We have match-ups in each conference that will decide the number one seed and a number of teams looking to secure their seat at the postseason table. Week sixteen’s Opening Drive begins right now!
Baltimore Ravens (9-5) at Dallas Cowboys (9-5)
As each team sits at a 9-5 logjam with other wildcard hopefuls, Saturday night's contest will go a long way in fulfilling their postseason aspirations. The main difference is that while Dallas is in contention for either wild card slot, Baltimore is fighting for only one, as Indianapolis will likely end up with the fifth seed. Dallas made a “Giant” statement by beating the NFC’s best last Sunday night and can’t afford a let-down versus the Ravens. Tony Romo is assured a few bad throws, but if he can put up enough points the Ravens won’t be able to recover. Joe Flacco is looking to rebound from a terrible showing against Pittsburgh, needing a big game to outscore the Dallas offense. The Ravens’ defense won’t have much room for error, as their offense will not explode against a stout Dallas defensive front.
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) at Tennessee Titans (12-2)
In the first battle for conference supremacy, Pittsburgh and Tennessee are going to bring the pain and leave the noise at home. Pittsburgh has won five in a row thanks mostly to Roethlisberger’s late-game heroics. If they can pull out the victory over the Titans, they face Cleveland in their season finale, making it a strong possibility that they will claim home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. With Tennessee losing two of their last four, a win would propel them right back to the top of the heap, dispelling all of the problems of the past few weeks. Kerry Collins requires a solid running game behind him in order to lead his team to victory and the number one seed.
Arizona Cardinals (8-6) at New England Patriots (9-5)
Even though the Cardinals have already clinched the NFC West title, beating the Patriots would be a much-needed confidence boost. No one is respecting the Cardinals anymore, as they’ve been hammered in multiple games by legitimate playoff contenders. New England is in a dog-fight in the AFC East, and could be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Only two teams will make it out of the AFC East, so Bill Belichick has to keep his veteran squad on point. With the Jets and Dolphins playing 2 and 3-win teams this weekend, New England has the tougher road to hoe.
Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at Minnesota Vikings (9-5)
Shocking as it may sound; the Atlanta Falcons have the opportunity to rebound from a 4-12 disaster last season to 11-5 and into the 2008 playoffs. They’ll need Dallas or Tampa Bay to stumble in the final two weeks, but Atlanta will be a dangerous team in January because of their ability to run the ball behind Michael Turner and Matt Ryan’s outstanding play under center. Heading to the dome won’t be easy, but with the Vikings’ All-Pro defensive tackle Pat Williams out with a broken right scapula, Turner will have an easier time up the middle. Minnesota is going with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback for another week, a move that could make or break their season. Sure, he’s played well for six quarters, but he’s only been called on to throw 27 passes! Adrian Peterson will be Jackson’s best friend if he can establish himself against Atlanta’s defensive unit.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1) at Washington Redskins (7-7)
While the Eagles are flying high and hoping for a trip to the postseason, the Redskins are down in the dumps after giving the Bengals their second win of the season. The ‘Skins are ripe for the pickin’, but nobody backs Zorn into a corner. (Did that joke even land?) McNabb may be auditioning for the rest of the NFL in these last few games, since there’s a strong possibility he will ask to be traded or released at season’s end after everything that’s happened. They’re still a long shot, but Eagles fans may have something to cheer for yet.
Carolina Panthers (11-3) at New York Giants (11-3)
After Sunday night’s “Melee in the Meadowlands” we will know who owns the top seed in the NFC. The Giants are showing cracks in the armor after being beaten by the Eagles and Cowboys the last two weeks. Eli Manning was under intense pressure in Dallas, as he was sacked eight times and threw two derailing interceptions. Tom Coughlin hopes power back Brandon Jacobs returns to action this week, officially listed as questionable and limited in practices. Carolina has found their winning formula behind their two star running-backs in Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams and won’t waste time in pounding the Giants’ front seven. This will be a fun game to watch.
