The season is only one-third over, but it's already looking very different from a year ago. As last year did from the previous, and so on and so on.

Among the eight teams in first place today, only one, Indianapolis, qualified for the playoffs a year ago. The eight current first-place teams were a combined 59-69 last season.

Last year's eight division winners have a combined record of 19-26 and none is in first place. Only Tampa Bay and Tennessee are above .500. The four wild-card teams are faring a little better -- a combined 11-12, although Indianapolis has five of the 11 victories. ...
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