At the start of Sunday's action, only the Philadelphia Eagles were assured of post-season play, but they now have plenty of company following another dramatic weekend. The Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons all claimed play-off berths following important wins.

With six weeks gone in the regular season, only the New England Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets remain unbeaten.

The New England Patriots secured their place in the annals when they set an all-time record of 19 consecutive victories by defeating the Miami Dolphins 24-10 on Sunday.

During one of the most decorated careers in the game's history, Jerry Rice has set just about every record worth having. The Oakland receiver, who made his name with the San Francisco 49ers, is entering the twilight of his career, but his competitive edge remains as sharp as ever.

BEFORE THEIR trip to Nashville on Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars boasted the best record in the National Football League, with a record of 13 wins from 14 contests. However, most of their triumphs had come against the game's lesser lights, fuelling a belief that they might not fare so well when facing opponents of genuine quality.

WITH ONLY two weeks remaining in the regular season, the race to qualify for the play-offs remains wide open following another set of unexpected results over the weekend. Only four teams have so far qualified for post-season play, with a further 16 still strongly in contention for the remaining eight spots.

FOLLOWERS OF the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are used to suffering. Pre- season expectations are generally so low that their supporters in the UK produce a monthly fanzine entitled There's Always Next Year, summing up the frustration and futility of following one of the NFL's most consistently mediocre franchises.