11.   As for Smith, he has come from the team with the worst record in football to one that is a win away from clinching a playoff berth.

12.   As added incentive, the Rams can clinch their third consecutive playoff berth with a victory Monday, and they would love to do it against the Saints.

13.   As the new year started, a resignation by Pitino seemed more likely than a playoff berth.

14.   At stake is not only the conference title but a record good enough to earn a precious playoff berth.

15.   Battling for a postseason spot in baseball has always meant more, because the sport has so few playoff berths.

16.   Back then, the Bucks were in the thick of things for a playoff berth.

17.   Beat the Redskins, and a wild-card playoff berth awaits.

18.   Being denied a playoff berth last year keeps the team focused no matter how well things seem to be going.

19.   Boston is still searching for a playoff berth years after Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish retired.

20.   A late spurt could set them up for a wild-card playoff berth.