Peak performers

The New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins are peaking at the right time. They're getting their guys healthy at the right time, and they're playing their best football of the season at the right time.

The Redskins are on a four-game winning streak, the Steelers have won three straight and the Patriots shoot for their fourth win in a row Monday night against the New York Jets. And it's not just the fact that these teams are winning, but it's how they're winning that has been impressive.

All three teams are playing a physical style of football. New England has dominated defensively, and likewise, Pittsburgh's defense is mauling people again. Washington is running over defenses with Clinton Portis.

I'm surprised by the Redskins the most. I was on them when they lost six of eight after a 3-0 start because I didn't think they would make the playoffs anyway. The most shocking development has been Washington's offensive output. Along with Portis, the biggest difference has been Santana Moss, who has emerged as an elite receiver.

CARTER'S SIX POINTS

GO ROUTES
(Those who made great strides in Week 16)

1. Shaun Alexander. The Seattle Seahawks scoring machine tied Priest Holmes' single-season NFL record of 27 touchdowns to help his team clinch home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. For Alexander, it has been a phenomenal season, which should culminate with him winning the league's MVP award and landing a big free-agent contract. The Seahawks would be crazy not to re-sign him.

2. Julius Jones. For the first time since early in the season, he looked healthy and quick, and the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line gave him some large creases to run through. Jones is a phenomenal running back when he's 100 percent, as he showed in 2004, and the Cowboys could not have beaten Carolina without him.

3. Kansas City Chiefs. They won their 18th straight home game in December to end the San Diego Chargers' playoff hopes and keep their own postseason chances alive. The Chiefs successfully ran the ball against the league's No. 1 rush defense thanks to their offensive line and Larry Johnson, who recorded his eighth straight 100-yard rushing game.

FADE ROUTES
(Those who dropped the ball in Week 16)

1. Cincinnati Bengals. It seemed like they were still celebrating last week's AFC North title clinching and lost their focus on securing a first-round bye. Their immaturity will force them to play one more playoff game, even though they were playing at home against a Buffalo Bills team with just four wins and a five-game losing streak. I know the Bengals are not used to playing in the postseason, but that extra week off is huge.

2. Carolina Panthers. Saturday's loss to Dallas reminded me of the Panthers' finale last season when they needed to beat the New Orleans Saints at home to get into the playoffs, but lost. As well as they have played at times this year, they still haven't clinched a playoff spot, so you have to wonder whether this team is really ready to join the elite teams.

Against the Cowboys, Carolina was hurt by their run defense (when you have someone rush for nearly 200 yards against you, as Julius Jones did, you shouldn't have a chance to win the game) and the ejection of receiver Steve Smith (who was tossed for grabbing a referee).

3. Atlanta Falcons. They have been a huge disappointment. Halfway through the season, they were 6-2. Now, a team quarterbacked by Michael Vick won't be playing in the postseason.

The franchise has never had back-to-back winning seasons, and with the Falcons' start, you would've thought that was a shoo-in. Atlanta has to beat Carolina, a team that has to win to make the playoffs, just to finish above .500.