Now on to part two of the 10 Best Football games, as now it's time for the NFL portion of the blog. As noted in part one, 13 of the 16 games this week have playoff implications, either with seeding or getting into the playoffs. There are still three divisions up for grabs, and those are the AFC North and West, as well as the NFC East, whose winner will have less than 10 wins for the first time since the strike shortened 1982 season where the Redskins won 8 games.
Dallas at New York Giants, 8:30, NBC
Both teams haven't been very good in the second half of the season, and the Giants only two wins in the second half have come against the Cowboys and city rival Jets to eliminate the Eagles. The Cowboys have lost three of their past four, with the only win coming against the lowly Bucs. Plus, the Cowboys will have an injured Tony Romo at quarterback, due to his hand being inflammated. But, if this game is anything like the last one, it could be another chokejob by the Cowboys and a very close game.
Pick: New York 34, Dallas 33
Kansas City at Denver, 4:15, CBS
Guest - Will Rush
The debate of polarizing figure Tim Tebow has come to it's boiling point - and just in time - as the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Denver for a matchup filled with drama. Tim Tebow vs. Kyle Orton. Tim Tebow vs. John Elway. Tim Tebow vs. Critics. Tim Tebow vs....well, the world. In a game where Tebow is playing for his football career - expect Tebow to have his emotions on his sleeve all game. Hopefully winning the game - and more importantly - the commitment of the Denver Broncos for him as future quarterback. I wouldn't bet against him.
Denver 24 - Kansas City 13
San Diego at Oakland, 4:15, CBS
Oakland needs this game along with a Denver loss to clinch the Western division. But, the Raiders can still get a wild card spot with a whole bunch of other things happening which is just insanely confusing. But, Oakland somehow still has a shot at the playoffs shockingly enough with their starting quarterback, Jason Campbell gone since week eight and they've also been without star running back Darren McFadden for 10 of the 16 games so far this season. Plus, Oakland is about to commit the most penalties of any team in any season if they commit three on Sunday.
But, San Diego has been playing well this season with the exception of the six game stretch in the middle of the season where they decided to lay down and nap through six games. But, with the exception of those, the team hasn't been too bad. And, they may be out to save Norv Turner's job as well as avenging their loss to Oakland when they were in the middle of their nap.
Pick: San Diego 24, Oakland 17
Baltimore at Cincinnati, 4:15, CBS
Cincy has been a definite surprise team this season, and they need this game in order to secure aspot in the playoffs. Cincy also will actually have fan support for this game, as this will be only their second sellout of the season. Cincy has a very good defense made up of a bunch of no names essentially, being in the top 12 in passing defense as well as rushing defense. But, the real surprise has been Any Dalton to A.J. Green as that combo has been lighting up the league so far.
Baltimore also needs this game in order to preserve themselves the AFC North title as well as the second seed in the AFC. Baltimore has been an excellent team at home so far this season, going 8-0 at home while only going 3-4 on the road. Baltimore has been a team of unexpected surprises so far this season, and they may have another surprise here and allow the Bengals to get into the playoffs.
Pick: Cincy 28, Baltimore 24
Detroit at Green Bay, 1, Fox
Detroit needs this game to maintain their spot as the five seed in the NFC, and that would probably be their best positioning, as they have already beaten the Cowboys in Cowboys Stadium this season in week four. Plus, the roof should be closed, and they are used to domes. Detroit may not have to face the probable MVP of the league either, as Green Bay has already clinched the number one seed in the NFC.
Pick: Detroit 34, Green Bay 21
Have a very happy and prosperous new year!
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