with the Packers at the top of the division, but trending in a different direction. They are still in the driver’s seat for a Wild Card spot, but if they are unable to get back to their early-season ways, they are in serious danger of missing the playoffs.

The 2015-16 season for the Dallas Cowboys will be one that many fans hope to forget. The team currently sits in last place in the NFC East, with a 3-8 record. However, the team and fans are not suffering because they their playoff hopes are dead, it is actually the opposite.

The Dallas Cowboys remain just two games out of first place in the division. The Washington Redskins beat the New York Giants on Sunday, giving both squads a record of 5-6. With five games left in the season, the Cowboys are still actually in contention to win the division.

Unfortunately, the Cowboys are once again Romo-less. The quarterback suffered a hairline fracture in his left collarbone in the vicinity of the previous break. The team will not be forced to finish the season with Romo on the sidelines.

This is a devastating blow for a team that is has endured a painful 0-8 record in his absence. Matt Cassel will now be thrusted back into the spotlight, with everyone wondering if he can lead the Cowboys to even one win this season, let alone enough wins to secure the division.

“We have to look at ourselves in the mirror and take full responsibility for it,” Garrett said after the loss to the Panthers. “We have to decide over the next few days what we want to be; what we want to be individually; what we want to be collectively. When we get back together again, early next week to recommit and be the type of team we’re capable of being. There’s nothing we can do to what’s happened up to this point. What we have to do if focus on going forward, learn from the experience we’ve had and be hardened by the experience we’ve had and move forward, take it day by day, game by game.”

Until the Cowboys can prove they are capable of winning a game without Romo, there is no use going through the calculations to see how the Cowboys can make the playoffs. This is a tough pill to swallow for a team with so much promise and a huge opportunity right within their grasp.

Cassel will get his second run as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback after posting four touchdown passes and five interceptions in his previous four starts.

The Cowboys will play a pivotal division game against the NFC East leading Redskins next Monday night. If the Cowboys wish to remain in contention for the playoffs, they will need to secure a victory. The Cowboys still remain confident and ready to reverse the current trends this season.

“We’re still trying to battle,” safety Barry Church said. “It’s definitely going to be hard. We put ourselves in a huge hole right now. We definitely got to battle. There’s no conceding anything. Hopefully the rest of the team feels that way.”