#1. Based on the number of sightings, creatively named linebacker Lofa Tatupu’s jersey is the most popular this year. Second place: Matt Hasselbeck. Surprisingly, only two Shaun Alexander jerseys were seen, though this could have had more to do with the status of your correspondent (see #3) than with Alexander’s popularity as a player.

#2. The J&M in Pioneer Square does playoff viewing right, with ample screens (including a monstrosity), game audio pumped throughout the bar, and quick, attentive bartenders. The camaraderie was impressive—there was much cheering, proper booing, and on a number of occasions strangers even hugged. Plus, with the door open you could hear the crowd roars from the stadium. Nice.

#3. Downing five beers and two shots in under three hours is not the smartest of moves, even during a playoff game. It leads to lapses in judgment (see #4), and it makes your girlfriend mad.

#4. Cowgirls Inc. is the strangest place to watch a game. The positive: the bartenders put on a show atop the bar during commercial breaks. The negative: proper football viewing has to compete with loud music and bouncing boobies for your attention. And there’s an attendant in the men’s room—what the hell is up with that?

#5. Based on the crowd’s post-game mood, not winning a playoff game since Reagan’s first term is a long, long, loooooooong time to wait. If the Seahawks make it to the Super Bowl, Seattle will officially freak the fuck out. Which it should.

Bring on the Panthers!