GAME OF THE WEEK - Kansas City Chiefs (8-3) at Atlanta Falcons (7-4), ATL by 3.5 - It's not often that you see a non-conference matchup that is going to have such big playoff implications, but this is going to be a majorly important game for both teams. The Chiefs need to keep winning in a tight divisional race, as well as a tight race for a wild card spot. The Falcons suddenly have an opening for the #2 seed in the NFC, thanks to the Seahawks' stumble last week. It's going to be strength vs. strength in this Falcons offense versus the Chiefs defense. I just think the Chiefs are a slightly more reliable team. UPSET! - Chiefs 27, Falcons 24
THURSDAY NIGHT - Dallas Cowboys (10-1) at Minnesota Vikings (6-5), DAL by 3.5 - A month and a half ago, this would have liked a clash for the NFC's top seed. Now, the Vikings have completely and utterly fallen apart, and the Cowboys are going to have a cakewalk to homefield advantage. Amazing how quickly things can change in the NFL. Cowboys 30, Vikings 13/i]
Denver Broncos (7-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9), DEN by 5 - As much as the Broncos have struggled lately, they're playing against a team that clearly has no interest in playing for its coach. [i]Broncos 27, Jaguars 6
Houston Texans (6-5) at Green Bay Packers (5-6), GB by 6.5 - If the Packers could have played like they did against the Eagles all year long, they'd be in the mix for a first round bye. Instead, they're in a position where they essentially need to win out to have a shot at a division title, which is likely their only route at the postseason. Based on their performance last week, and given the Texans' lack of any kind of offense, I'm going with the Pack. I'll prepare for disappointment. Packers 27, Texans 13
Philadelphia Eagles (5-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-7-1), PHI by 1 - Unbelievable what's happened to the Bengals this season. Gotta think this is going to be close to the end for Marvin Lewis. In the meanwhile, the Eagles basically need to win out and get a lot of help to get a wild card spot. Playing on the road and with Carson Wentz suddenly looking very ordinary they're in for a tough one, but with AJ Green out, they've got a good shot. Eagles 23, Bengals 20
Detroit Lions (7-4) at New Orleans Saints (5-6), NO by 5.5 - The Lions are setting their fans up perfectly for crushing disappointment. They're in for a tough battle on the road in New Orleans. Matt Stafford will play great, but this smells like a Saints win. Saints 33, Lions 24
San Francisco 49ers (1-10) at Chicago Bears (2-9), CHI by 1.5 - The Browns will be watching this game with great interest. Can the 49ers hold on to the bottom of the NFC, or will the Bears prove to be more inept? Without Cutler once again, and without Alshon Jeffery, I'm going to take the Niners in a minor upset. [color=red[UPSET![/color] - 49ers 20, Bears 17
Los Angeles Rams (4-7) at New England Patriots (9-2), NE by 13.5 - Lol. Patriots 35, Rams 9
Miami Dolphins (7-4) at Baltimore Ravens (6-5), BAL by 3.5 - Another huge game for the playoff picture this week. If the season ended today, the Dolphins would have a playoff berth over the Broncos. Meanwhile, the Ravens have a tenuous lead over the Steelers in the AFC North. The Dolphins are the hottest team in the league not named the Cowboys right now, so I'm going to take them to grind one out. Ultimately, this game is more important for them. UPSET! - Dolphins 27, Ravens 21
Buffalo Bills (6-5) at Oakland Raiders (9-2), OAK by 3 - The Bills need this game to keep pace in the Wild Card hunt. But the Raiders are just too good, and have their eyes on a first round bye. Raiders 31, Bills 24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) at San Diego Chargers (5-6), SD by 3.5 - Don't sleep on the Bucs. They're playing good teams well and hanging around in that wild card hunt. UPSET! - Bucs 20, Chargers 17
Washington Redskins (6-4-1) at Arizona Cardinals (4-6-1), ARZ by 2.5 - Redskins getting no respect. UPSET! - Redskins 21, Cardinals 16
New York Giants (8-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), PIT by 6 - Earlier this year I called the Giants dark horse super bowl contenders. They were 2-0 at the time, but about to go on a three-game losing streak. I stand by that statement... but I like the Steelers this week. Steelers 30, Giants 27
Carolina Panthers (4-7) at Seattle Seahawks (7-3-1), SEA by 6.5 - If this game were in Carolina, I'd be tempted to take the Panthers just because of how close these teams tend to play each other. But with the Panthers falling apart and the Seahawks being at home, I'm taking them with confidence despite how shitty they looked last week. Seahawks 23, Panthers 17
Indianapolis Colts (5-6) at New York Jets (3-8), IND by 1 - Jets. Colts 27, Jets 20
BYES: Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns
