Here we are sports fans. Three weeks left in the regular season. This is about the time of year that we start to see the various playoff scenarios. The contenders play in meaningful “must win” games, while the pretenders look to play spoiler. Each year, the NFL has 12 postseason invitations. The eight division champs all make the playoffs, along with four wild card teams (two from each conference). So far, three teams have already locked up their division – Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, and New England Patriots. The Houston Texans have clinched a playoff berth, but are still battling the Indianapolis Colts for the division crown. With eight spots still up for grabs, there are still a significant number of teams battling down the stretch. Here’s my take on teams that look likely to punch their ticket for the playoffs:

Green Bay Packers – at 9-4, they are in control of the NFC North. They have a huge rivalry game this weekend in Chicago, and a win would clinch the division title.

San Francisco 49ers – With one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL, the 49ers are on the verge of clinching either the division or a wild card berth. They need to play hard though, because the Seattle Seahawks are right on their heels with rookie Russell Wilson leading the charge. Even if Seattle doesn’t catch the 49ers, I still look for them to wrap up a wild card berth and advance to the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens – Leading the AFC North, but reeling from a 2 game losing streak, it’s time for the Ravens to put up or shut up. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are both right behind them in the division race.

Indianapolis Colts – Yes, the Colts are a surprising 9-4 with rookie sensation Andrew Luck. They play the Houston Texans twice in the final three weeks, so Indy can think about a division championship or at least a wild card berth. I don’t know anyone who predicted they would be back in contention so soon after losing Peyton Manning.

Any teams I didn’t cover are either on the bubble, like the entire NFC East, or far from contending. No worries though, as we’ll keep you up to date on all the playoff races, and offer you the freshest gear to cheer your contender on in their playoff quest. If all goes well, they will be playing in New Orleans in February.

The NFL Draft is one of my favorite times of the year. I listen to draft coverage all of April. I make my own mock draft. I’m even wearing a suit and Chicago Bears hat to work today (don’t judge me). Even if you aren’t as extreme as me, there are still plenty of reasons to watch the NFL Draft on Thursday night. Here’s a list of the top 5 reason to watch:

5. Draft “Experts”

Unlike other league’s drafts, the NFL Draft is extremely unpredictable outside of the top couple picks. Teams do a great job of disguising who they are targeting, and the draft is full of trades. This recipe makes it almost impossible for the best draft experts to get even 50% of their mock draft correct. Want to feel better about your last place March Madness bracket? Print off a few mock drafts from several experts and get your red marker ready.

4. Mispronounced names

Just like last year, the 2^nd round of the 2012 NFL Draft will have former NFL Players announcing their team’s selection. With NFL alumni like Terrell Davis, Barry Sanders and Eddie George reading off their past team’s pick, there are sure to be some brutal pronunciations. Early favorites to have their name butchered on Friday night are Kelechi Osemele, Amini Silatolu, and Alameda Ta’amu.

3. Fashion Nightmares

Bow ties and draft hats are an amazing combination. Unfortunately the only events that these two are an acceptable combo are drafts. The NFL Draft always has its fair share of questionable fashion choices. The NFL draft will make everyone feel better about their wardrobe.

2. Watching the Last Player Left in the Green Room

I like to refer to this as the “train wreck pick”. You can’t help but feel bad for the player that is left staring at his phone waiting for it to ring. Aaron Rodgers is the most memorable individual to go through this painful experience. With 26 players invited to this year’s green room, there’s sure to be a few players left at the end of the first round.

1. Watching Dreams Come True

This is by far the best part of the draft. The real emotion that is displayed when these young men embrace their family members when they get that phone call saying they’ve been selected. The countless hours of training and sacrifice made by each player, and their supporting cast, culminates in this one moment. In my opinion the NFL Draft is the best reality television in existence.