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After a slow start, the NFC Central is beginning to roar and could send four teams to the playoffs. Minnesota, Detroit, Tampa Bay and Green Bay all look like contenders, and Chicago ... well, somebody has to finish last. Actually the Bears aren't bad and could be a spoiler down the stretch. The Vikings have the talent and the drive to go all the way, while Tampa Bay boasts a defense that could keep even Bill Clinton from scoring. Against the Seahawks, the Bucs defensive backs caught so many Jon Kitna passes, Joey Galloway asked them for tips. But the Bucs need to score more points to challenge the Rams and the Vikings for the NFC title. Their offense visits the end zone as often as Warren Sapp visits the barber. Bucs fans, of course, are hoping that the injury to Trent Dilfer gives them just the boost they need.

STUNNING BACK: Saints running back Ricky Williams has to be one of the most refreshing players the NFL has seen this decade. Not just because he signed an incentive-laden contract and wants to earn his pay, not just because he wore a gown to "marry" Ditka on the cover of Sports Illustrated, not just because he has a great sense of humor and a Colgate smile, not just because he runs like Earl Campbell, not just because he's smart and level-headed, not just because he gets hairstyle tips from Warren Sapp ...

COLOR BLIND: Remember when NFL owners thought African Americans couldn't be head coaches? Give Al Davis credit. Ten years ago, he gave Art Shell a chance to coach the Raiders, opening the door for several other black head coaches, all of whom have led their teams to the playoffs. This season, Dennis Green, Tony Dungy and Ray Rhodes all have winning records. But they' re all in the NFC Central, which could make the NFL guilty of another crime: segregation. Someone call Jesse Jackson.

DECEMBER SLUMP: As the season winds down, it'll be interesting to see which of the top teams fold. A 7-4 record can quickly turn into 7-9 and a candidate for Coach of the Year can quickly turn into Slouch of the Year. Every year, at least one team takes a dive, after giving fans dreams of the playoffs. Last year, Jon Gruden looked like Don Shula, leading the Raiders to an early 6-2 record. But the Raiders wilted and Gruden looked more like Dave Shula. This year, the Patriots are already slumping and, unless they recover, Pete Carroll will soon join Bruce Coslet on the unemployment line. Too bad the Jets don't have a charity for their former head coaches.

BENGALS BITE BACK: Just when you thought Cincinnati had a solid grip on the first pick in next year's draft, they went and won a game. The Bengals humiliated the Steelers at Three Rivers and joined a group of three teams with only two wins, including the expansion Browns. Don't look now but the once-great 49ers are only a game ahead. They're living up to their name and playing like 49-year-olds.

SLASH BASH: Steelers coach Bill Cowher has moved Kordell Stewart back to wide receiver, where he'll once again be fondly known as Slash. As a starting quarterback, Stewart was fondly known as Crash. If the Steelers continue to fade, they may get a high pick in the draft, allowing them to nab Florida State wide receiver Peter Warrick, who's eager to be a "Stealer."

LOSING JETS: After a 13-6 loss to the Colts, Jets wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson was heard to shout, "I don't want to be around no losers." Jets players and coaches immediately objected to the statement. "We can't have our players talking like that," said head coach Bill Parcells, who reprimanded Johnson. "That's a poor example for anyone who's trying to learn grammar."

RAVENS UNRAVELING: With one fewer mistake, the Baltimore Ravens could have beaten the league's best team, Jacksonville. That mistake occurred in the off-season, when the Ravens failed to acquire Brad Johnson. They instead signed three mediocre QBs, Scott Mitchell, Tony Banks and Stoney Case. No matter how much you polish it, you can't make a Hyundai look like a Mercedes. Johnson is leading the Redskins to the playoffs, while Banks and the Ravens have accomplished only one thing this season: They swept the Browns. That's more than the Steelers can say.

TOP BILLING: The Buffalo Bills are one of the hardest teams to figure out. While whipping the Redskins and Dolphins, Doug Flutie's team looked like they belong in the Super Bowl. But against the Seahawks and Jets, they looked like they belong in the Stupor Bowl. With Thurman Thomas returning to action on Dec. 12, the Bills may gain some consistency and challenge the Colts and Fish. Then again, they may take a nose dive. In this bizarre season, anything is possible. Just ask Kurt Warner and the Rams.