Ok. The playoff pairings for next week are set. Let's review, students.

AFC:

1. Indianapolis
2. Denver
3. Cincinnati
4. New England
5. Jacksonville
6. Pittsburgh

It's funny. The Steelers were the #1 seed last year, and got screwed by New England (I watched the game, there were some calls that weren't made, etc.). Now, they're a 6 seed, and can conceivably avoid the Patriots altogether.

NFC:

1. Seattle
2. Chicago
3. Tampa Bay
4. New York
5. Carolina
6. Washington

Don't ya just love a changing of the guard?

Wild cards:

AFC: Pittsburgh knocks off Cincinnati. New England eliminates Jacksonville.
NFC: Tampa Bay over Washington. Giants beat Carolina to set up a rematch with Seattle.

Divisional round:

AFC: Indianapolis collects another receipt from the Patriots and knocks the defending champs out. Pittsburgh upsets Denver.
NFC: Chicago eliminates Tampa Bay. The Giants, dedicating their playoff run to the late Wellington Mara & Bob Tisch, avenge their earlier overtime loss to Seattle.

Conference Championships:

AFC: Indianapolis over Pittsburgh, as the burden of not winning the big one moves to "Big Ben".
NFC: Giants go to Chicago and upset the Bears.

Super Bowl 40: Manning vs. Manning.

Peyton and the Colts finally get it done, beating the Giants in a thriller.

Next summer, Peyton & Eli star in a MasterCard commercial together.