playoff race

• pennantTapering nautical flag
• standingsComparative position list
• wildcardUnpredictable factor in play
• clinchSettle beyond doubt
• contenderOne competing seriously

September · stretch · division · seeding · tiebreaker · chase · crucial · momentum · surge · collapse · magic number · fading · scoreboard · desperation · rival · pitching · clutch · drama

• NASCARstock car, race car, pit stop, pit crew, checkered flag
• standingsrankings, leaderboard, league table, ladder, seeding
• midseason momentshalftime, midpoint, winter break, bye week, hiatus