51.   Sunday, the Giants seemed transformed, the way they walked over and pushed around a Steeler team that desperately needed a victory to remain a viable playoff contender.

52.   Still restless, he moved to Florida for one season and built the Panthers into a playoff contender in their expansion year.

53.   Teams woo players with the promise of playing in a system that enhances their talents and the possibility of performing for a playoff contender.

54.   That grand attitude of which they boast comes apparently at the expense of comparable talent to that of the other Western Conference playoff contenders.

55.   The AFC is becoming increasingly well-balanced, and the Chiefs appear near the bottom of nine playoff contenders.

56.   The Bills oppose two playoff contenders, then would be favored to win against New England and Seattle.

57.   The Cavs looked more like playoff contenders, with six players scoring in double figures.

58.   The Bruins, considered a playoff contender before the season, has faltered badly.

59.   The dismantling of the Bulls is about to begin in earnest when Scottie Pippen leaves for either Houston or another playoff contender.

60.   The Dolphins must play three playoff contenders but would be favored to win their finale at New England.