How are the Bills in playoff contention?  I looked at the Bills as a playoff sleeper this summer if J.P. Losman built upon his progression from last season and the defense displayed steady improvement throughout the year.  But Losman regressed and the defense has been riddled with several injuries.  How are the Bills overachieving?  One name – #### Jauron and his coaching staff.  Jauron has a very steady approach and is well-respected by players.  His staff includes a lot of good teachers who are getting the most out of a lot of their players.  Jabari Greer, Jim Leonhard, George Wilson, and John DiGiorgio all began the season near the bottom of the depth chart, but have all played notable roles on the defensive side of the ball this season. 

Is losing Roy Williams the final blow for the Lions’ season?  I believe so.  Williams was their lone proven playmaker and they haven’t seen much consistency from the ground game.  Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald are solid complements, but neither can carry a passing game.  The key moving forward is finding ways to utilize the natural skills of rookie Calvin Johnson.  Mike Martz must take the shackles off Johnson and put in position to make plays. 

How much impact does Ray Edwards’ suspension have on the Vikings?  It could be significant.  Edwards is their top pass rusher off the perimeter.  Brian Robison has shown he’s a capable pass rusher, but hasn’t proven he can handle more snaps on an extended basis.  And this cuts into their depth upfront. 

What is the future at running back for the Giants?  They’ve been productive on the ground this season among three primary runners – Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Reuben Droughns.  Droughns’ veteran presence provided insurance whenever Jacobs and Ward were sidelined.  But the question moving forward is the futures of Jacobs and Ward.  Durability is a concern with both runners.  Jacobs did make a lot of strides this season.  He became more comfortable in the passing game.  Ward shows good instincts and toughness between the tackles.  Ward isn’t going to make a lot of big plays, but keeps the changes moving.  He’s not a 16-game starter, but solid number two and tag team partner.  The Giants should have interest in re-signing Ward if the numbers make sense this spring to blend with Jacobs again. 

The only question is the direction of the Giants’ offense.  Eli Manning hasn’t played like a franchise player.  That means they can’t build an identity around the passing game.  It just might have to be established on the ground.  But Jacobs’ durability concerns means the Giants can’t count on building an identity around Jacobs.  This is definitely something the Giants have to think about over the next couple months before the spring begins. 

Does Brodie Croyle’s back injury last week raise any red flags for the future?  Yes and no.  It’s hard for quarterbacks to stay healthy for 16 games in recent years.  That’s something the Chiefs understand.  But at the same time, they are closely monitoring Croyle’s ability to stay healthy down the stretch due to durability concerns coming out of Alabama.  Croyle’s play though has been more encouraging than his pre-season stint in the lineup.  He shows good physical tools to push the ball downfield and has developed a good working relationship with rookie Dwayne Bowe on the field.