As Bob Dylan sang, the times they are a-changin' -- especially in the NFL's American Football Conference. "Parity," said Chuck Esposito, the book boss at Caesars Palace, wrapping the NFL's current situation in a single word.

As we enter the last few weeks of the NFL season, is it better to be playing excellent football, or does it even matter? A year ago at this time the Colts were the favorite to win the Super Bowl with the best record in the NFL and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. There were questions as to whether it was better for coach Tony Dungy to rest his starters and coast the rest of the way, or to put the pedal to the metal.