Week 12 is already well underway after three Thanksgiving games, but what does the rest of the week have in store?
Bills vs Chiefs
With both Buffalo and Kansas City possessing 5-5 records, this is going to be an important game to separate two teams in a tight race for the AFC Wild Card. Currently, the Chiefs own the No. 6 seed due to tiebreakers over the other 5-5 teams (Texans, Bills and Jets) and the Steelers are the No. 5 seed with a 6-4 record. Kansas City started the year off poorly, going on a five-game losing streak after week one. However, they are back on track now thanks to a four-game winning streak. With a very easy schedule left (Buffalo, Oakland twice, San Diego, Baltimore and Cleveland) the Chiefs are a team to look out for in the playoff race.
Important Injury: RB Charcandrick West, Chiefs
The key to success on offense for the Chiefs is their running game, which ranks eighth in yards per game (120.9). West took over when star Jamaal Charles was lost with a torn ACL, but now West is being hampered by a hamstring injury. His status for Sunday is in doubt, which would mean Spencer Ware would get the start.
Buccaneers vs Colts
At the beginning of the season, this game was anticipated for a battle between two former No. 1 overall draft picks, Jameis Winston (2015) of Tampa Bay and Andrew Luck (2012) of Indianapolis. However, Luck suffered a lacerated kidney a few weeks back and is expected to miss a few more weeks, leaving the Colts in the steady hands of veteran Matt Hasselbeck, who turned 40 in September. Also unexpected is the records of the teams, as both are 5-5. Tampa Bay was supposed to go through growing pains with their young roster and compete for a high draft pick again, but instead they are in the Wild Card race. Indianapolis was supposed to be one of the best teams in the league, but their playoff hopes are being kept alive by a weak division.
Player to Watch: RB Doug Martin, Buccaneers
One of the main reasons the Buccaneers are playing so much better than expected is the resurgence of Martin. After a tremendous rookie campaign, he fell off with two seasons of 400 rushing yards. Now he is back on the top of his game, ranking second in the NFL in rushing with 941 yards.
Giants vs Redskins
In contention for the title of worst NFL division, 2015 edition, are the AFC South and the NFC East, as no teams in these divisions have a winning record, though three are 5-5. This week, first place in the NFC East is on the line when New York plays Washington. The Giants (5-5) are in first place right now, but the Redskins (4-6) are right behind and a win would give them the lead. Washington receives a huge boost as this game is at home. Why? Well, they are 4-1 at FedEx Field, but 0-5 away from it in the 2015 season.
Important Injury: CB Chris Culliver, Redskins
During practice Thursday, Culliver tore his ACL and MCL, ending his season and putting the beginning of his 2016 season in doubt. The cornerback signed a $32 million contract with Washington in the offseason. He had only played in six games this season due to injury, but the injury is a blow to the team’s playoff chances.
Steelers vs Seahawks
Like most teams in the NFL right now, the Steelers and the Seahawks’ records are within one game of .500 (Pittsburgh is 6-4 and Seattle is 5-5). Considering the injuries that Pittsburgh has fought through, they have to be very happy with this record. Among others, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has suffered two injuries and running back Le’Veon Bell is out for the season. In a rare occurrence due to the three games on Thursday night, this game will one of just two late afternoon games this weekend.
Replacing Marshawn Lynch
After undergoing sports hernia surgery this week, Lynch is expected to be out for a while. For the past few years, he has carried this Seattle offense. With him out, undrafted free agent Thomas Rawls, who ran for 209 yards in Lynch’s place last week, will take over.
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