Even though kicker Nick Folk tried to lose the game for the Cowboys they did win which keeps the NFC playoff picture a little cloudy.
So what games are most important for straightening out this playoff mess?
First of all lets figure out what teams have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Indy, Minnesota, and New Orleans are in so they are not part of this discussion.
AFC:
San Diego and Cincinnati are all but in. Since they play each other this week they might not both clinch a spot but they will soon enough.
Denver and New England are in total control of their playoff fate. If they win out they are in for sure. Both are 8-5 and the Pats can still win the East division.
After that there are really only 4 teams with a legitimate shot…Baltimore, NY Jets, Miami, and Jacksonville (although they are in trouble after losing to Colts).
NFC:
Green Bay are in a great position and could be in soon.
Arizona only has to get one more game on the 49ers and they are in. A loss by San Fran and a win by Arizona would put the Cards in as division champs.
Philly and Dallas could be fighting til the last week for the division championship but if that happens then both are likely in the playoffs.
After that it comes down to a few teams, NY Giants and for arguments sake Atlanta and San Fran are still alive but really if the top 6 don’t make it then the Giants are probably the team that blows up the formula.
So what games carry the most weight this weekend?
Cincinnati at San Diego
Interesting matchup as both teams can theoritically clinch their divisions today. And San Diego can clinch the #2 seed if both Denver and New England lose. With the sad death of Chris Henry the Bengals should be playing as well as they have all season. Even with a loss the Bengals still only have to win 1 game to clinch the division while the Chargers need a Denver loss either way.
New England at Buffalo
This game obviously isn’t important for Buffalo but New England needs to win to remain ahead of Miami and the Jets. Doesn’t seem that difficult right? Except the Pats are only 1-5 on the road this season and have lost 2 of their last 3. The Bills bring a top 5 pass defense having allowed only 10 touchdowns through the air all season. If New England is going to win this game Laurence Maroney will need to have a big game.
Miami at Tennessee
This might be the biggest game as far as playoff lives are concerned. The Dolphins are in decent position while the Titans are just hanging on at 6-7 but with a Titans win the Dolphins would be all but eliminated as they would fall behind the Titans at 7-7 with only 2 games to play.
Atlanta at NY Jets
The weather will play a huge factor in this game as the winds and cold should be alive and well in Jersey. Both teams need to win this game to stay alive. A loss and the Falcons are definitely done while a loss for the Jets wouldn’t be as bad but could still kill their playoff chances.
San Fransisco at Philadelphia
The weather has already affected this game as it will now kick off at 4:15 instead of 1. But more importantly can the 49ers stay alive in the wild card and divisional races? Philly also needs to keep winning to stay ahead of the Cowboys who won last night in New Orleans if they want to win the division. But with a win the Eagles are at least in the playoffs.
Green Bay at Pittsburgh
If the Steelers lose they are done. If they win they still need lots of help but can help their own cause the last 2 weeks with games against Baltimore and Miami to go. Green Bay can clinch a wild card spot with a win and a Giants loss.
Some of the other games mean a little but not as much as the games listed above. Expect plenty of surprises over the last 3 weeks as their always are.
