We are now getting to the point when some teams have a whole heck of a lot more to play for than others. For example, it is nearly impossible to imagine the Jacksonville Jaguars being able to get up and be excited for a matchup against a New England Patriots team that is in must win mode in terms of their playoff seeding.
Other games feature two teams with a a lot to lost. A prime example of this is the San Francisco 49ers traveling to the Pacific Northwest for their second consecutive Sunday Night Football Game, this time against a streaking Seattle Seahawks team.
Nick, Jessica and myself have been putting together predictions over the course of the last few weeks. This is where we stand at this point. Due to time constraints, Jessica will have her analysis of the games up tonight.
Vincent Frank: 31-16
Nick Slegel: 28-19
Jessica Kleinschmidt: 22-25
| Home | Away | Jessica | Nick | Vincent |
| Lions | Falcons | Falcons | Falcons | Lions |
| Ravens | Giants | Ravens | Ravens | Ravens |
| Cowboys | Saints | Cowboys | Saints | Cowboys |
| Packers | Titans | Packers | Packers | Packers |
| Chiefs | Colts | Colts | Colts | Colts |
| Dolphins | Bills | Bills | Dolphins | Dolphins |
| Jets | Chargers | Chargers | Chargers | Chargers |
| Eagles | Redskins | Redskins | Redskins | Redskins |
| Steelers | Bengals | Bengals | Bengals | Bengals |
| Buccaneers | Rams | Buccaneers | Buccaneers | Buccaneers |
| Panthers | Raiders | Panthers | Panthers | Panthers |
| Jaguars | Patriots | Patriots | Patriots | Patriots |
| Texans | Vikings | Vikings | Texans | Texans |
| Broncos | Browns | Broncos | Broncos | Broncos |
| Cardinals | Bears | Bears | Bears | Bears |
| Seahawks | 49ers | 49ers | Seahawks | 49ers |
Nick's Take
Atlanta Falcons: They made a big statement in their win last week against the Giants. The Lions are completely falling apart, and after getting destroyed by Arizona last week there's no reason to think they'll bounce back against the NFC's current No. 1 seed.
Houston Texans: Adrian Peterson has been unstoppable this season, but the Texans are a (much) better all-around team.
New England Patriots: After almost completing one of the greatest comebacks ever last weekend, New England should have no problem with the Bills.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs have not played well lately, but I have to go with them at home against the Rams.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have one of the best defenses in the league and something just isn't right with Pittsburgh's offense.
San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers and company are awful, but not even close to as bad as the Jets, who will start rookie quarterback Greg McElroy on Sunday.
Green Bay Packers: Tennessee beat the Jets, but that isn't really saying much. Aaron Rodgers and Co. are on a roll.
Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins is the real deal, and Washington can easily win this game with Cousins or Robert Griffin III at quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts: Last weekend Indianapolis mounted a very impressive comeback against the Texans on the road (even if they still lost). While the Colts aren't nearly as good on the road as they are at home, Kansas City is no match for them.
Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton and Co. head to the West Coast for the second straight week, and will come away with another victory.
Miami Dolphins: This will be a close game, the Dolphins will pull off the victory though.
New Orleans Saints: It appears that things are finally coming together for the Saints (albeit, WAY too late). Plus, Drew Brees is a million times better than Tony Romo.
Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning should easily lead his team over the Cleveland Browns at home.
Chicago Bears: They will be playing with a lot of heart after last week's loss to the Packers. Yes, Arizona beat up on Detroit, but Chicago's defense is too good for that.
Baltimore Ravens: They will get a huge emotional boost from captain and heart of the team Ray Lewis' return, even if he sees limited playing time.
Seattle Seahawks: This was definitely the toughest pick of the week. I have to go with Seattle though, because they're nearly unstoppable at home with the 12th Man cheering them on.
Vincent's Take
Detroit Lions: After the Atlanta Falcons destroyed the New York Giants last week and Detroit was worked over by a lowly Arizona Cardinals team, many have come to the conclusion that Matt Ryan and company will take this one easily. Not so fast. I like Detroit pulling off the upset at home.
Houston Texans: What Nick said. In reality, Minnesota's only shot at winning this one is if Adrian Peterson goes for 200-plus again. I don't see that against a stout Texans' front seven.
New England Patriots: This game won't even be close. The only question here is whether the Jacksonville Jaguars can keep it close through the first quarter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: While the Bucs were shutout last week against a streaking New Orleans Saints team, they should bounce back against the St. Louis Rams at home.
Cincinnati Bengals: I just don't see the Pittsburgh Steelers hanging in the AFC playoff race into the final week. They have too many issues on the offensive side of the ball. Cincinnati inches closer to a second consecutive postseason trip with a road victory here.
San Diego Chargers: Anyone who thinks the New York Jets' problems start and end at the quarterback position is fooling themselves. That team just isn't good. While San Diego leaves a lot to be desired, it will get the "W" here.
Green Bay Packers: This is one of those games where the home team (Green Bay) has everything to play for, while the visitors (Tennessee) are just playing out the string. While it could work a different way, I just don't see the Titans showing much fight in this one.
Washington Redskins: This game is going to be much closer than most people anticipate. The Philadelphia Eagles seem to match up well against Washington. That being said, talent will clearly take over in this one with Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson still out. Washington will extend its postseason hopes for one more week.
Indianapolis Colts: This could very well be a trap game for Andrew Luck and company. Young teams tend to overlook weaker opponents sometimes. Additionally, they are going into a hostile (for both teams) environment in Kansas City. That being said, the Colts have too much to play for to lose this one.
Carolina Panthers: Does anyone realistically expect the Oakland Raiders to be able to stop Cam Newton? If so, put the pipe down. This game won't even be that close.
Miami Dolphins: Depending on what happens with Cincinnati, you can expect Miami to keep its playoffs hopes up for one more week against a Buffalo Bills team on the verge of giving up.
Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo is playing the best football of his career and has Dallas right in the thick of the NFC playoff picture. While the New Orleans Saints were impressive last week, I don't see their defense being able to stop Romo, DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant.
Denver Broncos: Watch out here. The Cleveland Browns have been close in every game heading into the second half this season. Peyton Manning and company will get the win, but they're not going to walk over a vastly improved Browns team.
Chicago Bears: Unless Jay Cutler pulls a Matthew Stafford this week, Chicago should be able to handle a really bad Arizona Cardinals team.
Baltimore Ravens: Here is a matchup of two struggling football teams. Baltimore is in the playoffs, but needs to get back into the "W" column after losing three straight. The New York Giants need a win here in order to remain viable in the NFC East. I'm going with the home team.
San Francisco 49ers: Last week I picked against San Francisco for only the second time this season (Green Bay in Week 1 being the first). I won't make the same mistake this week after reigning NFC Player of the Week Colin Kaepernick outplayed Tom Brady at Gillette last Sunday. San Francisco clinches the NFC West with a tough road win against a streaking Seattle Seahawks team.
Jessica's Take
Baltimore Ravens: They will hopefully have Ray Lewis back this week which will, if anything, bring a boost of energy to help them get a win against the Giants. Hopefully Eli Manning plays as bad as he did last week. And no I'm not bitter because I started him over Dalton.
Dallas Cowboys: Drew Brees has been pretty inconsistent lately and I genuinely feel Tony Romo will have a great game this week. I expect a win for Dallas.
Green Bay Packers: Two words, Clay Matthews. He is back and better than ever. He should help the Packers and with Aaron Rodgers doing his thing should be an easy win.
Indianapolis Colts: I really like Andrew Luck and I don't feel Kansas City will have what it takes to beat them, plus they're awful. Indy to win it.
Buffalo Bills: This is a repeat game. Remember that game when Spiller the Killer made a debut? Expect a repeat and the Bills to win this one again.
San Diego Chargers: Do I have to tell you? At least the Jets aren't starting Mark Sanchez, so I suppose it could be worse. San Diego should win.
Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III will be back. Should be a win for the Skins'.
Cincinnati Bengals: Well first off Pittsburgh is terrible with or without Ben and Troy P, so I feel the Bengals taking home a victory this week. I like Gingers too remember?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: St. Louis has not done much to impress me lately, and Tampa Bay has Vincent Jackson, who always puts up some points. It will be a good game, but I have my heart set on Tampa Bay to win this one.
Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton will have a good game against the Raiders this week. It's also a home game for him which is always a good boost. Win for Carolina.
New England Patriots: They will try to redeem themselves after a horrible loss against San Francisco this week. Expect a redundant high scoring game for Tom Brady, as usual. Even though the game is in Jacksonville, the Patriots should come with victory.
Minnesota Vikings: Have you heard of Adrian Peterson?. He is good at football and stuff. Just setting records and such; no big deal. Expect AP to have another ridiculous game and the Vikings to win this one.
Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning. Such a stud I can't even begin to tell you. With Demaryius Thomas on his side, the Broncos are rather unstoppable. Oh and also, it's against a cruddy Cleveland team at Mile High. Easy win for Denver.
Chicago Bears: I like them to win this game. Although, for Arizona's sake they really need to give the ball to Larry Fitzgerald. It's getting ridiculous. Win for Da Bears.
San Francisco 49ers: They are great all around and they will not only prove that to you during the Sunday Night Football matchup, but they will get a victory. Excited to watch this one.