(9-5) Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys (9-5) – Saturday 7:15pm CST
The Steelers and the Giants have already sealed the deal in their divisions, which leaves these 2 fighting for wild card positions. Last week the Ravens lost to the Steelers and the Cowboys took down the Giants. Ravens have the #2 defense in the NFL and are not looking to give Romo a break. But, if the Cowboys can keep pressure on Ravens’ QB Joe Flacco, expect a victory for Dallas. If they can secure a wild card position, I think they have the talent to take it to the Super Bowl.
(8-6) Arizona Cardinals vs. New England Patriots (9-5) – Sunday 12pm CST
So there’s a 3-way tie in the AFC East! And with the Jets playing the Seahawks and Miami playing the Chiefs, the Pats need to win this 1 to stay in the race. Plus, Arizona has already won their division so the Pats are going to want this way more. Starting Pro Bowl QB Kurt Warner is going to have to prove that he can claim a victory on the East Coast at least once this year…but will this be the game? I think Cassel has what it takes, and if the Pats secondary can keep pace with Larry Fitzgerald, they can win it.
(11-3) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans (12-2) – Sunday 12pm CST
I know they’ve both won their divisions already, but this should still be a great game. Last week the Steelers beat the Ravens and the Titans lost to the Texans! Everyone knows that the Steelers have had one of the toughest schedules in the league, and they’re still on top. I think Steelers are going to win this one.
(9-5) Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings (9-5) – Sunday 3:15pm CST
Falcons come in with the #1 rush offense, against the Vikings #1 rush defense…nice. Matt Ryan will have to look to an air attack with Roddy White to keep the offense moving, and ATL’s defense will have to really stick it to Adrian Peterson. Question is, are the Vikes going to start Gus Frerotte off of injury, or backup Tavaris Jackson? I think this is going to be a really close game, but in the end, the Falcons will win it.
(5-9) Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (8-6) – Monday 7:30pm CST
Everybody knows that the Bears are favored to win this game, and I agree. In fact, I prefer they win this one since I DO NOT want the Viking to win the division!!! Vikings (9-5) play the Falcons this week and the Giants in NY next week. Bears play Houston next week.
Conclusion: If Kyle Orton and Matt Forte can take advantage of the poor Packers’ defense, it’s in the bag. If not, things could get interesting, especially if Rodgers gets mad out there.
After this week we should be able to pretty much layout who'll make the playoffs and who won't. Don't worry, I'll bring you all the info early next week!