Every team in the NFL has now played at least half of its regular-season schedule. At this unofficial midway point, a few things are clearing up: Four divisional races -- the AFC East (comfortably led by the ), AFC North (), AFC West () and NFC South () -- seem effectively settled. Arizona has a two-game lead in the NFC West, and looks sound enough to hold onto it. Indianapolis has only a half-game lead in the AFC South -- with now set to -- but the still look like the cla s of that haple s division. The NFC East and NFC North might be the only division races to go down to the wire.With that kind of intense stratification in the standings, we become more aware of the league's de facto ninth and 10th divisions: The AFC and NFC wild Otto Porter Jr. Jersey -card races. With so many divisional derbies potentially wrapping up early, the wild-card chase will move to the forefront sooner than usual.I know we are a league dedicated to the mantra of "one game at a time," but sometimes it serves a purpose to poke your head up and take a peek at the longer view.Around this time in the 2003 season back in Baltimore, we were 5-5, and I felt I needed to make sure my players did not relinquish our future to those who already had determined what our fate was going to be. When I showed them the path we could still take to the playoffs, I know it opened some eyes. We ended up going 10-6 on the year and winning the division.The one caveat to what follows: It only takes one injury to turn a season upside down, even for those who seem in total control of their destiny. (Dallas, which looked like the cla s of the NFC East -- and maybe the conference -- after two games, had its season wrecked by . The inability Dwight Howard Jersey to find a competent backup now has the in the midst of a six-game losing streak.)Here's a quick overview of where teams stand moving into the second half of the regular season:AFC playoff pictureNew England and Cincinnati sit atop the AFC with matching 8-0 records. Prior to the 2015 campaign, 21 teams had started a season 8-0 during the era. Of those 21 clubs, all 21 made the playoffs, 12 advanced to the and eight earned the Lombardi Trophy.New England ranks among the best in several categories that are prime indicators for succe s in this league (turnover differential, third-down and red-zone efficiency). No one matches the ' offensive versatility; they can morph from a 50-throw team to a 40-rush team seemingly overnight. That said, their Achilles' heel -- a constantly-changing and inexperienced offensive line -- has not been fully exploited yet.Like the , the are extremely competent in virtually every statistical category -- and they might have the most talented offensive personnel in the league. Their only qualifier is one that cannot be resolved during the regular season: How will do in the playoffs?Both the and play Denver (7-1), but not each other -- and home-field advantage looms large. We know the are tough at home during the playoffs -- having won six of their last seven postseason games in Gillette Stadium -- but not so much on the road. Or at least we don't have a lot of examples to draw from. Since the 2007 season, the Pats have only played one AFC playoff game on the road, and that was .Indy was beginning to look like itself over the past five quarters of play. With Rui Hachimura Jersey a healthy , the would win the division with room to spare. Without him for the next two to six weeks, they leave the door open for another team to get it together. But who among Houston, Jacksonville and Tenne see looks like a team that could win eight or nine games? Yeah, slim pickings. So even without Luck for the time being, the remain AFC South favorites.And the top-heavy nature of the AFC means more teams than usual are in . Pittsburgh looks to be the biggest threat in the "AFC Wild Card Division," as long as the get back soon after their Week 11 bye. Clearly, they boast one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL -- even after the lo s of -- and if they can , they'll stand at 6-4 going into their off week.We will know more about the and after . Both teams have good rushing attacks and talented defenses, though the have shown a little more balance. New York has an easier path to a wild-card spot -- though Gang Green doesn't want to go into needing a win. The start a three-game road trip in New York on Thursday -- with on tap -- that will be telling for the remainder of their season.From the AFC West, don't sleep on the , 4-4 and relevant for the first time in a while. Another group you can't overlook: the , who are 3-5 but and have among the wild-card contenders.NFC playoff pictureAfter this past Sunday, it is hard to see the NFC championship going through anywhere but Carolina. The have and a defense that is as punishing as any in the league. Carolina's downfall has been a lack of explosivene s on offense -- though the did flash some of this in -- and the concern that won't be able to finish the season carrying as much of the rushing load as he does right now.Arizona looks solid at 6-2. The boast admirable differentials in turnovers and explosive plays. They do play Seattle twice in the next eight weeks and have to travel to Philly. But if can stay healthy, the Cards appear likely to win the division and contend for a first-round bye.We've all a sumed the NFC North belongs to the (6-2), but if the (6-2) hang around, the Michael Jordan Jersey division title might very well come down to . The have the tougher path to making the playoffs via the wild card. Road games , -- as well as that could carry huge tiebreaker implications -- will be crucial for Minnesota. Mike Zimmer's team ranks in the top 10 . But obviously, it's hard to see outdueling at this stage of their respective careers. On the other hand, the are starting to mi s -- their explosive plays have dwindled -- and the defense has become a liability.In the NFC East, the have the inside track. But if the , winners of three of their past four games, have indeed righted the ship -- and if they can survive the latest costly injury, -- they'll be in the playoff mix. It's probably too late for the to get back in the postseason race.The still have a good shot at one wild-card spot, but after a 5-0 start, they've lost three of four -- most recently suffering . Atlanta probably needs to win four of its remaining seven games -- a stretch that includes two bouts against the undefeated -- to secure a playoff berth.Seattle has to win six of its next eight to reach the 10-6 mark, but five of those contests will take place in the comfy confines of CenturyLink Field. The have made consecutive trips to the , thanks in no small part to very strong turnover differentials. This year? Seattle's TO differential . Still, the 'Hawks have grit. I wouldn't bet against in a playoff push.St. Louis will have a fighter's chance -- has been everything the could have wanted and more -- but does this look like a team that can win six of its next eight games with at quarterback?Even the , at 4-5, are still on the periphery of the playoff picture. If their defense doesn't improve, though, they might wind up closer to the periphery of a top-10 draft choice.Follow Brian Billick Bradley Beal Jersey on Twitter .