Can games in the NFL get any crazier than the last three? Three primetime games, three walk-off touchdowns. And each one wackier than the next.
The most run-of-the-mill finish of the three was on Sunday night, when Denver had a 65-yard run down the sideline to beat the no-longer-undefeated Patriots in overtime. After Tom Brady drove New England to the tying field goal as time expired in regulation! Then on Monday night, Bowling Green lined up for the game-winning field goal, only to see the Ravens block it and return it for a touchdown. That wasn't even a legal play last year! The most Browns way to lose yet! As if that wasn't enough, the Lions blow a 20-point lead, commit a stupid penalty on the last play (when the Packers had no chance of actually scoring) to give Aaron Rodgers a free play, then see him throw it 70 yards on the fly to complete the improbable Rodgers to Rodgers game-winning touchdown pass.
Now, I'm assuming we'll see things return to normal, at least somewhat, with 13 games that aren't in primetime coming up. But maybe the walk-off touchdown is a new thing in the NFL.
Thursday Night: Green Bay (Win)
Texans (6-5) at Bills (5-6): Houston-This game is a huge one for both teams. After falling to the Patriots and Chiefs, Buffalo's playoff drought will almost certainly be extended by another year if they add another loss to the Texans. Problem is, Houston's one of the hottest teams in the NFL. And it's put the Texans into one of the two AFC wild card spots at the moment. The Bills need this, and I'll never count on Rex Ryan in a must-win game. But I see the Texans winning.
49ers (3-8) at Bears (5-6): Chicago-Don't look now, but the Chicago Bears are suddenly in the mix for that second NFC wild card. That win in Green Bay on Thanksgiving night was impressive, and that team is only getting better. They probably won't make the playoffs, but they're gonna be a team no one wants to play in December. After they beat San Francisco, they'll go to 6-6.
Bengals (9-2) at Browns (2-9): Cincinnati-How does Bowling Green recover after Monday night? They've also lost their starting quarterback (and refuse to play Johnny Immature). Oh, and the first-place Bengals are coming to town for a rivalry game. Cincinnati knows they can't afford a loss. Especially now that the Patriots aren't going to run away with home field after all.
Jaguars (4-7) at Titans (2-9): Jacksonville-At least they won't be wearing those ridiculous uniforms they wore a couple weeks ago in their Thursday night game. I don't know the last time Jacksonville swept the season series with anybody, but it's definitely been a while. And it's likely gonna happen again. The Titans are playing for next season.
Cardinals (9-2) at Rams (4-7): Arizona-St. Louis is undefeated in the division, which includes one win over Arizona already. But that was a long time ago. These are two different teams than the ones that met in Week 4. It was right about this time that Arizona's season started to fall apart last year. As long as Carson Palmer stays on his feet, it won't happen again. They get to 10 and pad their division lead.
Ravens (4-7) at Dolphins (4-7): Baltimore-Monday night's final play will probably go down as the highlight of the Ravens' season. They haven't been irrelevant in December in John Harbaugh's tenure, but that's exactly the situation they're in this season. As for Miami, the coaches have totally lost the team. They might not win another game this season.
Seahawks (6-5) at Vikings (8-3): Minnesota-For the first time this season, the Seahawks are in playoff position. Now they go on the road for a tough matchup against a surprising Vikings team that really would've been sitting pretty in the NFC North if not for the Miracle In Motown. This is usually when Seattle gets going, but this Vikings team is tough to beat. Especially at home. Minnesota goes to 9-3.
Jets (6-5) at Giants (5-6): Giants-Every time people start questioning Tom Coughlin's job security, the Giants go on to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. However, barring the inevitable Super Bowl win over New England, a loss in the Met Life Bowl will all but seal Coughlin's fate. Fortunately for the Giants, Darrelle Revis won't be playing. This game always has more intensity than the annual preseason clash. The Giants won't let their season slip away. Especially at the hands of the Jets.
Falcons (6-5) at Buccaneers (5-6): Tampa Bay-It was that loss to Tampa Bay that really started the Falcons treading downwards. It also got the Bucs going in the right direction. Now, Atlanta needs to win the rematch in order to right the ship and actually have a shot at not blowing their playoff berth that once seemed inevitable. As it is, I don't think that happens. The Atlanta Falcons that started the season are gone.
Chiefs (6-5) at Raiders (5-6): Kansas City-Suddenly the Chiefs-Raiders rivalry has juice once again. Andy Reid's team might be the hottest in football outside of Charlotte, and Oakland's December games will matter for the first time in years. They would sure love to knock off the Chiefs and put a glitch into their rival's playoff hopes, but Kansas City's too good a team, and they're playing too well right now. Oakland usually gets these home games when it's against an opponent that doesn't make the trip out west very often. Kansas City goes out there every year, though. They won't have a problem.
Broncos (9-2) at Chargers (3-8): Denver-Denver went from definitely going on the road in the playoffs to having the tiebreaker over New England in the span of one play. That win was that important. Now Brock Osweiler looks to go 3-0 as the starter and make people start wondering if Peyton will get his job back.
Eagles (4-7) at Patriots (10-1): New England-Frat Boy got hurt last week and Tom Brady is "pissed" about it. Boo hoo. That team is seriously so obnoxious. This is the way they act when they actually lose a game? Please! With all those injuries, it was just a matter of time. Seriously, I might end up playing wide receiver for the Patriots next week. And they could very easily lose again with all of Philly's blitzing. Will the Eagles be able to score enough points to overcome their defense, though? My guess is probably not.
Panthers (11-0) at Saints (4-7): Carolina-Who's the only undefeated team in football? What's that? It's not the Patriots? It's the Carolina Panthers? They go for their 16th straight regular season victory in New Orleans, and will wrap up their third straight NFC South crown if they do (they also clinch if the Bucs beat the Falcons). New Orleans is a mess, so Panthers fans will be able to start buying playoff tickets first thing Monday morning.
Colts (6-5) at Steelers (6-5): Pittsburgh-There was some talk that NBC might flex this one out of Sunday night, but with the Steelers involved, I didn't think that was likely. And like all AFC rivalry games this late in the season, it'll have big implications on the playoff hopes of both teams. The Colts are undefeated with Matt Hasselbeck. The Steelers will have Ben Roethlisberger, but you have to wonder how effective he'll be after suffering a concussion in last week's loss in Seattle. Back at home, the Steelers are a different team. And they get up for Sunday nights. I like the Steelers here, but this will be a very, very tight game. Walk-off touchdown?
Cowboys (3-8) at Redskins (5-6): Washington-Raise your hand if you thought there was any chance Washington would be in first place in December. They're 5-6, but still. I've never rooted for the Cowboys as badly as I will on Monday night, but we've already seen what they're like without Romo. Also keep in mind that the Redskins, who are in first place despite being winless on the road, are 5-1 at home. And it's a rivalry game. On Monday night. Against Dallas. Regardless of what the Giants do, they stay in the top spot in the NFC East.
This Week: 1-0
Last Week: 11-5
Season: 112-65
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