San Diego Chargers (6-7) at Denver Broncos (11-2)
The Chargers could make a run for a wild card spot, but it will be very tough with a few teams ahead of them. A win against Peyton Manning would be a good way for Philip Rivers to start, but I don’t think that will happen, especially in Denver.
Prediction: Denver 41, San Diego 27
Washington Redskins (3-10) at Atlanta Falcons (3-10)
Two division winners from last season are a combined 6-20. At this point, both teams are playing for draft picks, so losses here for either team would not be the worst possible scenario.
Prediction: Atlanta 27, Washington 20
Chicago Bears (7-6) at Cleveland Browns (4-9)
Bears quarterback Josh McCown has surprised me this season. Whether the credit belongs to Head Coach Marc Trestman or McCown himself, a solid finish to this season might convince the Chicago front office to let Jay Cutler walk in free agency this offseason.
Prediction: Chicago 20, Cleveland 14
Houston Texans (2-11) at Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
The Colts have struggled recently, as they’ve gone 2-3 in their last 5 games. However, a home game against the worst team in the AFC is a good way to get back on track.
Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Houston 17
Buffalo Bills (4-9) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)
Kudos to Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley. After an anemic start, his team has won three games in a row. They’ve played themselves out of the first overall draft pick, but they’ve established a winning culture.
Prediction: Jacksonville 24, Buffalo 21
New England Patriots (10-3) at Miami Dolphins (7-6)
A win in this game would give the Patriots the AFC East crown, which would be their eleventh this century. I think they’d prefer to take the lead early and maintain that lead, but a win is a win regardless of how it’s achieved.
Prediction: New England 31, Miami 20
Philadelphia Eagles (8-5) at Minnesota Vikings (3-9-1)
The Eagles are the hottest team in football. Even on the road, I don’t think this game will be close. The Vikings are playing for seeding, like many other teams at this point in the season.
Prediction: Philadelphia 24, Minnesota 14
Seattle Seahawks (11-2) at New York Giants (5-8)
The best team in football shouldn’t lose to the Giants. Seattle isn’t as dominant on the road as they are at home, but against this Giants team, it should not matter.
Prediction: Seattle 27, New York 17
San Francisco 49ers (9-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-9)
Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon has played very well this season after a rough start, and he might have played himself into a starting job next season. However, the 49ers are thinking about right now, and they are clearly the better team on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: San Francisco 20, Tampa Bay 17
New York Jets (6-7) at Carolina Panthers (9-4)
Is Geno Smith the future at quarterback for the Jets? That’s what General Manager John Idzik will have to decide. Cam Newton is one of the brightest young stars in the league, and his talents have finally paid off towards a winning season.
Prediction: Carolina 27, New York 13
Kansas City Chiefs (10-3) at Oakland Raiders (4-9)
Andy Reid has done a great job in Kansas City. Barring a huge collapse, he will win the Coach of the Year award. The fifth seed in the AFC looks to be desirable because of a first-round match-up with the struggling Colts, so the Chiefs shouldn’t overlook this Raiders team.
Prediction: Kansas City 23, Oakland 20
Green Bay Packers (6-6-1) at Dallas Cowboys (7-6)
Both the Cowboys and Packers need a win here to stay in the race for an NFC playoff spot. Much has been made of Tony Romo’s December struggles, but I’ll take the ‘Boys, especially because they’re playing at home.
Prediction: Dallas 30, Green Bay 27
New Orleans Saints (10-3) at St. Louis Rams (5-8)
Second in the conference must look pretty good to the Saints. That would ensure a first round bye and atleast one home playoff game. From there, it would be a disappointment for them not to reach the NFC Championship Game.
Prediction: New Orleans 37, St. Louis 20
Arizona Cardinals (8-5) at Tennessee Titans (5-8)
The Cardinals represent yet another NFC team that struggled last season but is in the playoff picture this season. Bruce Arians has done a fantastic job wherever he has gone as a coach.
Prediction: Arizona 24, Tennessee 17
Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-8)
The Bengals have essentially wrapped up the AFC North crown, and are now fighting for playoff position. It is very important to remember that the Bengals defeated the Patriots earlier this season, so a tie would vault them into the higher seed.
Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Pittsburgh 17
Baltimore Ravens (7-6) at Detroit Lions (7-6)
Last week in Philly was an interesting week for the Lions, but they return to the warm conditions of Ford Field. The Ravens got a boost from the return of Dennis Pitta, and they shouldn’t be overlooked in the AFC playoff picture. I’ll take the Lions at home, and I doubt that the Ravens defense will be able to neutralize the Lions’ attack.
Prediction: Detroit 37, Baltimore 30
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