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The St. Louis Rams, one of the worst teams of the 1990s and a last-place finisher last year, are the best story of the year, clinching a division title and galloping to the best record in the NFC. They're in the playoffs for the first time since 1989, when they were quarterbacked by the great Chris Evert. Before the season, Rams fans would have probably been pleased with an 8-8 record, especially after quarterback Trent Green was lost for the season and head coach Dick Vermeil almost cried. But now they're in the playoffs and fans are pinching themselves, wondering if this is just a long, joyous dream. Is Kurt Warner really the best quarterback in football? Wake up! He's from the Arena League. Even the Eagles didn't want him. His biggest achievement before the season was learning how to pronounce the name Az-zahir Hakim. Did the Rams really sweep the Niners? Wake up! Nobody beats the Niners twice, not with Jerry Rice around and that genius Bill Walsh signing studs like Lawrence Phillips. Are the Rams Super Bowl-bound? Wake up! They're leading the NFL in scoring, but the playoffs are a long way away. They don't begin until the next millennium! Of course, any true NFL fan has to feel good about the Rams' success. It would be great to see them win the Super Bowl, especially if Vermeil can somehow keep himself from crying.

Here's a quick look at how the other division races are shaping up:

NFC EAST: The Redskins lead the division by a game, but have three tough games on their schedule and will likely finish 9-7, perhaps qualifying for a wild card spot. Dallas has three easy games left and will probably win the division, unless the Cards or Giants upset a few teams. Philadelphia still has a chance to win four games. That may qualify Andy Reid for Coach of the Year.

NFC CENTRAL: What a tight race. Every team in this division, except the Bears, has a shot at the title. The Lions, Bucs, Packers and Vikings all finish with tough games. The winner of this division will have a good shot at the Super Bowl, having played a tougher schedule than the Rams. There's a good chance that all four contenders will make the playoffs, which means we' ll likely see another head coach crying: Norv Turner. If his Redskins don't make the playoffs, Turner will be a goner.

AFC EAST: The Colts are one of the most exciting teams in the league and have a triplet of stars to match the Cowboys. With Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison, the Colts have the makings of a dynasty and could begin the new millennium with Super Bowl rings. They've all but wrapped up the division title, leaving the Dolphins, Bills and Patriots to fight for a wild card berth. Only two of the three will likely make it. If Drew Bledsoe doesn't produce a few miracles, Pete Carroll will soon be competing with Norv Turner for the next analyst job at ESPN. Especially since Marty Shottenheimer has already set an ESPN record, putting 40 million viewers to sleep. The former Chiefs head coach makes Al Gore look like the life of a party.

AFC CENTRAL: The Jags will win this division and clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs. They've got it all: potent offense, stingy defense, cute cheerleaders. The Titans will claim a wild card spot, probably with an impressive 12-4 record. The expansion Browns will end the season on a positive note, getting a bye-week. The other teams in the division will have to play for pride and hope they can find an Edgerrin James in next year's draft.

AFC WEST: The division title will be decided in Week 16, when the Chiefs play in Seattle. The Seahawks can win just two of their remaining four games, including the Chiefs game, and make the playoffs for the first time since 1988, when Dave Krieg was quarterback, Brian Blades was a rookie wide receiver and The Boz was just beginning his career as a bad actor. The Chiefs have a good shot at a wild card spot, while the Raiders will have to spend the off-season re-committing themselves to excellence. The Broncos may finish last, but with two Super Bowl rings, there won't be any crying in Denver.

KICKED OFF THE TEAM: Happy Days have ended in Dallas. Yes, the Cowboys waived kicker Richie Cunningham, who had missed almost half his kicks this year. Richie, a superb kicker the last two years, could not regain his accuracy, even after Deion Sanders blessed his kicking foot.

FLAG HAPPY: Michael Westbrook believes that line judge Byron Boston threw two flags against the Redskins to make sure they lost to the Lions. Byron's son, David, plays for the rival Cardinals, who were hoping for a Skins loss. The NFL does not allow Byron to officiate Cardinals games, which is a pity, because that would make Vince Tobin's job a whole lot easier.