Record: 7-4

Schedule: Last five opponents have combined record of 27-27-1, with three of five games at home. However, those three teams - Washington, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville - are 11-4 on the road.

Key stat: Ray Lewis leads the NFL's second-ranked defense.

Key injury: Tackle Jared Gaither needs to get healthy.

Prediction: 9-7 and out of the playoffs.

Patriots

Record: 7-4

Schedule: Remaining opponents are 26-29, including the hapless Raiders and Seahawks. Three road games left.

Key stat: Quarterback Matt Cassel has led an offense that is second in the NFL in first downs.

Key injury: Trying to survive until linebacker Adalius Thomas' forearm can mend.

Prediction: 10-6 to grab a wild card.

Colts

Record: 7-4

Schedule: 3 of 5 at home, and remaining opponents have combined record of 19-35-1.

Key stat: Despite their league-worst rushing attack, the Peyton Manning-led Colts have won four in a row, all by a touchdown or less.

Key injury: Desperately in need of strong safety Bob Sanders (knee) to return.

Prediction: 11-5 for a wild card.

Bills

Record: 6-5

Schedule: 3 of 5 at home, which includes a dome game in Toronto vs. the Dolphins. Remaining opponents are 30-25.

Key stat: They're 0-3 against AFC East opponents and have lost 7 of 8 to Patriots and five in a row to the Broncos, their last two opponents.

Key injury: Struggling without defensive end Aaron Schobel and safety Donte Whitner.

Prediction: 7-9 and outside looking in for the ninth consecutive year.

Dolphins

Record: 6-5

Schedule: Four of five on the road, but the remaining teams are only 20-35.

Key stat: The offense has amassed 340 yards or more in nine consecutive games.

Key injury: Left tackle Jake Long needs to heal quickly from sprained ankle.

Prediction: 9-7 to complete one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history, but just shy of a playoff berth.

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

Game within the game

A look at the key matchups for Sunday's Dolphins-Rams game: Dolphins must exploit

OLB Joey Porter vs. LT Adam Goldberg

Goldberg has had the task of filling Orlando Pace's shoes while the Pro Bowler is sidelined with a knee injury. Most of Goldberg's 26 starts have come at right tackle, but he's growing into his new role. However, the Rams have assisted the 6-foot-7, 318-pound lineman by lining tight ends up on his side. Expect Porter, who leads the NFL with 14 1/2 sacks, to command additional attention from St. Louis, which has allowed 37 sacks. Dolphins have concerns

FS Oshiomogho Atogwe vs. QB Chad Pennington

Atogwe, who will be a free agent in 2009, has 16 interceptions in four seasons. He leads the Rams with four interceptions this season, and has forced four fumbles and is third on the team with 54 tackles. He'll likely shadow Pennington, who must adjust to the absence of receiver Greg Camarillo. The tight ends will likely become more popular while young receivers Davone Bess and Brandon London step into their expanded roles.

Omar Kelly