11.   But after the Rams game this Sunday, the last four are against playoff contenders -- the Raiders, San Francisco, the Jets and Pittsburgh.

12.   But on the court, those intangibles have hardly made the Nets the playoff contenders they had hoped to be.

13.   But the difference between being just good and becoming a playoff contender depends on the two rookies about to step in as regulars for the first time.

14.   Defensive end Brady Smith said the Patriots debacle was an eye-opener, and being a playoff contender is a bonus.

15.   Eternally optimistic Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains hopeful of rebuilding a solid playoff contender largely because of the changes made last season.

16.   Ever since the Wayne Gretzky trade, the Kings have said this is the weekend the franchise would remake itself from NHL playoff outsider to playoff contender.

17.   Fans started to sour when Shinn traded a parade of stars and fan favorites from a playoff contender.

18.   Few took them seriously back in spring training when they fashioned themselves as playoff contenders.

19.   Fitch is taking the pieces and molding a playoff contender.

20.   Foley called Lucas last Monday before the Jets faced the Dolphins in Miami and produced their third straight victory over a playoff contender.