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That's right it's now or never for Miami, Dallas, New England, and the Ravens. This week a lot teams are playing for playoff births and with such stiff competition in the AFC there is no room for error. As the Raven and or Steelers cinch one wild card spot and Indy wraps up the other the AFC East will only produce one playoff team this year. Don't forget that Dallas is in a playoff rut as well one loss and it could be sooner rather than later this week the Cowboys play in a Super Bowl game a loss to the Giants and their season is over a win and Atlanta is out.  

 

New Orleans (7-6, Road: 1-5) at Chicago (7-6, Home: 4-2)

The Saints will miss the playoffs again and be the worst team in the NFC South with a possible record of 9-7 or at least 8-8. With a win Chicago is right back in the hunt for the North title with a loss the Viking will take the crown this year. It all comes down to Thursday night football and who wants it more. In this match up the Saints have the edge to beat Da Bears who have not played to their potential. Saints get the win and watch Sunday to see as the Playoffs turn.

Washington (7-6, Road: 4-2) at Cincinnati (1-11-1, Home: 1-4-1)

The Red Skins find them selves in a unique situation the week facing a less the formidable foe in the Bengals this week a win they need to try and make some noise in the NFC East. Unfortunately for the Skins this win won't make a difference as it will be the Cowboys/Atlanta or Bucs/Panthers in the wildcard spot.

Tennessee (12-1, Road: 6-0) at Houston (6-7, Home: 4-2)

It's a shame that Houston was not making this noise earlier this season or the Colts would have some trouble. As Schaub and the air show host the three headed monster in the Titans this week Tennessee will be looking to keep up momentum as they will have a bye week in the playoffs. The Texans won't make it easy for the Titans either as the Texans have shown a never quit attitude that anyone could admire. The Titans get my vote this week.

Detroit (0-13, Road: 0-6) at Indianapolis (9-4, Home: 4-2)

After another last second win bye the Vikings last week, you could say that the Lions are experts at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. This week they run in to a team that needs wins and wont play down to the Lions like some team have done and almost losses doing so. This is a no brainier victory for the Colts.

Green Bay (5-8, Road: 2-4) at Jacksonville (4-9, Home: 1-5)

Talk a bout two team that are playing below their potential, the Packers and Jags are no longer the talk of the town. They are now fighting for respect as the Pack would like to finish 8-8 and the Jags 7-9. Well that wont happen for one of the teams as I will give the nod to the Packers and the Jags will try and finish 6-10.

San Diego (5-8, Road: 1-5) at Kansas City (2-11, Home: 1-5)

Could all of the Chargers problems be traced back to week 2 or is the absence of Shawne Merriman either way Norv Turner is sitting on a hot seat. Last time they played the Chargers came out on the other side of a one point victory. This time the Chiefs will pick up the victory and San Diego will play backups the rest of the season.

 Tampa Bay (9-4, Road: 3-4) at Atlanta (8-5, Home: 5-1)

The Bucs have already had their hart ripped out Monday night, now I feel sorry for the Falcon as they face a heartless beast that will eat them and spit out their bones. As the Bucs head in to Atlanta their defense will not be missing tackles instead they will be hitting to go threw them, snot bubbles all around. Bucs extract vengeance on the Falcons.

 San Francisco (5-8, Road: 2-4) at Miami (8-5, Home: 4-3)

The 49ers have found their stride and are roll beating back to back AFC East opponents looking to make the Dolphins their third victim on a season spoiler voyage. This time they run in to a team that is playing solid football and everyone on the team has the same goals. This game is a must win for the Dolphins; they won't be taking the 49ers lightly. I give the victory to the Dolphins as they get closer to a wild card spot or division title.

Buffalo (6-7, Road: 3-3) at NY Jets (8-5, Home: 4-2)

If ever a team needed a win right now it's the Jets they are in a pressure cooker as the Fins and the Pats close in on the top of this wild race. On the other hand the Bills could just pull off a victory and open up the road for the Fins and Pats. This week the Bills face a team that was embarrassed bye the 49ers and are now a wild animal cornered. The Bills fall short and the East heats up.

Seattle (2-11, Road: 1-5) at St. Louis (2-11, Home: 1-5)

The former kings of the West are now fighting to finish third as team that went the distance against the Pats the Rams are in trouble. This week the Seahawks will not be the underdogs as they roll in to town against a team that will finish worst that they did last year. Seattle picks up the victory and the Rams still have questions that need to be answered.

Minnesota (8-5, Road: 3-4) at Arizona (8-5, Home: 5-1)

The Vikings face off against a team that they might have to play again in the playoffs, so getting a preview and ending up on the right side of a victory or at least playing respectably will be worth more than a regular season victory. This game could be played with out the Williams bros and with the threat of Tarvaris Jackson playing instead of the wilily veteran Gus Frerotte chances are slim. The Cards don't card who is QB or who is on the defense line, they just know they have to go out there and win, so the Card get my vote to win this game.

Pittsburgh (10-3, Road: 5-1) at Baltimore (9-4, Home: 5-1)

This game next to the Dallas/Giants game will be the most watched; sure it doesn't have the implications the games of the AFC East do. Never the less this game is more important than control of the North; the loser still makes the playoffs and the loser squeezes out a team from the East. I think the Steelers win this game due to the proven experience of Roethlisberger.

New England (8-5, Road: 4-2) at Oakland (3-10, Home: 1-5)

Following the formula the Pats have been doing they will lose this game and after the way the squeaked past the Seahawks last week Oakland looks like an easy pick, don't be fooled this is a trap game, yes the Patriots should have won in a blow out against the Seahawks and yes they should win this game but then again any thing could happen, not likely the Pats win back to back game for the first time since week 8 when they beat Denver and St. Louis.

NY Giants (11-2, Road: 5-1) at Dallas (8-5, Home: 5-1)

If and only If the Dallas defense shows up they way they did against the Steelers I give the win to the Boys. Yes the Giants are the best team in the NFC and yes they have the ability to beat the Cowboys and yes they are playing in doors and there will be no swirling wind for Eli to throw into instead of RUNNING the ball. This game is a must win if Dallas wants to make the playoffs. Dallas gets the victory.

Cleveland (4-9, Road: 3-3) at Philadelphia (7-5-1, Home: 4-2)

Well I won't call this a boring game last time I called a Monday night game boring I woke up with egg on my face, the Browns beat the Giants and the 49ers almost beat the Cards in a thriller. So this game I feel a little more safe calling it a bore in the fact that the Eagles are playing like they have a playoff hope and crushing the competition. The Eagles are undefeated after the sat McNabb in week 12. Philly kills the competition.