Dan Campbell 'Shocked' Lions Are Betting Favorites over 10-2 Vikings in Week 14
Dec 9, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell was taken aback Friday when told that his team is favored to beat the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
According to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, Campbell said: "I really don't even know how to respond to that. I'm shocked by that."
The Lions, who are 5-7 on the season, are listed as two-point home favorites against the 10-2 NFC North rival Vikings by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Detroit has won four of its past five games, and it is coming off a 40-14 home demolition of the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. The Lions were unstoppable on offense with quarterback Jared Goff throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns, while running backs D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams each had a rushing touchdown.
The Vikings have won nine of their past 10 games, including two in a row, however, all but one of their wins this season have been by one score.
That includes last week's 27-22 win over the New York Jets, which required two red-zone stands in the fourth quarter.
In Week 11, the Vikings were perhaps exposed in a 40-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, although they have done well to bounce back with two consecutive wins since then.
The Vikings and Lions played once before this season, with Minnesota pulling out a 28-24 home win in Week 3.
Since the Vikings are on the verge of clinching the NFC North and would need an epic collapse to not win the division, their sense of urgency may not be as high as Detroit's.
The Lions are still in the playoff hunt, trailing the Seattle Seahawks by two games for the final wild-card spot in the NFC, and a win over the Vikes would go a long way toward helping their cause.
That is likely playing a role in the surprising point spread, although it is still difficult to believe that a 10-2 team that is largely healthy at the key positions is an underdog against a 5-7 squad.
For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
NFL Rumors: Rams' Liam Coen Hired as Kentucky OC After TNF Win over Raiders
Dec 9, 2022
THOUSAND OAKS, CA - JUNE 8: Offensive coordinator Liam Coen of the Los Angeles Rams answers questions from the media following mini camp on June 8, 2022 at the team's facility at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Liam Coen is leaving his gig as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams to go back to the University of Kentucky.
Per ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Coen is taking the same position with the Wildcats on head coach Mark Stoops' staff.
Mortensen noted Coen helped assists in Baker Mayfield's rushed preparation for the Rams' game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night. Mayfield didn't officially join the team until Tuesday when he was claimed off waivers.
Despite the short week and quick turnaround time, Mayfield took over at quarterback for the Rams' second offensive possession of the game. He turned in one of his best performances of the season, finishing 22-of-35 for 230 yards and one touchdown.
The touchdown pass was a 23-yard toss to Van Jefferson with nine seconds remaining that gave Los Angeles a 17-16 victory.
Thursday's win snapped a six-game losing streak for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Coen returns to Kentucky after leaving the program following the 2021 season. He was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Wildcats during his first stint.
Stoops fired Rich Scangarello as offensive coordinator on Nov. 29 after one season with the Wildcats. Their 22.1 points per game ranked 106th out of 131 FBS programs.
This marks the sixth time in Stoops' 10 seasons as Kentucky head coach he has made a change at offensive coordinator.
Kentucky's offense ranked 36th in the nation with 32.3 points per game with Coen as coordinator in 2021.
Rams head coach Sean McVay brought Coen back to the NFL after Kevin O'Connell, the team's offensive coordinator from 2020-21, was hired as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
This was Coen's second run with the Rams. He was originally hired by McVay in 2018 as assistant wide receivers coach. The 37-year-old served in that role for two seasons before being taking over as assistant quarterbacks coach in 2020.
The NFC Super Bowl Path Is Getting More and More Wide Open
Dec 9, 2022
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 04: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers struggles to get up after being sacked during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
For all intents and purposes, despite a victory Thursday night, last year's NFC champion is out of the 2022 Super Bowl picture. And that's appropriate because the conference's path to the Super Bowl is complicated.
Three teams stand out with three or fewer losses entering Week 14, but they have plenty working against them—and the next tier is loaded with intriguing squads that could make runs under the right circumstances.
Let's break it down.
The Big Three
The 11-1 Eagles are back on track, but their path is arduous
The Philadelphia Eagles may have the league's best record and the NFC's best Super Bowl odds at DraftKings following a blowout victory over the Tennessee Titans, but they have been off without tight end Dallas Goedert and lost NFL interception leader C.J. Gardner-Johnson after he suffered a lacerated kidney two weeks ago.
Philly was outplayed in back-to-back ugly performances against the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts in November. It has rebounded in the win column but is about to launch a three-game road trip that includes matchups with the tough New York Giants and tougher Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles could blow their two-game lead in the NFC East, especially if they lose in Dallas on Christmas Eve.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 04: Quincy Williams #56 of the New York Jets tackles Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
The 10-2 Minnesota Vikings may be pretenders
Why? Well, they have scored just 10 more points than they've allowed and actually rank way down in 20th in the league in defense-adjusted value over average at Football Outsiders. Each of their last nine victories has come in a one-score game, which is arguably unsustainable.
Meanwhile, offensive linemen Garrett Bradbury (back) and Christian Darrisaw (concussion) have injuries in front of the historically inconsistent Kirk Cousins at quarterback. It has often been hard to trust the Vikes, and that remains the case despite their soft schedule down the stretch.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The 9-3 Cowboys might be in the wrong place at the wrong time
While a division title is still on the table for Dallas, the conference's top-rated team in DVOA is stuck in what is surprisingly the top division in the league. That two-game deficit to the Eagles will be tough to overcome, especially since Philly owns the head-to-head tiebreaker for now.
The Cowboys were already operating without nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis and lost starter Anthony Brown to an Achilles injury Sunday. Finishing the regular season against Philadelphia, Tennessee and Washington (with the last two on the road) could mean Dallas will have a treacherous four-game, road-oriented mountain to climb in the playoffs.
The Potential Spoilers
About the elephant in the 8-4 49ers' quarterback room
A lot of folks were on the San Francisco 49ers' bandwagon prior to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's foot injury, but now the team has to roll with a third-string quarterback in rookie seventh-round pick Brock Purdy. Still, the Niners have allowed a league-low 15.8 points per game, and the offense is loaded. Oh, and Garoppolo and Trey Lance haven't been ruled out for the playoffs yet.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
That brings the 7-5 Seahawks into play
The Seattle Seahawks are just a game back of San Francisco, and quarterback Geno Smith looks like his surprisingly strong start to the season wasn't a fluke. Super Bowl-winning head coach Pete Carroll is still Super Bowl-winning head coach Pete Carroll, and Seattle will go on the road just one more time.
The 7-win Giants and Commanders can't be ruled out
These two NFC East foes tied in Week 13 and remain in the picture with seven wins apiece. Washington's talented defense has hit a groove, quarterback Taylor Heinicke is holding it down, and the Commanders have lost just once in their last eight games. And while it's harder to be optimistic about New York, which has just one win since Halloween, there's no denying Saquon Barkley is one of the best players in the game—so there's always a chance.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs off the field after defeating the New Orleans Saints in the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 05, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints with a score of 17 to 16. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The 6-6 Buccaneers' quarterback is Tom Brady
Enough said? I'll add that despite their record, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look primed to take the NFC South and haven't lost in regulation since Week 8. You can't count out the 2020 Super Bowl champs. No way.
What about the 5-7 Lions? (Seriously!)
The Detroit Lions are still a long shot, but Dan Campbell's inspired team nearly beat the juggernaut Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving. If that had happened, they would be riding a five-game winning streak with a manageable schedule down the stretch. Quarterback Jared Goff is playing excellent football with limited mistakes, and he had more than enough support as his team dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. They always fight hard at home, so don't be surprised if they take down the Vikings on Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers sit in a weird spot with their NFL Draft rooting interests in Week 14. Green Bay is one of six teams with a late bye week. Four of the...
The Chicago Bears get to enjoy a much-needed bye in Week 14. The late-season week off is a good time for the team to reset in the middle of a six-game losing...
Odell Beckham Jr. Says 'I Don't See the Point' in Returning for Regular Season
Dec 9, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Odell Beckham Jr. isn't even hiding that he wants to be a playoff mercenary for a team this season.
Appearing on The Shop during Thursday Night Football, Beckham said he doesn't see the point of trying to play in the regular season:
"I'm not saying I couldn't step in and play regular season, but I don't see the point."@obj talks more about his playing future this season.
Beckham is relishing the opportunity to have playoff contenders fawn all over him. The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has met with the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants in the past two weeks.
It seemed like the arrow was pointing in Dallas' direction for awhile, but Beckham's recovery from a torn ACL continues to cloud things.
ESPN's Ed Werder reported the Cowboys have "concerns" after Beckham took a physical that his knee hasn't progressed to a point that would ensure he can play before mid-January and he may not benefit a team until the 2023 regular season.
Unless a team feels like Beckham needs the game reps to get ready for a potential playoff run, there's no need to try rushing him back for the regular season.
Beckham was fairly quiet in eight regular season games for the Los Angeles Rams before going off in the postseason. The 30-year-old had 288 yards and two touchdowns on 21 receptions in the four playoff games before tearing his ACL in the second quarter of Super Bowl 56.
Of course, that was also after Beckham had time to get accustomed to the Rams playbook and develop a rhythm with Matthew Stafford.
At this point, it would be a surprise if Beckham even plays this season. There's certainly time for things to change, but the playoffs start on Jan. 14.
Rams' Baker Mayfield Was 'Completely Shocked' by Raiders' Coverage on Game-Winning TD
Dec 9, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Baker Mayfield #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after throwing the game winning touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Fans weren't the only ones baffled by the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive play-calling at the end of Thursday's 17-16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield told reporters after the game he was "completely shocked" when the Raiders cornerbacks lined up in press coverage on his touchdown pass to Van Jefferson with nine seconds remaining.
The touchdown capped off an eight-play, 98-yard drive that began with 1:45 left in regulation.
There is a defense of Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's decision to play the cornerbacks at the line of scrimmage. Jamming the receivers at the snap could have disrupted the timing, allowing the pass rush to get home against a Rams offensive line that has been suspect all season.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, Sam Webb didn't do anything to disrupt Jefferson's route and Mayfield dropped a dime for the touchdown.
Another problem with Graham's call is the Rams were out of timeouts. They were either going to take a shot to the end zone or a quick out to the sideline that would get them closer and stop the clock to run another play.
If the Raiders guarded the sideline and kept everything in front of the end zone, they probably would have won.
While the Raiders will once again look back on blowing another double-digit lead, Mayfield and the Rams get to celebrate something positive for what feels like the first time all season.
The Rams entered Thursday having lost six consecutive games. Mayfield wasn't even on the roster until Tuesday when he was claimed off waivers. He finished 22-of-35 with 230 yards and one touchdown.
We went light on rookies when identifying sleepers this week since fantasy
football managers are heading into a critical stretch of the 2022 season, but we...
Josh McDaniels, Penalties Sink Raiders' Season in Stunning Fashion vs. Baker Mayfield
Dec 9, 2022
Raiders coach Josh McDaniels
In something out of a Hollywood script, Baker Mayfield joined the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday and delivered an epic comeback win on Thursday. That's going to be the topic of conversation heading into the weekend, and rightfully so. However, Mayfield's signature drive overshadows the fact that the Las Vegas Raiders blew a game they should have won.
Poor decision-making by head coach Josh McDaniels gave Mayfield and the Rams one last chance. Dumb penalties extended their opportunity. Las Vegas' three-game winning streak is over as is, most likely, its playoff chances.
The Raiders have no one but themselves to blame.
What Mayfield did on Thursday was incredible, and perhaps unprecedented.
Baker Mayfield playing Quarterback for the Rams tonight, 2 days after joining the team, is the shortest amount of time spent with a new team before playing QB (since at least 1995)
The 2018 No. 1 overall pick had some understandably shaky moments, but he played extremely well considering the short amount of time he's been a Ram. He finished 22-of-35 for 230 yards and a game-winning touchdown.
That score came after engineering a 98-yard drive with less than two minutes remaining and no timeouts. He capped it with a laser strike to Van Jefferson in the end zone.
Do the Rams have any giant flags lying around? Asking for a friend…@bakermayfield | #OUDNA
That's incredible stuff, but realistically, Mayfield and the Rams should have never had a chance in this one. Las Vegas took a 13-point lead with just over 12 minutes remaining. The lead probably should have been larger.
McDaniels called an extremely conservative game against the Rams, opting to ride the running game and settle for field goals. Quarterback Derek Carr attempted just 20 passes, while the Raiders rushed 38 times as a team.
Perhaps McDaniels didn't trust Carr, who did toss a pair of interceptions, or perhaps he didn't respect L.A.'s ability to put points on the board. Either way, going conservative was the wrong call.
The Raiders scored a touchdown on their opening drive and didn't find the end zone again.
McDaniels was especially timid late in the game. He opted to kick a field goal on 4th-and-3 from the Rams 18-yard line in the fourth quarter. After L.A. scored on the ensuing drive, McDaniels chose to punt on 4th-and-1 when a first down would have sealed it.
Of course, the loss wasn't entirely on McDaniels. Penalties—the Raiders had seven of them for 94 yards—absolutely doomed Las Vegas. The Rams' final drive was kept alive by an Amik Robinson pass interference penalty and a Jerry Tillery unsportsmanlike conduct call.
And Las Vegas' defense on that final 98-yard drive was simply atrocious. Los Angeles didn't have its top weapon in Cooper Kupp (injured reserve, ankle) and still drove nearly the length of the field.
#Raiders let the Rams go 98 yards in two minutes to win the game with:
* A QB cut by the Panthers * A QB only one team put a claim in on * A QB who joined the Rams 48 hours ago * Tutu Atwell, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek as weapons * The NFL’s worst offensive line
Raiders defenders failed to execute, but defensive coordinator Patrick Graham doesn't get off the hook. His decision to play press coverage at the end of the drive instead of protecting the end zone surprised even Mayfield.
"To be honest with you I was completely shocked they would line up in press coverage with 15 seconds left," Mayfield said on the Amazon postgame segment.
The offense deserves some blame too. Carr didn't have a great game, or even a good game, and his interception in the end zone on a badly floated ball was a backbreaker.
Carr's second interception came on Las Vegas' desperation drive at the end of the game and was largely inconsequential.
If Carr doesn't throw the first pick, if the Raiders don't play not to lose late, if their defense doesn't draw multiple flags on the game-winning drive, Las Vegas wins this game.
However, this wasn't a game decided by bad fortune. It was another sign of what has become a problematic trend in Las Vegas this season. The Raiders have repeatedly blown big leads under McDaniels.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, Las Vegas is only the fourth team to blow four leads of 13 or more points in the same season.
The Raiders are the fourth team to lose 4 games in a season after leading by 13 or more points, joining the 1998 Colts, 1996 Jets and 1982 Rams. pic.twitter.com/8a2bbblLwu
According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, the Raiders are the first team "since at least 1930" to lose four games when leading by at least 10 points at halftime.
Oh, and Las Vegas' previous loss came against the Indianapolis Colts and head coach Jeff Saturday—who debuted in that game with no previous NFL coaching experience.
What's likely most frustrating for Raiders fans is that this isn't a bad football team. From Carr, Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams to Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, it's loaded with Pro Bowl-caliber talent.
Talent alone doesn't win games, though, which is why McDaniels has come under fire in his first season as the Raiders' head coach.
Franchise owner Mark Davis offered up his support for McDaniels after Las Vegas started the season 2-7.
"I like Josh. I think he’s doing a fantastic job," Davis said, per Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "You have to look at where we came from and where we’re going."
After 2-7 became 5-7, it felt like Davis' faith in McDaniels was justified. It feels less so after Thursday's loss. The Raiders had a sloppy, uninspired performance against a team with little to play for, and it likely cost them any chance at the postseason.
Their final four games won't be easy. They host the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs with a road trip to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16.
Yet, a 4-0 run to finish the season isn't entirely unrealistic. The Patriots and Steelers are average teams, the 49ers have lost starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and the Chiefs may have no reason to play their starters in the finale.
Due to Thursday's loss, though—and due to Las Vegas' other baffling losses this season—4-0 probably won't matter. The Raiders can now finish, at best, 9-8. That's just not going to be good enough in a deep AFC.
Credit Mayfield for ripping the Raiders' hearts out on a national stage, but he's not the reason Las Vegas isn't a playoff team. The Raiders simply aren't disciplined enough, aggressive enough or well-coached enough to make a run this season.
NFL Playoff Picture 2022-23 Week 14: Standings, Scenarios After Raiders vs. Rams
Dec 9, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Ameer Abdullah #22 of the Las Vegas Raiders carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season is here, and that means teams are making their final pushes for the playoffs as the regular season begins to wrap up.
This week's slate kicked off on Thursday night with a matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas. The Rams defeated the Raiders 17-16 at SoFi Stadium to move to 4-9 on the season.
The remainder of Week 14 brings some exciting matchups with big playoff implications, including games between the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.
Before those games kick off, let's take a look at the current playoff picture.
AFC Playoff Picture
Buffalo Bills: 9-3
Kansas City Chiefs: 9-3
Baltimore Ravens: 8-4
Tennessee Titans: 7-5
Cincinnati Bengals: 8-4
Miami Dolphins: 8-4
New York Jets: 7-5
New England Patriots: 6-6
Los Angeles Chargers: 6-6
Cleveland Browns: 5-7
Pittsburgh Steelers: 5-7
Las Vegas Raiders: 5-8
Indianapolis Colts: 4-8-1
Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-8
Denver Broncos: 3-9
Houston Texans: 1-10-1
NFC Playoff Picture
Philadelphia Eagles: 11-1
Minnesota Vikings: 10-2
San Francisco 49ers: 8-4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-6
Dallas Cowboys: 9-3
New York Giants: 7-4-1
Seattle Seahawks: 7-5
Washington Commanders: 7-5-1
Detroit Lions: 5-7
Atlanta Falcons: 5-8
Green Bay Packers: 5-8
Arizona Cardinals: 4-8
Carolina Panthers: 4-8
New Orleans Saints: 4-9
Los Angeles Rams: 4-9
Chicago Bears: 3-10
Week 14 Elimination Scenarios
A number of teams could be eliminated from their respective division title races this week. However, let's focus solely on the playoff elimination scenarios.
Had the Rams lost to the Raiders, they would have been eliminated from playoff contention. They remain alive in the race with Thursday's win, though a Seattle Seahawks victory and a New York Giants win/tie this weekend would see L.A. eliminated.
A couple of other teams could also see their playoff hopes die this weekend.
The Arizona Cardinals will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the New England Patriots, a Seahawks win and a Giants win/tie.
Additionally, the Denver Broncos will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, or with:
A tie plus a New York Jets win/tie.
A Jets win, plus a Baltimore Ravens win/tie, plus a Cincinnati Bengals win/tie.
A Jets win, plus a Ravens win/tie, plus a Patriots win.
The Raiders didn't play their best game of the season on Thursday night, and they entered the fourth quarter up 13-3 on the Rams, but a disastrous collapse by the Las Vegas defense on L.A.'s final drive saw it drop to 5-8 on the season.
A defensive pass interference penalty by Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by defensive tackle Jerry Tillery set Baker Mayfield and the Rams up for a game-winning touchdown with 10 seconds remaining in the game.
Mayfield hit Van Jefferson on a 23-yard touchdown to seal L.A.'s victory and drop the Raiders further out of playoff contention in the AFC.
At this point, both the Raiders and Rams have a slim chance to make the postseason, but both teams enter the weekend slate still alive.
One of the biggest matchups of Week 14 will be contested between the Bills and Jets, two teams vying for the top spot in a tight AFC East that also includes the 8-4 Miami Dolphins and 6-6 New England Patriots.
The Bills and Jets met for the first time this season on Nov. 6, and New York came out with a 20-17 win over Buffalo. If the Jets were to beat the Bills again, they would own the head-to-head tiebreaker.
However, if Buffalo wins, it would create a much larger separation between itself and the remainder of the AFC East at 10 wins. Further, the Bills close out the season with games against the Dolphins, Patriots, Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals, and they should win at least three of those matchups.
With a loss, the Jets would open the door for bubble teams such as the Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers to gain ground in the AFC playoff race. New England holds the tiebreak over New York with two wins against its AFC East rival this year, so the Jets should be desperate for a win.
A significant NFC matchup comes between the 6-6 Buccaneers and 8-4 49ers. Both teams are first in their respective divisions, and they're in danger of losing their spots to the 5-8 Atlanta Falcons and 7-5 Seattle Seahawks, respectively.
Perhaps a more significant angle is that Tom Brady and the Bucs have struggled all season and must turn things around before the playoffs if they want to make a deep run and get past some of the NFC's best.
Brady hasn't missed the playoffs since the 2008 campaign. If he and the Bucs don't make it this season, it would certainly be weird not seeing him take the field for the first time in more than a decade.
Brady has the talent to bring the Bucs to glory, like we saw with last week's 17-16 win over the New Orleans Saints, but if the remainder of the team doesn't at least show signs of improvement, it could be a brutal end to the year.
The Philadelphia Eagles (11-1) remain one game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings (10-2). The Eagles have a tough matchup against the New York Giants (7-4-1), while the Vikings will play the resurgent Detroit Lions (5-7), who have won four out of five.
At this point, the Eagles are going to make the playoffs—it's just a matter of positioning. They'll clinch a playoff berth this week with a win/tie or a Seahawks loss and a 49ers loss. The Vikings, meanwhile, will clinch the NFC North with a win or tie.
