Just three weeks to go until the NFL season is over, and numerous teams have the ability to clinch a playoff berth or their division.
Texans vs Colts
In the battle for the worst division in the NFL, the AFC South and NFC East are battling it out. Currently, two teams (Indianapolis and Houston) are tied for first place in the AFC South at 6-7, and in the NFC East, Washington, Philadelphia and New York are all tied for first at 6-7. After this week, the leader in the AFC South is finally going to be at .500––barring a tie, which would be the perfect summation of the division. Adding to the misery, neither team is going to be with their starting quarterback due to injuries, meaning T.J. Yates and Matt Hasselbeck will be under center with the division lead on the line.
Important Injury: QB Andrew Luck, Colts
After lacerating his spleen in week nine against Denver, Luck hasn’t played. Right now, it looks like he could be back next week, and Indianapolis will need him to help with their playoff push.
Panthers vs Giants
Perhaps the biggest question that remains for the regular season is whether Carolina can finish undefeated. At 13-0 with zero games remaining against teams with winning records, the Panthers have a legitimate opportunity to win out, assuming they continue to play their starters. Whether Ron Rivera plays his starters the entire time is the big question. The last team to complete the regular season undefeated was the New England Patriots, and I think we all know what happened when they played the Giants in the Super Bowl.
Important Injury: RB Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
With a minor foot injury, the Panthers will rest Stewart in order to make sure that he is completely healthy. Replacing the NFL’s No. 4 leading rusher will be a committee lead by Fozzy Whittaker and fullback Mike Tolbert, but rookie Cameron Artis-Payne will also see time.
Broncos vs Steelers
One of the most intriguing games left for the AFC playoff picture is this game, and it is definitely a potential playoff matchup. Denver has a two game lead in the AFC West and will likely end up winning the division, while Pittsburgh is one of three 8-5 teams fighting for the two wild card spots. You can make an argument that the Steelers are the hottest team in the NFL right now, winning four of their last five games and their lowest scoring output was 30 points. With Ben Roethlisberger and his talented array of weapons on offense this is a team that nobody is going to want to face down the stretch, not matter how good of a defense a team has (I’m looking at you, Denver).
Matchup to Watch: Broncos’ secondary vs Steelers’ receivers
The defining battle in this game will be the star-studded Broncos’ secondary against the talent-laden Steelers’ receiving corps. Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward and company vs Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton and others? This is sure to be great.
Cardinals vs Eagles
The only reason Carolina hasn’t locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC yet is because of Arizona, who is 11-2. Led by Carson Palmer, Bruce Arians’ aggressive offense is No. 1 in the league in total yards and No. 2 in points per game. The aggressiveness isn’t limited to offense though, as they are tied for second in the league in turnovers forced (25). In Philadelphia, the season has been marked by turmoil, and the latest involves running back DeMarco Murray and his lack of production and amount of playing time.
Unit to Watch: Eagles’ running backs
Against Buffalo last week, all four running backs saw plenty of time, led by Darren Sproles (28 snaps), and followed by Murray (26), Ryan Mathews (21) and Kenjon Barner (6). It will be interesting to see how Chip Kelly spreads out the playing time this week.
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