Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Couldn't resist to add another one right away. Despite Washington being a clear #1 this still looks to be a good one to try and piece together as well as comment on. Yes 12-4 Raiders beat 12-4 Miami head-to-head but of course it was early before #13 took over in the huddle (and go on win at SF in Week #10). Or do Raiders get the #2-nod anyway?

As opposed to '89, the Steelers fell into the playoffs. Do they along with Broncos, Lions, and/or Rams get boxed-out and if so by who (notice I didn't mention Seattle, sweeping Raiders ought to keep them safe)? You can say 9-7 Browns but early win over Lions only true quality win being their finale was against already-in Steelers. 8-7-1 Cards beat both Seattle and at Raiders but there's that -54 point differential. After StL you got SIX 8-8s: Bills, Pats, Packers, Ditka's Bears, Vikings, and Saints! Any of them have a top-ten claim? Is Cincy's 6-3 finish at least worthy of mention?

Like Steelers, Dallas fell into post-season play as well but not nearly as bad. Lose to Wash penultimate week which is understandable and were stuck in the home-wildcard spot no matter what going into that MNF finale at Candlestick. Not knowing just how bad they indeed got (losing to Rams), do 'Boys still get some grace (top-3 spot) considering how seemingly awesome they still were after Week #14 (12-2 and coming off a combined 70-27 vs Cards & at 'Hawks)?

Couldn't resist to add another one right away.

No prob! Keep em coming!

1... Redskins
2... Dolphins... 9-1 finish
3... Raiders
4... Cowboys
5... 49ers
and then there's a biiiig dropoff...
6... Lions
7... Steelers
8... Seahawks
9... Bears... That defense was starting to come together.
10... Bengals... what? at 7-9??? Finished 6-3 and +44 point differential. Ken Riley's last hurrah.

1) Washington
2) Miami
3) Raiders
4) Dallas
5) San Francisco

I followed your example, Chris, by duplicating your top-5 hence putting Dolphins over Raiders. Not knowing what would end up happening in the playoffs you'd have to consider Miami's 9-1 finish along with Marino, not yet a starter, lighting things up with two TDs coming in for Woodley late in that Raiders loss. Yes, big drop off from here but the rest of my top-10 is different...

6) Rams
7) Detroit
8) Green Bay - win over Wash helps break this dangerous squad in
9) Seattle
10) Denver

Had Bradshaw not been injured all year they quite likely avert that season-ending slide hence finish top-5 this list (along with finishing at 12-4 or 13-3). Even better had Senor Sack not suffered what he suffered.

I did take a look at Green Bay. Dickey's career year. Their pass D was weak though. Definitely an interesting "what if" had Bradshaw played that year.