The 49ers faltered again, their second time in three weeks. However, after three lackluster weeks, the Cowboys flared to life. It was an interesting Sunday afternoon.
The playoff picture is becoming clearer. In the NFC, we know five of the six playoff teams, including both wildcards. The mystery team will be the winner of the NFC East, who will be the fourth seed. Other seedings are still a mystery.
Over in the AFC there is a little more mystery. Only four of six playoff teams are known, and the fifth seed of the AFC East runner-up is set. The two open slots will belong to the AFC South winner, and the sixth seed is a contest between the AFC South runner-up and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Power Rankings [Last week's rank]
1. Baltimore Ravens (12-2) [1]
2. New England Patriots (11-3) [4]
3. San Francisco 49ers (11-3) [2]
4. Minnesota Vikings (10-4) [5]
5. Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) [3]
6. New Orleans Saints (11-3) [7]
7. Buffalo Bills (10-4) [6]
8. Green Bay Packers (11-3) [8]
9. Seattle Seahawks (11-3) [10]
10. Dallas Cowboys (7-7) [12]
11. Tennessee Titans (8-6) [9]
12. Houston Texans (9-5) [14]
Divisional Rankings [Last week's rank]
1. NFC West [1] : With two of the best teams in the conference and the Rams, who were in the playoff hunt until this past week, this division has proven themselves the best
2. NFC North [2] : Not far behind is another division with two strong teams, plus the stiff defense of the Bears
3. AFC North [5] : With the top team in the league and a potential playoff-bound Steelers, this division has some punch
4. NFC South [7] : Tremendous games by the Saints and Bucs, plus a surprise win by the Falcons, pulls this division out of the pits
5. AFC East [4] : The Pats found their footing, but the Jets fell hard against the Ravens and Buffalo's offense was a bit off-track
6. AFC South [3] : Indy lost big and their leaders are chewing themselves up
7. AFC West [6] : Oakland lost to the Jags and their lower teams lost big
8. NFC East [8] : Still no team with a winning record, although this week's Philly v Dallas showdown should restore that
Divisional Races
We could actually settle a lot this week, as divisional leaders square off. The Patriots and Packers could both win their divisions this week. The NFC East will have a team with a one-game lead. Also, as a result of last week's AFC South bout, Houston could capture the title with a win, combined with a Titans loss.
Saturday games
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Bucs: As I stated above, the AFC South crown is within their reach. The Texans want it, and the up-and-down Bucs are not a stable enough opponent for me to confidently believe the Texans won't do their part, and gain a win. TEXANS, 27-20
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots: As much as I would love to see the Bills pull off the upset, the Patriots have history behind them on this game. They frequently trounce their divisional opponents, they often win division-clinching games, and they play well at home at the end of the season. The Pats are primed to knotch another division crown. PATS, 28-20
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers faltered last week, which means they will right themselves for this week. 49ERS, 27-17
Sunday early games
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns: Ignore that the Ravens are far and away the best and most exciting team of the league this season. They OWN this rivalry! RAVENS, 31-16
Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts: Okay, the Colts were spanked badly last week. That should get them worked out. The "Trade Cam" talks did not inspire team spirit like they may have hoped. COLTS, 23-20
Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins: Somehow I think this might be Cincy's second victory, but since the game in in Miami, I can't quite be so definite about the upset. Watch this one, though. DOLPHINS, 20-17
Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta found some life last week, and I think their offense will continue that for this week. The Jags defense is faltering, and their offense just can't generate much. FALCONS, 24-17
New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans: Houston is counting on the Saints to do their part and trounce the Titans. I doubt it will be as one-sided as the Saints game last week, but Drew Brees will be inspired to remain ahead of Tom Brady after a likely impressive performance the previous day. SAINTS, 31-23
New York Giants at Washington Redskins: The Redskins offense is starting to get it together, but Eli Manning wants to retire on a high-note, so he will shine in the next two weeks. GIANTS, 20-17
Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets: Knowing the Titans are playing the Saints, and facing a likely loss, Pittsburgh will be inspired to go out and beat the Jets to help secure that sixth playoff seed. STEELERS, 23-17
Sunday late games
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks: Let's see, how many divisional games has Arizona won this season? None? Guess that will continue, as the Seahawks chase the top seed in the conference. SEAHAWKS, 30-20
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles: The Cowboys found their offense again, just in time to battle the Eagles for the lead in the NFC East. The Eagles need this win or they won't take the division. It's be a tough battle, but I think the Cowboys will prevail. COWBOYS, 28-20
Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos: The Broncos scored only a field goal last week, so the Lions are gaining favor in this game. I don't think so. Detroit has crumbled at awkward times this season, and the Broncos are determining what their future looks like, which means players want to impress. BRONCOS, 27-23
Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers: Okay, now I step out on the skinny branches. The Chargers haven't won a single divisional contest this season, and lost most of them by quite a bit, but I think this one goes their way. The Raiders need to win out to prevent a losing season, but I think the players are starting to fold early, a not-so-uncommon problem in Oakland. CHARGERS, 27-20
Sunday night
Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears: Sorry, my Bears, but you face an offense too strong for you to suppress enough for Trubisky and company to surpass. CHIEFS, 24-13
Monday Night Football
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: With projected losses by Chicago and Detroit, who will be the only winner to emerge from the NFC North this week? How about the surging Vikings? Yes, I think they'll win this game and tie things up atop the NFC North. Given the Packers' unbeaten divisional record, this is a bit of an upset pick, but I think the Vikings can do this. VIKINGS, 27-24
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