For some NFL teams, their playoffs will begin on Saturday as they are placed in situations where they must win in order to continue their seasons into January. This saturday will show which teams are diverse enough to win games in December, where the cruel weather can make it impossible to rely only the passing game, and where a weak defense and lack of depth can easily be exposed and taken advantage of. We all know the which teams are guaranteed playoff spots. This Saturday should help clear the dust on the remaining playoff spots and set up even more critical matchups for Week 17. Let's begin looking at this week's crucial matchups, starting with those that affect the juggled NFC East.
Eagles @ Cowboys 4:15 PM EST
The resurgent Eagles look to keep their playoff hopes alive by beating the Dallas Cowboys for the second time this season, this time inside the Eight Wonder of the World where the Cowboys have had their struggles. Tony Romo is playing arguably the best football of his career but the question is whether or not the Cowboys' lack of a running game and their suspect defense will be able to overcome a Philadelphia Eagles team that has a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. I think the stage is set for the Eagles to complete their playoff run and these are the games in which the Cowboys are known to choke in, so my money is with Philadelphia. I think the Eagles will be able to take care of their own business and will receive enough help to complete their playoff run.
Giants @ Jets 1:00 PM EST
The battle of New York has much more than pride on the line as both of these teams are coming off embarrassing losses and need a victory to solidify their playoff hopes. Both of these teams need to win their final two games in order to guarantee a playoff spot, the Giants through winning their division and the Jets through a wildcard spot. Obviously it's not possible for that to happen and that's what makes this game even more intense. I think that the Jets will come out on top due to the fact that this is the time of year where Rex Ryan's defense is known for stepping up and making big plays. This is the same Jets defense that has took them to two consecutive AFC Championship Games. They are too good not to make the playoffs, despite Mark Sanchez's inconsistent play. Look for the Jets to take care of business against the Giants and provide much needed help for the Eagles to make the playoffs.
Chargers @ Lions 4:05 EST
Like the aforementioned matchup, this game has important playoff implications for both the AFC and the NFC team involved in it. It's amazing how the Chargers can lose six straight games at one point and still have a chance to make the playoffs. Needless to say, the Chargers are playing their best football right now, both offensively and defensively, and are coming off a monster win against a very good Baltimore Ravens team. With that being said, the Lions are also coming off a big win, a classic comeback victory against the Raiders that featured a revived Calvin Johnson. Last second wins have defined the Lions season so far and they will look to take the momentum from their last game in this. In the end though, I think the Chargers offense will be too much for Detroit to handle and Phillip Rivers will continue his hot streak. This game is basically a must win for both teams, as the Chargers are looking to make the playoffs as they do every year, while the Lions are trying to get into the playoffs for the first time in a long time. Even with the loss this week, the Lions will still be a favorite to get a wildcard spot along with Atlanta due to the fact that their main contender, the Chicago Bears, are playing the Green Bay Packers, who are going to look to avenge their recent loss. However, the Lions can't blow this game off because they play the Packers the last week of the season and they would prefer taking care of their own business rather than depend on other teams losing. This game is going under the radar but because of what's on the line for both teams, it should be a great one to watch.
Raiders @ Chiefs 4:15 PM EST
After a great start to the season, the Raiders have really slipped in recent weeks and are coming off a heartbreaking last second loss to the Detroit Lions. The Raiders have a great running game but Carson Palmer's presence hasn't improved the Raider's passing game as they would have hoped and their one-dimensional style makes them easy to figure out for opposing defenses. This is a must win game for the Raiders but in order to make the playoffs, they are going to need help from the Buffalo Bills, who play the AFC West Division leaders, Denver Broncos. Because of their win this past Sunday against the Packers, the Chiefs are mathematically in playoff contention. However, the chances of everything falling into place and the Chiefs winning their division are really slim. Despite this, I think the Chiefs will play spoiler to the Raiders on Saturday and I think that Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos will take care of business against the Bills, earning them the AFC West and a playoff berth.
There are other important matchups in the NFL this week that have to do with playoff seeding and homefield advantage but these are the games that feature teams whose playoffs begin on Saturday. All of these teams cannot afford to lose as their playoff chances could significantly evaporate or disappear completely. Because of what's at stake, these games should be the best to watch and on Saturday, we will see which one of these teams is playing well enough to not only make the playoffs but also make some noise when they get there. Going into Week 16 last year, the Green Bay Packers were 8-6 and needed to win their final two games in order to make the post-season. From that point on, the Packers didn't lose another game until last Sunday. We'll see of any of these last minute playoff teams can get in a rhythm and make a run for the Superbowl, similar to last year's Packers.
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