Christmas Eve or not, there’s no way I’d let a schedule of great NFL action slip past my nets! The playoff positioning is settling in, but there’s some unresolved business in the NFC East with two pivotal games on Saturday. There’s plenty to talk about in week 16, so let’s get right to it!
(7-7) Arizona Cardinals at
(8-6) Cincinnati Bengals
John Skelton gets another chance to prove how little publicity the Cardinals can garner, despite his Tebowian winning ways. They travel to Cincy to take on the Bengals, who are desperate to climb back into the playoffs after stumbling the past few weeks. (I mean, they didn’t exactly blow out St. Louis.)
(7-7) New York Giants at(8-6) New York Jets
Can a game between a 7-7 and 8-6 team be any more unnecessarily hyped? I know there’s playoff hopes on the line and it’s between the two New York squads, but please, can we settle down slightly? The Jets defense has been utterly mediocre and Mark Sanchez has regressed. Give me Eli and the inconsistent Giants in this one.
(2-12) St. Louis Rams at(10-4) Pittsburgh Steelers
This one would be almost not worth writing about except for Big Ben’s injury. Instead, the ancient Charlie Batch will get the start against the lowly Rams, a team that is now in the running for the first pick in April’s draft. I’m picking the Steeler defense in this match-up… because not much else excites me.
(7-7) San Diego Chargers at(9-5) Detroit Lions
At the very least, there should be some points on the board when this game concludes. A lot of points. San Diego’s somehow charging back into the AFC West picture, but the Lions are fighting to hold onto the first playoff slot they’ve had in for-FREAKING-ever.
(6-8) Philadelphia Eagles at(8-6) Dallas Cowboys
What the hell. The Eagles are somehow STILL in this divisional race. I just can’t believe it. Thankfully they could be completely eliminated before this game even starts if the Giants win against the Jets. Otherwise it’ll be up to the Cowboys to knock Michael Vick out of the playoffs and perhaps get Andy Reid canned. I’m not sure I can place my faith in them to do that. Crap.
(11-3) San Francisco 49ers at
(7-7) Seattle Seahawks
…Does anyone else this the Seahawks could win this game? I’m not saying they will… but at home… against the Niners, who are coming off a huge win? That’s it! This is totally the “Trap of the Week.” I’m not expecting another mistake-free performance from Alex Smith. Just not buying it yet.
(9-5) Atlanta Falcons at(11-3) New Orleans Saints
The last Monday night game of the season pits two (probable) playoff teams against each other at the Superdome, where the Saints absolutely own. The Falcons better hope they can clinch a playoff berth next week, because they’re in over their heads. Drew Brees needs a tad over 300 yards to break Dan Marino’s all-time yardage record, and I’m pretty sure he’ll do it. Let the offense commence!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
