Steelers over Panthers
Adam: -The Steelers weren’t the only ones trying to clinch something of significance in this game. The Panthers guaranteed the number one pick in next year’s draft with this loss. Do they believe in Jimmy Clausen, who I thought was going to be very good but hasn’t shown much yet, or are they in love with Andrew Luck? I think it’s too early to say much about Clausen as a player, but if they feel Luck can be a superstar, they have to take him.
Eric: -What an unspectacular matchup. I have no interest in the Panthers anymore, at least not until draft day.
Cardinals over Cowboys
A: -I didn’t know this game was even being played until it was over.
E: -Jon Kitna's two pick sixes dug the Cowboys into too deep a hole they couldn't clamber out of.
Lions over Dolphins
A: -We’ve said all year the Lions are better than their record, and now they’ve won three straight games with two of those coming on the road.
-The Dolphins finish the year 1-7 at home.
E: -Detroit has won three games in a row, a feat they have not accomplished since 2007.
-Something else the Lions hadn't done since 2007? Win a road game. Now they've won two straight.
Ravens over Browns
A: -A workmanlike win keeps Baltimore alive for the two seed in the AFC.
E: -There wasn't much to this one other than the better team won. Baltimore keeps pace with the Steelers; the two teams are tied at 11-4 going into the final week of the season.
Vikings over Eagles
A: -The Vikings had nothing to lose, and they played like it, especially defensively. They blitzed all night, and in the process provided the best blue print thus far for stopping Michael Vick. They sent corners and safeties all night on pressures, guys that can actually run with and contain Vick. Vick does his damage when he rolls out or extends the play in the pocket, so you have to send athletes that can curtail his movement. Additionally, Vick took a lot of hits, and you could tell that affected his rhythm and accuracy.
-The Eagles had a chance to stay in contention for a first round bye, and even had an outside shot at the one seed. That's gone now, but they are locked in at the three seed and can rest their main guys next week to gear up for the postseason. Still, this was a troubling late season loss to an inferior opponent.
-Joe Webb, how about that?
E: -After their insane win over the Giants a week ago, Vick and the Eagles came out flat and never got into the game. Over the last two weeks, the Eagles have played one good quarter of football. The other seven were, quite frankly, kind of shitty. That does not bode well when teams need to play their best football in December going into the postseason.
Patriots over Bills
A: -With this win the Pats can take off next Sunday's game and the week after, their bye, to rest their bodies. That’s nearly three weeks for this team to study and get refreshed. They are certainly the favorites to reach the Super Bowl. I would bet Bill Belichick won’t play anyone important at all next week considering Wes Welker shredded his knee last year in a game that meant nothing.
E: -The Bills forced a close finish the last time these two teams matched up, but could not duplicate or better that performance here. Week 3: Pats 38 – Bills 30. Week 16: Pats 34 – Bills 3.
Buccaneers over Seahawks
A: -Despite having one of the league’s worst point differentials, Seattle has a chance to play at home for a playoff berth. Let’s hope they don’t get there.
-The Buccaneers probably will fall short of the playoffs, but they should be really proud of their season, improving from three wins a year ago to nine, possibly ten, this season.
E: -This outcome keeps the Bucs' slim playoff hopes alive and keeps the NFC West up for grabs.
Redskins over Jaguars
A: -The Jags really needed to win this game. They aren’t out of playoff contention, but now they must win next week and hope the Colts lose.
-Look out world, the Rex Grossman train is back on the tracks.
E: -The Jaguars have lost two games in a row, which, had they won either, probably would have sealed up the AFC South crown. They instead go into the final week of the season a game behind the Colts in the standings.
Bears over Jets
A: -Who thought this game would end up 38-34? This as actually an indictment of both teams. Each team's strength is supposed to be its defense, but neither unit showed up on Sunday.
E: -This was a completely uncharacteristic game as 73 total points were scored, put up against two top defenses and in less than pristine weather conditions.
Chiefs over Titans
A: -The Chiefs are 7-0 at home and clinch a home playoff game by winning the AFC West. Nobody wants to go into Arrowhead in the playoffs. Matt Cassel should at least be on the ballot for MVP.
E: -This win, coupled with San Diego's loss, sealed the AFC West crown for the Chiefs. Watch out, whoever has to come to Arrowhead; Kansas' City's 7-0 at home.
Rams over 49ers
A: -From my perspective it was good that the Niners lost this game. Yes I would have enjoyed watching them make the playoffs, even at 7-9, but that would have given them a draft pick in the 20s instead of the top ten. This team needs a quarterback, and with this loss, has a chance to grab a good one.
-San Francisco now moves forward from the Mike Singletary era, which was characterized by mistakes, underachievement, disorganized play, and general chaos.
-The Rams are the NFC West’s lone hope. If they win next week, they will be 8-8 and this division won’t have to put a sub-.500 team into the tournament.
E: -So the Singletary regime is over. With a whimper.
Broncos over Texans
A: -The Texans blow another late lead; they started the season 4-2 and are now 5-10, yikes.
-Tim Tebow leads his first career fourth quarter comeback and made some really nice throws in the process.
E: -How many times have the Texans given up a lead to lose the game? Well, it happened again here. Houston was ahead 17-0 only to lose 24-23.
Colts over Raiders
A: -The Colts now must only beat the lowly Titans in Indy and they will clinch a home playoff game.
-The Raiders hung tough all game and showed they are a different team than in years past.
E: -Even in the Black Hole, the Raiders could not derail the Colts' playoff hopes. With one more win or a Jacksonville loss, Indianapolis wins the AFC South.
Packers over Giants
A: -Aaron Rodgers was absolutely magnificent and he made it through this game without a major hit, which means another week for his head to heal.
-Green Bay now must beat the Bears at home, and if they do so, they may very well play at Chicago to open the playoffs.
-The Giants look like a broken team, and now have to win and get help to make the playoffs.
E: -With Ol' Pouty–Eli Manning–throwing four picks, there was no way the Giants were going to beat a Packer team already in playoff mode, needing to win out to guarantee a wild card.
Bengals over Chargers
A: -All San Diego had to do was beat the Bengals to stay alive in the playoff race, and they couldn’t. This team does not belong in the playoffs.
E: -Give me a break, San Diego. With this loss, the Chargers eliminated themselves from playoff contention.
Saints over Falcons
A: -This game meant more to New Orleans, but it was still an absolute slug fest. Both teams proved that they are Super Bowl contenders once again in this game.
-Atlanta will clinch the number one seed in the NFC if they can just beat the lowly Panthers next week in the Georgia Dome.
E: -The Falcons are a team predicated on a balanced offense, but in this mathcup, the Saints completely shut down Atlanta's running game. The Falcons had to throw more than they were accustomed to and looked out of sorts doing it. They could not capitalize on New Orleans' mistakes.
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