Week 13 Implications: What's at stake?

It's just about that point in the season where every game starts to become vitally important to those contending for a playoff spot. Currently there are 10 teams in the NFC and eight in the AFC with realistic chances to make the playoffs. The next few weeks will determine which 12 of those 18 teams will play on into January. However, the importance of each game is not limited to the playoff contenders. The final few weeks of the season allow for the non-playoff contending teams to take a good look at their roster and coaching staff. Not to mention, these last few weeks will determine the all-too-important draft order. So, instead of picking the games this week, I’ll discuss the implications of the matchup.

Atlanta vs. New Orleans- This was quite the interesting game for a few reasons. Not the least of which was one of the most accurate passers in NFL history throwing five interceptions. However, the matchup also served as the 40^th week in a row the average fan has been underwhelmed by an Atlanta victory. Although they basically have a first round bye wrapped up, they won’t be favored to beat anyone come January unless they start to impress in these next few weeks. Meanwhile, New Orleans train-wreck of a season has finally hit rock bottom. The Saints will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008. It will be interesting to see what they’ll do this offseason.

Buffalo vs. Jacksonville- Thanks to some merciful higher power, this game will be blacked out in Buffalo. This matchup features the two least compelling, non-descript messes of franchises in the NFL. Yet, there are some implications to keep our eyes on with these two teams. The Jaguars may have found a replacement for the bumbling Gabbert. Chad Henne has impressed in his first two starts as a Jaguar and if he continues to do so he might earn himself a starting job with the team next year. The final few games of the season for the Bills will serve as Chan Gailey’s last-ditch effort to save his job. It may be too late for that.

Chicago vs. Seattle- The Seahawks entire season is on the line here while the Bears will look to remain in first place in the NFC North. If the Seahawks are unable to defeat Chicago at home (no small task…especially since they couldn’t handle Miami), they will fall to 6-6 and possibly out of playoff contention. The Bears, on the other hand, are trying to maintain their divisional lead and prove to the country and themselves that they can protect Cutler. They’re one Bruce Irvin sack away from relying on Jason Campbell again. But a win would make it very difficult for them to miss the playoffs.

Detroit vs. Indianapolis- If the finish to Detroit’s season is ugly enough, could Jim Schwartz be fired? Not only has the team been a major disappointment this year, they’re behavior hasn’t changed much. It’s one thing to be considered the “bad boys” of the NFL when you’re 10-6 but those antics are less lovable when you’re out of the playoff race in late November. Indy, on the other hand, has been a pleasant surprise. Beating Detroit at home would be huge for this team. A win would nearly guarantee the Colts a playoff spot. There are very few rookie quarterbacks who led this dramatic of a turnaround; Luck was quite a grab for the Colts.

Green Bay vs. Minnesota- Although it seems like they haven’t won a game since the Reagan Administration, the Vikings are still contending for a playoff spot at 6-5. An upset win over the rival Packers would put them at 7-5, right in the thick of the playoff race. But a loss would drop the Vikes to 6-6 with Houston, Chicago and a second matchup against Green Bay looming. A win for the Packers would be a good rebound from an embarrassing Sunday night loss. Also, moving to 8-4 gives them an outside chance to earn a first-round bye. Their odds aren’t great but a collapse of the Bear’s o-line would leave San Francisco as their only challenger for the second seed.

Houston vs. Tennessee- There are no real implications here for the Titans. They don’t seem to need to rebuild so they shouldn’t be tanking for a better draft spot. They’re not in playoff contention so this isn’t a must win by any means. They’re in a strange place as a franchise right now but things will begin to clear up after a full year of seeing Locker play. Houston could use a big win over the Titans before taking on the Patriots next week in the game of the year. Wins in both games would guarantee Houston their first bye in franchise history.

Carolina vs. Kansas City- While I’m writing this I’m not sure this game will be played this weekend. The tragedy involving Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend is still unfolding so I won’t speculate on the situation or attempt to evaluate the team at this point.

San Francisco vs. St Louis- The Rams have already proven they can play with the 49ers which makes this game infinitely more interesting. Jeff Fisher and his defense will look to harass the young Kaepernick all game. It will be interesting to see how the young QB responds to the pressure and likely less than um….clean hits him and the offense might take. The only thing the Rams have on the line is their title as peskiest bad team in recent memory. They’re just so damn pesky.

New England vs. Miami- In a game that seems completely unwinnable, the Dolphins will attempt to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Fins (5-6) somehow defeated Seattle at home last week and are in the playoff discussion far longer than anyone would have expected. However, a loss would end that talk. New England, on the other hand, is a loss away from putting the first-round bye out of reach. The Patriots have a few other small matters such as Tom Brady’s possible fifth MVP and scoring the most team points in NFL history on the line. No big deal.

New York vs. Arizona- There aren’t many implications in this battle of teams whose season can’t end fast enough. However, there’s an outside chance we could be watching Greg McElroy and Ryan Lindley playing quarterback against each other in an NFL football game. Besides that? Not much to look forward too. Looks like both teams are going see some major overhaul this offseason.

Tampa Bay vs. Denver- In the game of the week, we’ll learn a lot about where these two teams are going this year. Although Denver has won seven in a row, the Broncos best win was over the Bengals, Tampa would be their most impressive win all season. Meanwhile the Bucs are fighting for their playoff lives. The re-vitalized Josh Freeman is attempting to lead the Bucs to their first playoff appearance in five years. A victory over Denver would go a long way to making that a reality. But, a loss would drop the team to 6-6 in the ultra-competitive NFC.

Cleveland vs. Oakland- Well I guess not EVERY game has implications. 2002 must seem like an eternity ago for these fanbases.

Cincinnati vs. San Diego- Somehow, the painfully average Bengals are competing for a playoff spot again. Well, I shouldn’t say somehow; their success is due to the improvement of Andy Dalton and the whole “the one-year Calvin Johnson era was cute but this is my league now” thing by A.J. Green. The Bengals are a win and a hilarious Charlie Batch loss away from taking control of the second wild-card spot. The only real factor hanging in the balance for the Chargers is whether Norv Turner gets fired now or later…or next year.

Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore- A win for Pittsburgh here would be huge, especially if Big Ben is able to return next week. A win for Baltimore would make them a rather unimpressive 10-2. They’ll likely handle Charlie Batch and grab the two seed. But is there anyone who thinks they would beat the Patriots at this point?

Philadelphia vs. Dallas- The Cowboys will turn the ball over a little less and be a little bit less of a complete and total mess than the Eagles. There are really only two outcomes here for the Cowboys. Either they win and keep hanging on in the playoff race or they lose and are eliminated. Meanwhile the Eagles could either win to improve to 4-8 or they could lose and continue their descent into laughingstock territory. That is, if they aren’t already there.

New York vs. Washington- Don’t look now but RG III and his boys are on the verge of jumping into playoff discussion. Most of the time, an inconsistent, 5-6 team facing the reigning Super Bowl Champs can be written off. This team is different; the dynamic rookie out of Baylor won’t allow himself or his team to be written off until they are mathematically eliminated. Griffin has already established himself as the most dangerous weapon in the league. A win by Washington puts the Redskins at 6-6 and launches them into “team no one wants to play” category. A win by the Giants however, vaults them back into the discussion of top four teams in the NFC (sorry Falcons). Thank You NFL for finally getting a Monday night game right.

Stay Hungry My Friends.