Ravens, Giants built for long haul

Originally Published: October 20, 2004

By Randy Mueller | ESPN Insider

In between the elite teams and the cellar dwellers of this NFL season, there exists a group of teams from which will emerge some legitimate playoff contenders. Let's take a closer look at why some of these teams still have a chance to make some noise.

First of all, at the the six-week mark let's take for granted that New England, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Denver, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Atlanta and Seattle look like favorites to win their respective divisions. I know, it's early – the Patriots were 2-3 at this time the year they won their first Super Bowl – and we'll see changes, but bear with me. If the divisions turn out as expected, that leaves four more playoff berths to come from a pack of 10 teams all hovering around .500.

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