Some atypical contenders are poised to join the usual suspects in the upcoming NFL playoffs.
Heading into Sunday's slate, the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have guaranteed some stability by both advancing into the fourth straight postseason. This time, however, they have unusual company in the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had gone nine seasons without a winning record.
The NFC has especially destructed the status quo. For the first time since 2008, Aaron Rodgers won't lead the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl pursuit. With the New York Giants instead competing for a top draft pick, it's possible only one of last year's playoff participants returns.