Denver Broncos (10-3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
This is a key game today for the
seeding in the AFC playoff standings. Both teams are fighting for the right to
host a home playoff game. The Ravens lost in OT last week to the Redskins and
the Broncos won their eighth straight game this season by beating the Raiders.
The Broncos have not won in Baltimore in their last five visits but that was
before Peyton Manning arrived. Manning, on the other hand, has won eight
straight games against the Ravens, which includes two playoff wins. The Broncos
have incredible momentum going into this game. The Ravens have lost two games
in a row and seem to be regressing going into the playoffs. The Broncos are in
the top 10 on defense against the rush and pass. Von Miller’s play has been at
an MVP level for most of the season and today could improve those chances in a
pivotal conference game. The Ravens will need a mistake free game from Joe Flacco
to help the Ravens right the ship. Ray Rice needs to re-emerge into the Ravens’
offense and be the team leader on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncos
have found their stride and Manning is playing like the player of old. The
Broncos have the momentum on their side and should walk into MT& T Bank
Stadium confident of their chances to win.
Prediction: Broncos 35-20
New York Giants (8-5) vs. Atlanta
Falcons (11-2)
The Giants head into today’s game
with a one game lead in their division against the Cowboys and Redskins. The
Giants have painted themselves into a corner and now have a difficult game with
the Falcons, who have the NFC’s best record. The Giants play well in high
stakes games but Atlanta is undefeated at home this season. The Falcons did
lose last week on the road in Carolina and the Giants beat the Saints at home
in a profound signature win. The Falcons will need to air the ball out against
this questionable defensive backfield of the Giants. The Giants will need to
establish their running game against the Falcons’ defensive that allows over
100 yards a game. David Wilson was the break out star for the Giants last week
and they will need him to have another monster game in the Georgia Dome. Eli
Manning and Matt Ryan will have an epic showdown in what could be the NFC
championship game later in January. The Falcons will need to keep Manning under
constant pressure and prevent him the opportunity to bring the Giants back in
the 4th quarter. The Falcons are ready to be mentioned with the
serious contenders in the NFL and this game today will be their statement game.
Prediction: Falcons 31-28
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) vs. Dallas
Cowboys (7-6)
Two iconic franchises with playoff
aspirations will meet in Cowboys Stadium today in a game that could eliminate
the loser from the playoffs. The Cowboys won a crucial game last week on the
road against the Bengals and are currently one game out of the division. The
Steelers had a chance to gain ground on the Ravens and take a one game lead
over the Bengals, but they lost a home game against the Chargers. The Steelers
have pressure to win this game today, due to the Bengals winning on Thursday
night. The Cowboys will need this win today to stay in the division
championship hunt; they are tied with the Redskins and trail the Giants by one
game. The Cowboys received good news early in the week with the announcement
that Dez Bryant will attempt to play today and that will be a boost to Tony
Romo. The Steelers will need to establish their short passing game again this
week, something that they could never establish last week against the Chargers.
The Steelers’ defense will need to create pressure on Romo, which usually
creates turnovers and short field situations for the Cowboys. The Steelers will
definitely come out more focused and poised than last week. Roethlisberger is
now one week healthier and will have better mobility in the pocket. The Cowboys
will need to throw the ball against this banged up defensive backfield of the
Steelers. The Steelers will need to run the ball to balance out their attack on
offense. This game should be a battle and I expect the team that allows the
most passing yards will lose this game.
Prediction: Steelers 28-21
Green
Bay Packers (9-4) vs. Chicago Bears (8-5)
This
rivalry is one of the best in the NFL, and today’s game should be a war on the
football field. Each team has taken to the media with remarks and ill will
against one another. The Packers have the momentum walking into Solider Field
today against the banged up Bears. Rodgers had a great game against the Bears
earlier in the season and for the Bears to have a chance today, they will need
to put pressure on him. The Bears defense has been less than stellar in the past
two weeks but they can redeem themselves with a clutch performance this
afternoon. The Bears will need some big plays by Forte and Marshall to extend
drives by keeping Rodgers off the field. Clay Mathews will return to action
this week and that should be a big boost to the defense. The Bears’
opportunities will be against the Packers’ offensive line and if they can get
to Rodgers it will increase their chances to win. The Packers will spread the
ball around today and stop the Bears’ chances of a divisional title and
possibly knock them out of playoff contention with a win today.
Prediction: Packers 30-17
The games today are high powered
matchups and will clear up the playoff picture. The NFC East is the division to
watch today with three teams still vying to win the crown. The Cowboys and Giants
play quality teams that are trying to make the playoffs. The Giants can lock up
the division with a win today but a loss would hamper all those chances. The
Steelers losing today would make their matchup next week against the Bengals a
must-win game to stay in the playoff race. If the Bears lose it will open up
that last playoff spot in the NFC. Today will clear the air and will set up the
possible scenarios for the final two games of the season.
Follow Me on Twitter @PetorLancaster
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