Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

We stand here at the penultimate weekend of the NFL’s regular season and the question that comes to mind is: Just what does it take to get eliminated from the AFC wildcard playoff race?

Not only have the Baltimore Ravens lost three in a row, but they can lose their final two games and they still are assured of a playoff spot at 9-7.

The Steelers (7-7) have done everything in their power to drop out of sight, bombing four of their past five games, yet, if they win their last two games, not only are they guaranteed a wildcard berth, but they still could win the AFC North championship.

Don’t look now, but our maddeningly erratic Miami Dolphins, who routinely fill 60 percent of Sun Life Stadium, are somehow still in contention for a wildcard despite their uninspired 6-8 record.

It wasn’t so long ago that the chorus was in full volume, demanding that the NFL expand its 12-team playoff format because too many 11-5 teams were being left out. Commissioner Roger Goodell is broaching playoff expansion even as we speak.

Not necessary this season, swami.

Anyone with a pulse and a record near .500 still has a shot.

To be fair, the 9-5 Colts and the 8-6 Bengals, currently holding the AFC wildcard slots, have played well.

And, the Jets, Browns, Chargers, Titans, Bills, Raiders, Jaguars and Chiefs did find the correct formula for elimination and they all are preparing for next year’s draft. The Jags and Chiefs, at 2-12, are neck-and-neck for the No. 1 overall pick.

Over in the NFC, there is a three-way pillow fight for the East championship after the Giants (8-6) contracted AFC North disease and dropped four of their last six games, while Dallas (8-6) and Washington (8-6) suddenly decided to play like genuine contenders.

It’s a madhouse in the NFC, where eight teams remain in contention for the last three playoff spots.

The NFL has posted its playoff clinching scenarios for this weekend, but unless you enjoy recreational calculus, it’s probably better to let things play themselves out.

After surveying the college bowl offerings for this week, we’ve decided to concentrate on Christmas shopping (it’s almost time to get started) and await the one or two bowl games next week that might be interesting.

We did, however, dispatch Young Jackson to St. Petersburg Friday for the widely anticipated showdown between his beloved UCF Knights and Ball State at the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl. Should Young Jackson return intact, we will cheerfully report those observations that he might remember.

Meanwhile, we never forget the Mighty News-Gazette Divine Nine, which takes a holiday twist:

No. 1: Santa Claus. No. 2: Bear Claws. No. 3: Electric trains. No. 4: Candy canes. No. 5: Roast beast. No. 6: Carols. No. 7: Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey. No. 8: Cookies. No. 9: Goodwill.

To the games:

New England (-14) at Jacksonville: The NFL’s version of Scrooge vs. Tiny Tim. Pats by 40.

St. Louis at Tampa Bay (-3): Bucs officially out of playoff contention after their rousing 41-0 loss at New Orleans. Rams, somehow, are still alive. Not for long. Bucs by 2.

Buffalo at Miami (-4): The Fins playoff scenario revolves around the Bengals losing twice and the Steelers winning this week and losing next week. It all could happen. Of course, there is the small matter of the sleigh ride to New England next week, but, hey, one step at a time, right? Hopeful Fins by 4.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (-4): Bungles can steal a playoff berth by winning Sunday. But, Cincy always seem to have coal in its stocking. Stillers by 2.

N.Y. Giants (-2) at Baltimore: I’ll borrow from the loquacious Young Jackson about this one: “The moveable force vs. the resistible object.” G-men by 1.

Atlanta (-3) at Detroit: Falcons made their statement by blitzing the Giants last week. Lions made their statement months ago: “We’re no good.” Falcons by 2.

New Orleans at Dallas (-2): Cowboys keep poking along, so Saints should go marching out of the playoff picture. Pokes by 3.

San Francisco (-1) at Seattle: Seabirds are tough at home, and their QB moves quicker than Santa on Christmas eve. Hawks by 3.

Brian “Big Man” McBride’s Super Sniffer Upset Special: Seattle by 3.

Tom “Captain” Kirk’s Beam Me Up Scotty NFL Prime Time Pick of the Week: Niners by 6.

Young Jackson says: Niners by 7, Saints by 4 and I wish they had played the bowl game at Ybor City.

Last week: Blitzing Blitzen (4-4, 100-43) bested Doddering Donner (2-6, 99-44).