The final week. Five teams vie for two playoff positions in the NFC while six vie for three positions in the AFC. Suffice it to say, this final week promises to be one of joy and heartbreak alike. I have decided to choose these picks binarily. Games that mean something. And games that don't.
For the love of the game:
Detroit @ Green Bay
The Detroit Lie Downs will go the way of the auto industry this weekend. The only thing that can help them now is the government's financial bailout money. TD chooses: Green Bay Packers
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh
Why is this one meaningless? Pittsburgh has the second spot in the playoffs. And Tennessee has already secured the first. Still, a Pittsburgh - Cleveland game has always been more than just about any playoffs. I just wish that the Brownies could hold their own in this contest. But, they're out of their league. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers
Kansas City @ Cincinnati
Not at all excited about this one. Not much to say about it, in fact. This one's a crapshoot. TD chooses: Kansas City Chiefs
Tennessee @ Indianapolis
What will these teams do in this one? Reminiscent of last year's Pats - Giants season ender but without all the 16-0 hoopla. They're familiar with each other. They're both in the playoffs. And I think both will want to make a statement. It's more important for Peyton to make this statement. But will it be loud enough? TD chooses: Tennessee Titans
Washington @ San Francisco
It's a shame this one doesn't mean anything because I think it could be a good one. Washington gave a little too little too late last week against the Eagles, but they looked good in doing it. And Singletary has his miners playing for all the pride they're worth. I say Mike makes a final statement. TD chooses: San Francisco 49ers
Seattle @ Arizona
In this game another Mike makes his last game time appearance as Seattle's head coach. And based on the way the Cards have been playing the last five weeks, I think the Seachickens might actually give him a 'W'. TD chooses: Seattle Seahawks
For the love of the playoffs:
Carolina @ New Orleans
Okay, so I know Carolina's already in. So are the Falcons, for that matter. But their respective spots are not yet secure. And the difference between winning and losing this game could be not only a first round bye but a game played at home after that first round bye for the Panthers. That's why I think John Fox will have them ready to win. TD chooses: Carolina Panthers
Chicago @ Houston
Da Bears. Dey have a chance but not a good one. And dis is no gimme game. Houston's disappointin' but dey can still play. Can Lovie get em to play like dey can? Eh, sure. TD chooses: Chicago Bears
New York Football Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
But this is the game the Bears need to be watching. I'd imagine all Bears fans are Giants fans this weekend. But with Jacobs most likely sitting this weekend and with the G-men looking into the playoffs, I'm just not sure they'll be putting their best foot forward. In any case, this is no easy game for either team. TD chooses: New York Football Giants
New England @ Buffalo
Can Buffalo play spoiler two weeks in a row? Although possible, Belichick has had Buffalo's number. And I just don't think they're up for a dogfight with the likes of the Patsies. TD chooses: New England Patriots
Oakland @ Tampa Bay
A pirate battle. There be some backstabbin' to be done. Oakland has improved minimally, but not enough to shut down Tampa. TD chooses: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
St. Louis @ Atlanta
For a couple moments during the middle of the season when the Rams beat the Cowboys and Redskins, I thought they were showing some kind of rebirth. Instead, it was just a gasp for some air. They've since descended into the pit again. Not good. TD chooses: Atlanta Falcons
Dallas @ Philadelphia
A perfect ending to the season for these two teams. I'll admit that I'm more concerned about the ability for the Cowboys offense to be explosive, though Westbrook underneath is no picnic. Still, unless Buddy Ryan shows up on the Philly sideline, I've gotta go for the Iggles. TD chooses: Philadelphia Eagles
Jacksonville @ Baltimore
I only chose the Jags last week out of obligation. Believe you me, I ain't obligated to no one to choose them this week. And so I ain't. TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens
Miami @ New York Jets
Can Miami pull off one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history? From 1-15 to 11-5 and atop the AFC East? From what I've seen, yes. Not to mention the fact that the Jets seem to have hung up their cleats after that game with Tennessee. What's up with that? TD chooses: Miami Dolphins
Denver @ San Diego
Beware the Bolts. It's almost as if they're on a mission. And there has been a precedent set of late for rather low seeds to make a statement in the playoffs, e.g. 2005-6 Pittsburgh Steelers and 2007-8 New York Giants. If I thought Denver was the better team or could even attempt to stand in their way, I'd choose 'em. But I don't think it's true, so I won't. TD chooses: San Diego Chargers
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