Chicago Bears (9-6) vs. Detroit Lions (4-11)
The
Bears are fighting for their playoff lives today in Detroit. The Bears still
have an opportunity to make the playoffs if they win today and if the Vikings
lose. The Bears will need to get Matt Forte involved early in the game and keep
the pressure on Matt Stafford this afternoon. The Bears will be without star
linebacker Brian Urlacher today. The Lions will need a big game again today
from their record setting wide receiver Calvin Johnson today for any chance to
pull off this big win at home. The Bears have more to play for, and I believe
they will be rallying around their head coach to make a push for the final
playoff spot in the NFC.
Prediction: Bears 24-21
Philadelphia
Eagles (4-11) vs. New York Giants (8-7)
The
defending New York Giants have truly painted themselves in a corner with their loss last week in Baltimore. The
Giants will need a lot of help from three teams today to even have a remote
chance of making the playoffs. The Eagles on the other hand will be playing
their last game for Coach Andy Reid today. The belief around Philly is that
Coach Reid will be fired once this season is over. The Eagles will start
Michael Vick today in what could be his final game in an Eagles’ jersey. The
Giants need to win today and hope for a Cowboys loss, Chicago loss and a
Vikings loss. Those teams all play against hostile divisional opponents today.
Prediction: Giants 35-14
Green
Bay Packers (11-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (9-6)
The
Packers are playing today to secure a first round bye today and gain home field
advantage for the second round. The Vikings are playing for the final playoff
spot and they can lock up that spot with a win today. The Packers will need to
protect Aaron Rodgers and give plenty of time to work against this stingy
Vikings’ defense. The Vikings also are playing today with their star running
back, Adrian Peterson, attempting to make history. Peterson needs 208 yards to
overtake a record set by Eric Dickerson for rushing yards in a season. This
record has been challenged many times and today Peterson attempts to make it
happen against the Packers. What a great game with so much to play for today.
Prediction: Packers 28-24
Dallas
Cowboys (8-7) vs. Washington Redskins (9-6)
This
classic rival game adds another chapter to its storied history book. The winner
of this game clinches the division and will host a playoff game next week. The
incredible rookie year for RGIII will either end today or live to see another
game. Tony Romo has been in this position many times in his career and his
inspiring play has given the Cowboys hope to make the playoffs. Romo’s efforts
this season have been incredible considering the Cowboys played most of the
season without DeMarco Murray, their starting running back. The Redskins beat
the Cowboys earlier this season on Thanksgiving Day and I believe they will
once again up end them. RGIII will be the x-factor today and will find the
holes against this banged up Cowboys defense.
Prediction: Redskins 27-21
This season comes down to a crucial day
of games that will decide the NFC playoff standings. The AFC teams are all
locked into their playoff bracket with the Bengals winning in Pittsburgh to
clinch the final playoff spot. Here is a breakdown of what needs to happen for
teams in the NFC to clinch the final playoff spot.
Washington Redskins
-Win today against the Cowboys they
clinch the NFC East
-Or if they lose and the Bears &
Vikings lose they would get the final playoff spot
Dallas Cowboys
-Win today against the Redskins they
clinch the NFC East
New York Giants
-Win today, Cowboys lose, Bears lose
& Vikings lose
Minnesota Vikings
-Win Today
-Or if they lose, Cowboys lose, Giants
lose & Bears lose
Chicago Bears
-Win Today & Vikings lose
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