Four weeks in, the 2014 NFL season is beginning to take shape, with some squads getting off to decidedly strong starts and others stumbling out of the block. But there's a sizable chunk whose record would seem to indicate very little about the direction in which they're headed: the 13 teams that have settled right in the middle at 2-2.How do we sort through this glut? The past two seasons don't offer much guidance: Of the 10 teams at .500 through Week 4 in 2013, just three made the playoffs, while half of the 10 teams at that mark through Week 4 in 2012 reached the postseason. That said, it is po sible to tell which 2-2 squads are on the way up and which are bound to slip. Here is how I would order all 13, according to the likelihood that they'll make the playoffs:SURE THINGS1) Indianapolis ColtsMy rationale is simple: Indy has , who just became the first player in NFL history to notch consecutive outings with 370-plus yards, four touchdowns, a completion rate of 70 percent or better and le s than two picks. And he leads an offense thatand is . The two road games at the end of could make things tough, but ultimately, I have faith in Luck.2) San Francisco 49ersFolks have questioned this defense, but Matt Beaty Jersey the Niners have given up in the NFL thus far -- and that's without injured linebacker or . Smith is due back in Week 11 -- in plenty of time for a tough five-game season-ending stretch that includesand matchups. Despite , I am emphatically not worried about the coach. I've known him since he was about 5 years old, and I know he's an overcome-all-obstacles type of guy.3) Green Bay PackersThe ' offensive production is down this year -- the team is averaging just 23 points and 306 total yards per game, compared to 26 points and 400 yards per game last season -- and their line is thin. But when you have a quarterback like and a receiver like , you know you're going to make some plays, and I expect the group to return to its 2013 proficiency. I like that Green Bay plays at home, including . The will make the playoffs.4) New England PatriotsThe probably will not win Hyun-Jin Ryu Jersey 12 games like they did last year, and will not throw 25 touchdown pa ses. But the defense, the kicking game and -- who is as good as anyone who's ever coached in the NFL -- will net them enough victories to get them back to the playoffs. Yes, Brady has struggled, but I think this offensive line will eventually cohere and give him time to actually make his throws. New England has , but the last three games on the slate -- , , -- give the Pats a good shot to end the season on a high note.PLAYOFF HOPEFULS5) New York GiantsHarrison: Power Rankings, Week 5Elliot Harrison completely rea se ses the NFL hierarchy at the quarter pole, with 31 of 32 teams switching spots. New coordinator Ben McAdoo's offensive system has begun to produce points and yards: In (both wins), the scored a total of 75 points and averaged 434 yards. has stopped making mistakes and throwing picks, and he's started anticipating the open man. Along with the rest of the team, Manning looked much more confident in . The 11th-year pro gives New York a chance to win the NFC East. The defense must tighten up, but the key is , which includes games , down the stretch.6) Kansas City ChiefsThe showed what they can do over the past two weeks, with a win and over New England. and are vastly underrated, and and are still there to supply a pa s rush (eight total sacks already this season). hurt, but is playing well in his absence. Plus, between , more effective and an emergent , it looks like the finally have some additional offensive playmakers who can help shoulder the burden borne by dynamic back .7) Chicago BearsThe ' next two games -- -- are very important. They also must figure out a way to beat the , who in Chicago on Sunday. Luckily for them, they have a bye before . at the end, with five of seven games at Matt Kemp Jersey home. The defense must play better -- more pa s rush would help -- and running back has to have more games like he did last week (23 carries and five catches for 171 total yards). 8) Miami Dolphins is the key here; ultimately, I think new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and a line that is continuing to gel will help him. I like that are at home. And will be back for that stretch run, as the running back . As it stands, the boast and have scored the most points in the AFC East.SLIM CHANCE9) Atlanta Falcons leads a very good pa sing attack, and the ground game is getting better. The , who are already 2-0 in the NFC South, end the season with , including . They will rack up points. But then, they'll also give up plenty; only the , and this season. Atlanta's pa s rush is lacking, and at this juncture, it's tough to see how it'll improve, meaning the team will have to outscore people to reach the playoffs.10) Pittsburgh SteelersI had high hopes for the , , but based on what we've seen through four weeks, I worry. The thing is, if had been healthy on Sunday, Pittsburgh likely wouldn't have qualified for this piece, as would've been a win instead. Getting those three back in action will be crucial. The can pa s and run effectively behind Maury Wills Jersey , and , but the group can't afford to make mistakes -- not when the defense isn't coming through with sacks and turnovers.11) Buffalo BillsThe ' defense is playing well (allowing 337.8 yards per game), the young offensive line is very good and the team can run. More than anything, though, Buffalo needs a quarterback who can make some plays and get the ball to the receivers. , who , might prove to be that guy. If the veteran comes through, Buffalo could take the AFC East, with the po sibly looking vulnerable. But that seems like a stretch at this point, especially that wraps up with three of four games on the road.12) Minnesota VikingsThe are looking at a difficult path with rookie under center and unavailable for the foreseeable future, as their division includes three teams with good, veteran signal-callers (Rodgers in Green Bay, in Chicago and in Detroit). They caught a bad break this week, on short rest. Looking ahead, I wonder how this squad, which is playing in an outdoor stadium while a new home is constructed, will fare without the advantage it used to have in the old Metrodome, where noise would disrupt opponents.13) Carolina PanthersComing off offseason ankle surgery and a preseason rib injury, is simply not making the chain-moving plays -- on the ground or in the air -- that he used to. If Carolina is to have any sort of realistic shot, the Sandy Koufax Jersey quarterback must get right. The defense, which was so dominant last season, has been hurting; a unit that allowed just 17 touchdown pa ses and 241 points in 2013 is on pace to allow 32 touchdown to ses and 384 points (an increase of almost nine points per game) in 2014. The definitely mi s . It's going to be tough for this group to return to the playoffs in 2014.Follow Gil Brandt on Twitter __.