Before the season started, the Steelers and Patriots were considered two of the teams to beat in the AFC. The Steelers were coming off a Super Bowl victory and the Patriots had a healthy Tom Brady. Wow, how things have changed since August. The Steelers have lost their last five games losing to teams such as the Chiefs, Raiders and Browns while the Patriots only hold a one game lead on the Dolphins. While many things can change in the next few weeks, it appears highly unlikely that at least one of the perennial favorites in the AFC will make the playoffs.
Game of the weak: Redskins vs Raiders: While the Redskins and Raiders have shown improvement the last few weeks, it is sad to see how far these once proud franchises have fallen. The real battle in this game is which owner is worse. In the Redskins corner you have Dan Snyder who's team looks like the result of a Madden fantasy draft. In the Raiders corner you have Al Davis an owner who helped shape the NFL into what it is today and is known to draft physical specimen. I already touched on this subject in a fantasy studs column a few months back, so it should be interesting how the game plays out.
Game of the week: Chargers vs Cowboys: When it comes down to games in December, these teams couldn't be more opposite. While it appears Philip Rivers and the Chargers never lose this time of year, Tony Romo and the Cowboys somehow always collapse. If the Cowboys win this game, they still have a very good chance of winning their division as they are currently tied with the Eagles at 8-4.
Last week: 11-5
Overall: 130-62
Last week with the spread: 8-8
Overall: 103-89
Saints 31 Falcons 20
Lions 14 Ravens 23
Packers 27 Bears 17
Seahawks 17 Texans 24
Broncos 20 Colts 28
Dolphins 23 Jaguars 20
Bills 24 Chiefs 17
Bengals 23 Vikings 31
Panthers 17 Patriots 26
Jets 17 Bucs 21
Rams 13 Titans 26
Redskins 24 Raiders 16
Chargers 28 Cowboys 23
Eagles 24 Giants 20
Cardinals 31 49ers 21
