21.   That is because there are three probable and four possible playoff teams in Buffalo, Miami, New England and maybe the Indianapolis Colts.

22.   The athletic directors also continued discussions on a possible divisional playoff, but Groff said a final decision could be as much as six months away.

23.   The Bulls will visit Thursday when they play the Washington Bullets, a possible playoff opponent.

24.   The NL Central and West leaders, Cincinnati and Colorado, play here this week in possible playoff previews.

25.   The trio will not be eligible for the possible playoff roster.

26.   This series between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers is being touted as a possible playoff preview.

27.   After losing three consecutive games in Oakland last weekend, the Yankees have won three in a row heading into a possible playoff preview against Seattle starting Friday.

28.   After losing three straight games in Oakland last weekend, the Yankees have won three in a row heading into a possible playoff preview against Seattle starting Friday.

29.   Coming off three straight inspiring wins at Oakland, the Cleveland Indians charged up to Safeco Field for a possible playoff preview.

30.   Instead of looking at their victory over Green Bay as a springboard toward a possible playoff run, the Carolina Panthers are concentrating on winning consecutive games.