Ask me at the beginning of the season if I thought the Cleveland Browns had a chance, better yet, a prayer, of making the playoffs, and my answer would have been simple.
No.
I'd probably have even laughed at you for just asking that ludicrous question.
Two-and-a-half months and a lot of football later, and I'm looking like the fool.
Sitting comfortably at an impressive 5-3, the Browns, even in the highly contested AFC, are in prime position to claim one of the two wild-card berths up for grabs.
But why stop there?
Cleveland has just as good a shot at winning the overrated AFC North.
That question, however, could be answered on Sunday when the Browns clash with division-leading Pittsburgh, favored by 10, in one of the most fierce and hate-filled rivalries in all of professional football.
"It is the biggest game, it is the biggest rival game, it's Cleveland and it's for first place in the division," said Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel. "It's still a heated rivalry. It's going to be in our backyard. It's going to be a classic."
It's been anything but a rivalry lately, though, as Pittsburgh, which leads the all-time series 56-55, has won the last eight meetings dating back to 2003.
Until their 38-7 dismantling of Baltimore before a national audience on Monday night, the Steelers (6-2) had quietly gone about their business, winning football games with an explosive offense and their traditonally stout defense.
Ben Roethlisberger, leading the NFL's fifth highest-scoring offense, is now second in the league with 20 touchdown passes after tossing five in the first half against Baltimore. "Fast" Willie Parker is living up to his nickname, too, averaging 96 yards a game, 100.7 yards at home. Even second-year receiver Santonio Holmes is getting into the act, emerging as one of the most-feared deep threats in the game by averaging 17.9 yards a catch with six touchdowns.
And the Steelers' defense, despite the loss of ubiquitous linebacker Joey Porter, who defected to lowly Miami in the offseason, is better than ever, ranking first in the league in points allowed (12.2), yards allowed (237.8) and passing yards allowed (161.8).
The Browns, on the other hand, are perhaps the most unbalanced second-place team in the history of football.
Quarterback Derek Anderson, anointed the starter in Week 2 after Charlie Frye was dispatched to Seattle, has thrown 17 touchdowns to nine interceptions and has Cleveland playing its best football in what seems like decades.
Along with up-and-coming wide receiver Braylon Edwards (nine touchdowns) and formerly embattled running back Jamal Lewis, who found the end zone a career-high four times last week in a 33-30 statement-making, overtime victory over the Seahawks, Anderson and the Browns are averaging 28.4 points and 365.4 yards per game, both better than the Steelers, and own a better record than every team in the AFC West.
The trouble is, their defense is as porous as a sieve.
In three losses, Cleveland has surrendered just over 31 points a game, including a 34-7 blowout at home against Pittsburgh in the first game of the season.
Even in their victories, the Browns are giving up nearly 28 points, but, somehow, continue finding ways to win.
Ranking last in yards allowed (411.8) and passing yards allowed (276.6) and 30th in points given up (29.1), some are probably wondering how Cleveland is even above .500.
Simply put, they're outscoring their opponents.
And there's no question they'll have to do that on Sunday.
"Their offense is high-octane now. We've got to show up," said Steelers right tackle Willie Colon. "They're not the doormat of our division anymore. They're the Cleveland Browns, and it's going to be a dogfight."
Riding their first three-game winning streak since 2001, the only team compromising a possible four-game stretch being the New England Patriots, the last undefeated team in the league who topped Cleveland 34-17 in early October, the Browns are just one victory shy of tying their state-bordering rivals atop the division.
But regardless of the outcome, Cleveland will still be in the driver's seat cruising toward the Postseason Highway.
Following the showdown with the Steelers, their remaining schedule consists of Baltimore, Houston, Arizona, the Jets, Buffalo, Cincinnati and San Francisco, teams combining for an abysmal 20-38 record.
So, what sounded crazy in August, now seems a bit more plausible in November.
Are you ready Cleveland?
BROWNS, 35-34.
Buffalo (minus 3) at Miami
The Miami Heat just lost their 17th straight game, including preseason, dating back to last season. Coincidence? I think not. BILLS, 34-14.
St. Louis (plus 11 1/2) at New Orleans
The Rams can officially start panicking, too. SAINTS, 38-24.
Denver (plus 3) at Kansas City
Priest Holmes, starting in place of the injured Larry Johnson, might earn his job back after facing the league's worst run defense (161.5 yards per game). CHIEFS, 30-21.
Jacksonville (plus 4) at Tennessee
Titans won by three in the season opener. Jacksonville returns the favor. JAGUARS, 17-14.
Minnesota (plus 6) at Green Bay
Adrian Peterson is the NFL's best running back right now. Brett Favre may be the greatest quarterback in NFL history. PACKERS, 27-24.
Philadelphia (plus 3) at Washington
Donovan McNabb said the road to the NFC East title runs through Philly. Clinton Portis will do exactly that. REDSKINS, 24-22.
Atlanta (plus 4) at Carolina
Panthers lost their first road game of the year last week. Now, they win their first home game. PANTHERS, 31-17.
Cincinnati (plus 4 1/2) at Baltimore
Both teams are desperate for a win. Cincy needs it more. BENGALS, 28-20.
Chicago (minus 3 1/2) at Oakland
Both teams could use Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden. Oakland needs him more. BEARS, 26-17.
Dallas (minus 1 1/2) at New York Giants
Aren't you supposed to get three points for playing at home? Especially when you've won six straight? GIANTS, 24-21.
Detroit (plus 1) at Arizona
Oddsmakers must have amnesia. Detroit (6-2) as underdogs against a 3-5 team? Come on. LIONS, 38-28.
Indianapolis (minus 3 1/2) at San Diego
Peyton Manning was denied his 100th career victory last week. Keep trying. CHARGERS, 31-28.
Monday
San Francisco (plus 10) at Seattle
The 49ers first-round draft pick, owned by New England, just keeps getting better and better. SEAHAWKS, 41-17.
LAST WEEK: 7-7 (spread); 9-5 (straight up)
SEASON: 73-47-9 (spread); 83-47 (straight up)
Comments and criticisms can be sent to Clarion sports reporter Matthew Carroll at matthew.carroll@peninsulaclarion.com.
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