After nine weeks the NFL is shaping up with some very interesting matchings coming up. At this point there appears to be about ten teams with a decent shot at making it to the Big Game. Over the next four weeks figure in tough schedules, key injuries, and a little luck, and the field should narrow to the top four candidates. At this point The New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans look awfully GOOD. That being said the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins figure to contest the issue strongly.

The schedule factor gives a favorable edge to The Washington Redskins, however, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and Green Bay also have scheduling that could be in their favor. The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles have a little tougher road to hoe.

Also, keeping it interesting over the next four weeks is the emergence of three or four improving teams, i.e. watch Baltimore, New York, and Arizona.

Next, the injury bug and Lady Luck will play their part too. Keep tuned for updates on Big Ben.

As of this early date, Tennessee is 8-0, N Y giants 7-1, Carolina 6-2, Washington 6-2, Pittsburgh 5-2, NY Jets 5-3, New England 5-3, Chicago 5-3, Philadelphia 5-3, Green bay 4-4 and also, still hanging in there Tampa Bay 6-3, Chicago 5-3 , Baltimore 5-3 and Arizona 5-3. Give it three or four weeks and it will look a little clearer.

How do the current win streaks look? Tennessee 8, NY giants 3, Philadelphia 3, Baltimore 3, Washington 2, Chicago 2, NY Jets 2. Just keep in mind some teams have had easier schedules so far but in the end it will even out a little more.

Keep a watch on key matchups. Week 10 Tennessee @ Chicago and N Y Jets @ Philadelphia. Week 11 NY Giants @ New England, Chicago @ Green Bay, Baltimore @ NY Giants Week 12 NY Jets @ Tennessee, Philadelphia @ Baltimore, NY Gs @ Arizona, Week 13 Arizona @ Philadelphia, Carolina @ GB, NY Giants @ Washington, Pittsburg @ New England, Week 14 Philadelphia @ NY Giants, Washington @ Baltimore., Tampa Bay@ Carolina Week 15 Pittsburg @ Baltimore, Week 16 Pittsburg @ Tennessee, Philadelphia @ Washington, Arizona @ New England, Carolina 2 NY Giants, Green Bay @ Chicago, and Week 17 Tennessee @ Indianapolis, and Chicago @ Pittsburg. There you have it, Please keep in mind once the playoffs star it's a whole new ballgame.

May all your sports dreams come true.