When the NFL playoffs begin, it’s not the best team that always comes away victorious – it’s usually the hottest team. In 2008, there are a number of teams that are playing well with the postseason right around the corner. Here’s a look at the five hottest teams in the NFL.

1. Indianapolis Colts
Although they aren’t dominating, the Colts are certainly rolling. They’ve won seven straight games to raise their record to 10-4. Indianapolis has gone from a team that looked to be circling the drain to a team that looks like a legit Super Bowl contender.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite a number of injuries, the Pittsburgh Steelers now are tied for the second best record in the NFL and have won five consecutive contests. Using the league’s best defense, the Steelers have mastered the art of grinding out low scoring affairs.

3. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings stumbled in the middle of the season but thanks to their four straight wins, they are now right back in the thick of things. Starting quarterback Gus Frerotte went down injured but backup Tarvaris Jackson has picked up the slack.

4. Houston Texans
The 2008 NFL season has been a season of streaks for the Texans. They started off the year by losing their first four games. Then the Texans won three in a row and then lost three in a row. Currently, Houston is riding a four-game winning streak that has them back at .500.

5. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have looked especially dominant as of late. With a record of 11-3, they are tied with the Steelers and the reigning Super Bowl champion New York Giants for the second best record in the league. Riding their explosive running back combination of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers are going to be tough to beat in the playoffs.

Tags: carolina panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, minnesota vikings, NFL, nfl playoffs, pittsburgh steelers
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