qbgirl

On this 12^th week of the NFL regular season we have a doozy of a line-up to discuss.

First up,

Indianapolis (6-4) @ San Diego (4-6)

This is an extremely important game for both teams in the wildcard race.  If Indy wins they will have the advantage in the tie-breaker.  The Chargers will have to win four more games than Indy in the next five to get the advantage back, so Indy will virtually have a lock.  

In recent weeks Indianapolis has been looking more like the team we’re used to.  If they’re going to beat the Chargers their offense needs to convert on 3^rd downs and, more importantly, prevent turnovers.  This will be easier with Shawne Merriman still out.  On the defensive end they must prevent long passes and tie up LT.  Bob Sanders will be crucial to this effort.

What San Diego has going for it their ability to keep the home-fires burning.  They are 18-2 and average 13 more points per game at home.  On the other hand, the Colts have a bone to pick having lost their play-off bid to them last year.  You can bet Peyton Manning and co. are making a list and checking it twice for their Sunday night prep.

New England (6-4) @ Miami (6-4) 

The Patriots head to Miami for a rematch with their divisional competitors, the Dolphins on Sunday.  Miami handed New England a surprising loss in Week 3 and is hoping for a re-run.  The two are tied for 2^nd in the AFC East and another Miami win will give them possession of the head-to-head tie-breaker.  Back in Week 3 Miami busted out its “wildcat” offense and caught the Pats unawares.  Will Belichick let this happen again?  I tend to think not.  However, you can color me happy if Miami pulls of a “Patriotic” sweep.

NY Jets (7-3) @ Tennessee (10-0) 

I’m throwing this game in only because I really, really want the Titans to lose.  The Jets are on a roll right now, winning four straight and leading their division.  Other than that there is no reason to think Tennessee won’t stay perfect.  Just a gut feeling (or maybe wishful thinking) that this one may surprise us.

Carolina (8-2) @ Atlanta (6-4) 

This NFC South divisional game is another re-match, but features two very different versions of the teams they were in Week 4.  Steve Smith’s yardage has been abysmal in recent weeks, meanwhile the Falcons have ramped up, losing only one home game this year.  It’s hard for me to get really excited about the NFC until the playoffs, however, I do appreciate Atlanta’s focus over the last few weeks and always like to see good effort rewarded.

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