Not a great week last week, but unlike the stock market, we aren’t giving anything back. We were 10-6 in a week in which we probably should have thought just a little harder and gone 12-4. Oh well, no upsets ventured, no money gained.
This week, we have three Thursday games and plenty of playoff implications.
In fact, the NFL playoff picture is becoming a little clearer even though nine teams in the AFC are at least one game above .500.
The Tennessee Titans face the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day in the United States, and the Titans can become the first AFC team to clinch a playoff berth. With a Titans win and an Indianapolis loss on Sunday, Tennessee would claim its first AFC South Division title since 2002.
Meanwhile, The Arizona Cardinals can become the first team in the NFL to clinch a playoff berth when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Turkey Night. With a victory over the Eagles, the Cardinals will lock up the NFC West, the team’s first division title since 1975.
With 12 teams in the NFC within one game of .500 or better entering the final five weeks of the season, it seems as if every game matters (Of course, Detroit and St. Louis have already been eliminated). OK, so if Detroit played Cincinnati, it wouldn’t matter, but that turkey isn’t on the schedule this week.
This should be a very interesting 16 games. Let’s take a closer look…
THURSDAY
Tennesee Titans (10-1) at Detroit Lions (0-11)
The Lions have already been eliminated from the playoffs, but Tennessee can not only claim a playoff berth today with a win, but also take a step toward wrapping up the AFC South. Must be nice to be the Titans. Not only are they going after their fifth consecutive win on Thanksgiving Day, but also the first 11-1 start in franchise history. The Titans have won 13 of the past 14 games since Dec. 16, 2007.
Take Tennessee
Seattle Seahawks (2-9) at Dallas Cowboys (7-4)
T.O. was good for eight catches, 200 yards and a T.D. last week against San Francisco. He could double that this week.
Take Dallas
Arizona Cardinals (7-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-5-1)
Since Kevin Kolb was worse than Donovan McNabb after Andy Reid benched McNabb last week, there might not be any hope for the Eagles at all. No QB, no win. Meanwhile, the Cards can become the first team in the NFL to clinch a playoff berth. That should give Kurt Warner a little incentive.
Take Arizona
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
San Francisco 49ers (3-8) at Buffalo Bills (6-5)
After a virtuoso performance on the road against a dreadful Kansas City team last week, the Bills get a dreadful San Francisco team at home this week.
Take Buffalo
Baltimore Ravens (7-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-9-1)
Baltimore is a better football team — in every possible way — than the Bungles. The real bet should be, “Will Cinci score?”
Take Baltimore
New Orleans Saints (6-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3)
Last Monday night’s 51-29 win by the Saints in New Orleans boosted the NFL to the first 800-point weekend in its history. The Saints will need to score at least that many to beat the Bucs in Tampa.
Take Tampa Bay
New York Giants (10-1) at Washington Redskins (7-4)
Could be a dandy game, but I’ll take Eli Manning ahead of Jason Campbell in a game that matters any day.
Take the Giants
Miami Dolphins (6-5) at St. Louis Rams (2-9)
Miami is a .500 team on the road while St. Louis is a big loser no matter where they play.
Take Miami
Indianapolis Colts (7-4) at Cleveland Browns (4-7)
Just when it appeared as if Brady Quinn was the saviour in Cleveland, he breaks his finger. Peyton Manning will put up big numbers this week.
Take Indianapolis
Carolina Panthers (8-3) at Green Bay Packers (5-6)
The Eagles, who are done, and Panthers, who are in a war with Tampa, have the toughest remaining schedules of the contenders. Philly and Carolina face opponents with a combined 35-20 record. That’s why this is a must win for Carolina. Trouble is, it will be 0 degrees and snowing in Green Bay this Sunday.
Take Green Bay
Atlanta Falcons (7-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-7)
Matt Ryan is the best rookie quarterback since Dan Marino. Trouble is, he’s not so great on the road, just 2-3. San Diego is better than 4-7.
Take San Diego
Denver Broncos (6-5) at New York Jets (8-3)
If you can figure out the Broncos, let me know. Meanwhile, the Jets with ol’ Brett at the helm are a legitimate Super Bowl candidate.
Take the Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at New England Patriots (7-4)
The game of of the week. Matt Cassel is hotter than Penny in Big Bang Theory. In each of his last two games he’s thrown for 400 yards (one more than Brady has in his career). Cassel can set the NFL consecutive-game record in the category with one more 400-yarder.
Take New England
Kansas City Chiefs (1-10) at Oakland Raiders (3-8)
Gawd, Herman Edwards still has a job? How does that happen when Lane Kiffin has already been fired? Edwards must have pictures of the Hunt Family frolicking with goats.
Take Oakland
SUNDAY NIGHT
Chicago Bears (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (6-5)
Two teams that aren’t very good, find themselves atop the NFC North. Minnesota must win because it looks like the Williams boys will be suspended for four games on Monday for using diruretics.
Take Minnesota
MONDAY NIGHT
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7) at Houston Texans (4-7)
No doubt, back in the pre-season, somebody thought this might be a great Monday Night matchup. Probably don’t think that way now. Jacksonville is dreadful and Houston is inconsistent. For the record, I’ll take inconsistent at home.
Take Houston
Last week: 10-6
Season: 102-73-1
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