Tagged As: NFL, Giants, Cowboys, Sports, Patriots, Bears, Vikings

The final slate of NFL games is just an hour away and I am looking at the final three divisions up for grabs. Of these three, two of the postseason chases seem be bathed in pathetic mediocrity. Really, how could the Denver Broncos blow the lead in the AFC West? How could the Vikings fail to close out the NFC North when they have Adrian Peterson on their team?

The AFC West at least comes down to a game at Qualcomm Stadium between the San Diego Chargers, the team threatening to take the division, and the Broncos. There is no list of ridiculous scenarios that involve multiple wins and loses. No, this is a simple math up of an underachieving Chargers squad and a Broncos team that has lost at least 20 running backs over the course of the season and has a defense that could give the Lions a chance to win.

The Minnesota Vikings can clinch the division with a win at the Metrodome against an unmotivated New York Giants team. They can also clinch if the Chicago Bears lose to the Houston Texans. Unfortunately, the Minnesota starting quarterback is going to be Tarvaris Jackson. Fortunately, the Chicago Bears are the Chicago Bears and their own futility on offense and defense should sink their hopes.

The Bears still have a shot at the playoffs if the Vikes win. This scenario involves the Dallas Cowboys losing to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blowing a gimmee at home in Raymond James Stadium against the Oakland Raiders. Of course, the news that Al Davis will miss the game, which means with out the evil emperor looming above in the owner’s box the Raiders could actually play well. Still all the scenarios have the Bears with a high draft pick and no postseason.

The good race is the AFC East. The New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins are tied for first. The Dolphins play at Giants Stadium where Pennington gets to reap revenge on the New York Jets. Then again Brett Favre loves to play the role of spoiler so he could whip up a 5 touchdown performance just to spite the Dolphins. The Patriots play at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo against a Bills team that has been up and down all season long. Cassel has been great so maybe he could keep the Pats rolling with a win against the confused and bewildered Bills.

Then again, both teams could win and the Baltimore Ravens could lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the AFC East would have two teams in the playoffs. The Week 17 actions is do or die, so watch for highlights and updates, whether you have NFL tickets to a game or have the NFL network and a couch.