Miami at Carolina Prediction Panthers by 10 points +
Score Miami 24, Carolina 17
Despite having more running and passing yards Carolina couldn’t stop Ricky Williams who ran for 3 touch downs. Miami at 5-5 still have a remote chance of making the playoffs while Carolina can start planning for next season.
Washington at Dallas Prediction Dallas by 7 or less
Score Dallas 7, Washington 6
Dallas may lead the tough NFC East but I wouldn’t bet on them making the post season based on this performance. Admittedly The Skins do seem to save their best for their old rivals but even so 2 TDs in 2 games.
Cleveland at Detroit Prediction Detroit by 7-10 points
Score Detroit 38, Cleveland 37
They may both be struggling but they gave the fans a treat plenty of scoring and late drama. Both Brady Quinn and Matt Stafford put up good yardage which is probably more a reflection of the weak defences rather than their star qualities.
San Francisco at Green Bay Prediction Packers by 10 points +
Score Green Bay 30, San Francisco 24
This looked all over at Half Time but a fourth quarter rally by the 49res made things a little less comfortable. This win keeps Green Bay in the Wild Card race but bad injuries to Al Harris & Aaron Kampman wont help an already unpredictable defence as the Packers head into the crucial final games. San Fran are moving in the right direction but would need Arizona to self destruct if they are going to make the post season.
Pittsburgh at Kansas City Prediction Steelers by 14 points +
Score Kansas City 27, Pittsburgh 24 (OT)
This was a BAD defeat for Pittsburgh who pretty much dominated the game but gave away too many penalties and only scored 3 times of 5 trips to the red zone. Kansas hung in there well and may make a good team in a couple of years as Matt Cassel Looks like a good QB. The Steelers can take some comfort from the fact that all their AFC North Rivals also lost close games.
Atlanta at NY Giants Prediction Giants by 3-7 points
Score NY Giants 34, Atlanta 31 (OT)
A good solid performance by Eli was nearly wasted as the Falcons forced overtime with two late touchdowns – the last coming with only 28 seconds left. Justice was done when the Giants kicked the winning field goal which keeps them in the race for the NFC East.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay Prediction Saints by 7-10 points
Score New Orleans 38, Tampa Bay 7
All too easy for the Saints who look set for at least a 1st round Bye in the post season. Tampa can look forward to a nice early draft pick next year.
Buffalo at Jacksonville Prediction Jags by 7 points +
Jacksonville 18, Buffalo 15
The Jags sneaked this one and suddenly look like a potential wild card team. How fast things can change in the NFL. Buffalo need to start again and rebuild.
Indianapolis at Baltimore Prediction Ravens by 7
Score Indianapolis 17, Baltimore 15
Once again the Ravens lose a close one with another missed field goal making this the year of rued chances. Can they still win the Super Bowl? Well they are still in with a good chance of a Wild Card place and surely their luck is due a change. A post season rematch with Indy still looks a possibility. As for Indy they look like being No 1 seeds in the AFC.
Seattle at Minnesota Prediction Vikings by 14 points
Score Minnesota 35, Seattle 9
All too easy as the Vikings march on towards the playoffs. The Seahawks need to add to the roster which is severely lacking in depth.
Arizona at St. Louis Prediction Arizona by 10 points +
Score Arizona 21, St. Louis 13
A nice comfortable win for Arizona who are almost certain to take the NFC West, as for the Rams bottom place looks assured.
NY Jets at New England Prediction Patriots by 14 points +
Score New England 31, NY Jets 14
The Patriots go marching on and now look assured of the Division and probably the No 2 seed in the AFC. The Jets season has come apart with remarkable speed and with it Sanchez’s chance of rookie of the season.
Cincinnati at Oakland Prediction Bengals by 10 points +
Oakland 20 Cincinnati 17
In a game dedicated to the memory of Marquis Cooper Oakland continued to upset the bigger teams with this somewhat fortunate comeback win. This could have given Cincinnati a clear lead in the AFC North but with all their division rivals losing they probably won’t be too upset about giving The Cooper family a day to remember.
San Diego at Denver Prediction Chargers by 7-10 points
Score San Diego 32, Denver 3
The Chargers finally look to be hitting form and the rest of the AFC will be taking notice. This probably assures them of a post season berth. Denver are not out of the post season race yet but will need to bounce back from this demoralising defeat.
Philadelphia at Chicago Prediction Eagles by 7 points +
Score Philadelphia 24, Chicago 20
A game both teams needed to win went to the eagles who should be playing in the post season. Chicago have mortgaged the next couple of seasons to get Cutler had better hope for some good free agency opportunities as even a quality QB cant buy you a winning season single handed.
Tennessee at Houston Prediction Houston by 7 points or less.
Score Tennessee 20, Houston 17
0-6 to 4-6 quite a turnaround and with a hard but not impossible schedule ahead the Titans may yet have a chance at a play off place, although their destiny is probably out of their hands. The Texans are showing they are probably still not quite a playoff team. I can see both missing out on a wild card place.
Final predictions tally 11-5