And you thought the other conference was crazy. Check out the NFC...
AFC East
New England 12-3 (+3) 3rd quarter,(+4) 4th PF 464 PA 321 Div 4-1 Conf 9-2
Analysis: Just another typical year for the Patriots. Sure the Bills got hot early, but they faltered down the stretch. The Jets have been inconsistent, while the Dolphins haven't been in the race all season. Which means there is nothing really new to say about the consistent Pats.
Final Game: BUF (6-9)
What to expect: If Tom Brady can throw 191 yards better than Drew Brees, then Brady will be the all time season leader in passing yards. But with Brees playing on Sunday, don't expect that to happen. Expect the Patriots to avenge their week 3 loss to the Bills (34-31). Because the way of the way the AFC North has gone, the Pats shouldn't rely too heavy on the Ohio teams to take care of business.
NY Jets 8-7 (Even) 3rd & 4th Quarters PF 360 PA 344 Div 3-2 Conf 6-5
Analysis: For a team that is supposed to go to the Super Bowl, this team would be happy just to get in the playoffs. It may have happened before (Rex Ryan's 1st season), but that would be a miracle. And to be even in every quarter of this season but one (quarter 2) has been the story of this year.
Final Game: @MIA (5-10)
What to expect: Miami has had a much better showing in the second half of this season. Which should be enough incentive for the Jets to play for their jobs. That means that they will be fans of Baltimore, Houston and Oakland. I don't think the Jets want to get Tebowed again by Denver. But they need to take care of their own business first.
Buffalo 6-9 (-4) 3rd quarter, (-3) 4th PF 351 PA 385 Div 1-4 Conf 4-7
Analysis: Ever since the Bills' first win in Toronto, they haven't been the same since. During their 7 game skid, the Bills lost by an average of over 16 points, before knocking off the Broncos by 26. Maybe it wasn't a lack of hustle, but a lack of depth that hurt them as the team has suffered some devastating injuries.
Final Game: @NE (12-3)
What to expect: Sadly, we'll have to wait for next year for the Bills to end their playoff drought. But if there's one good thing that can be taken out of this bad season, they finally got some jerseys to be proud of.
Miami 5-10 (+3) 3rd quarter,(Even) 4th PF 310 PA 296 Div 2-3 Conf 4-7
Analysis: As expected, once the Phins lost their 9th game, Tony Sparano would no longer be head coach. While the future maybe murky, the season can end on a happy note if they can knock off the Jets. You'd feel the same way too if you couldn't win in the first half.
Final Game: NYJ (8-7)
What to expect: Expect this game to be a classic battle. With the stakes very high for the Jets, the Dolphins should feel no pressure to perform on Sunday.
AFC North
Baltimore 11-4 (+3) 3rd and 4th quarters PF 354 PA 250 Div 5-0 Conf 8-3
Analysis: The only losses for the Ravens this season have been to sub .500 teams. Their last loss was to Seattle in week 10 (22-17). And now would be the time for them to rise to the occasion. Now more than ever.
Final Game: @CIN (9-6)
What to expect: Talk about pressure, a win or loss could make a big difference. Especially since the Bengals have a lot at stake too. But a win and a Patriots loss will give them home field throughout the playoffs. So yeah, they've got a lot at stake here.
Pittsburgh 11-4 (+1) 3rd quarter, (+3) 4th PF 312 PA 218 Div 3-2 Conf 8-3
Analysis: The second half has looked good so far the Steelers. What makes a championship team is the fact that they can win under any circumstance. But being swept by the Ravens has put them in the predicament they're in now.
Final Game: @CLE (4-11)
What to expect: The Steel Curtain will have to handle their business to at least ensure a possible 1st round bye. Assuming the Ravens and/or Patriots lose. If they both lose, expect the Steelers to have a challenging time holding their own at Heinz Field. The Browns may or may not provide much resistance. But we'll have to wait til Sunday.
Cincinnati 9-6 (Even) 3rd & 4th quarters PF 328 PA 299 Div 2-3 Conf 6-5
Analysis: Thanks to a hot start to the 1st half, the Bengals are in prime position to take the final wild card spot. Just as long as they get their win over the Ravens, Paul Brown Stadium could see some more sell outs next season as a result.
Final Game: BAL (11-4)
What to expect: This game should be the Bengals playoff game. Remember, the week 11 contest in Baltimore (31-24 Ravens)? The Bengals were in the game most of that time. Another good reason why people should show up to the stadium on Sunday.
Cleveland 4-11 (-3) 3rd, (-4) 4th PF 209 PA 294 Div 0-5 Conf 3-8
Analysis: It has been a rather forgettable season for the Browns. Peyton Hillis isn't going to crack the 1000 yard mark this season (557 yds on 151 carries). Of course playing against the Steelers may not help his case to get to 600 yards. And with Colt McCoy being out, things have gone from bad to worse.
Final Game: PIT (11-4)
What to expect: If the Steelers get shut out, people who bought a Kia in Medina, OH will get their money back. That might be the day when hell freezes over, pigs fly or the combination of both.
AFC South
Houston 10-5 (+3) 3rd quarter, (Even) 4th PF 359 PA 255 Div 4-1 Conf 8-3
Analysis: With Matt Schaub on IR in week 10, followed by backup Matt Leinart the following week, the Texans have had every reason to call this season a lost cause. Instead, 3rd string T.J. Yates has helped the team clinch a series of firsts. Their 1st division title along with their first 10 win season has made life a lot easier for the Bayou City.
Final Game: TEN (8-7)
What to expect: Win or lose, the Texans aren't going anywhere in terms of playoff position. With Andre Johnson coming back this week, the Titans will have their hands full.
Tennessee 8-7 (Even) 3rd & 4th quarters PF 302 PA 295 Div 2-3 Conf 6-5
Analysis: Maybe the Titans don't have a shot at winning the division, but they do have a possible chance at the last wild card spot (somehow). With the Vince Young-Jeff Fisher drama far behind them, the Titans have improved. But their loss to the Bengals in week 9 might be the deal breaker that keeps the Nashville faithful out of the postseason.
Final Game: @HOU (10-5)
What to expect: Of all the teams that need help, it would be the Titans. But this should be a monumental task when they face the Texans at a rowdy Reliant Stadium. Especially in their former hometown.
Jacksonville 4-11 (-2) 3rd quarter, (-3) 4th PF 224 PA 316 Div 2-3 Conf 3-8
Analysis: With Jack Del Rio now gone, things should look up for the Jags. But now with new ownership, the team's future, whether they are in Jacksonville or not, is up in the air. This has been a tale tell sign of what was going to happen ever since the season began.
Final Game: IND (2-13)
What to expect: Who knows what's going to happen now? But one thing is for certain. They will have 3rd place solidified win or lose.
Indianapolis 2-13 (-4) 3rd quarter, (Even) 4th PF 230 PA 411 Div 2-3 Conf 2-9
Analysis: The Colts seemed destined to finish 0-16. But thanks to their win over the Titans in week 15 (27-13), they avoided joining the 2008 Lions. Bet Dan Orlovsky is feeling better about that too.
Final Game: @JAX (4-11)
What to expect: Will Andrew Luck be a Colt? Will Jim Caldwell still be Indy? What about Peyton Manning? So many more questions to come.
AFC West
Denver 8-7 (+4) 3rd quarter, (Even) 4th PF 306 PA 383 Div 3-2 Conf 6-5
Analysis: Just as all hope was lost for the Broncos season, they've had a reason to believe lately. Ever since Tim Tebow took over the starting job in week 7, the Broncos have really showed up in the second half of this season. OK, the last two games have been lackluster, but a visit from the Chiefs could help the Broncos get back on track.
Final Game: KC (6-9)
What to expect: Could Kyle Orton's return spell trouble for the Broncos? After the last couple of games Tebow has had, he could play more inspired than ever. Miracles do happen.
Oakland 8-7 (+2) 3rd quarter,(-3) 4th PF 333 PA 395 Div 3-2 Conf 6-5
Analysis: The Raiders looked real good in the 3rd quarter. But when you add new parts to a depleted team, things are bound to go wrong. And as such, they have. Either win the division or miss the postseason. It's that simple.
Final Game: SD (7-8)
What to expect: If I told you the situation again, I would be just repetitive. Same thing goes when it comes to the outcome of the game.
San Diego 7-8 (-4) 3rd quarter, (+3) 4th PF 368 PA 351 Div 2-3 Conf 6-5
Analysis: It's usually in December when the Bolts momentum comes to a crashing halt. But thanks to the lackluster 3rd quarter, there playoff chances a little early this season. And with that said, the future is not looking sunny in San Diego.
Final Game: @OAK (8-7)
What to expect: Norv Turner and A.J. Smith will be looking for new jobs after this campaign. Why not do at the expense of the Raiders. This game could possibly be a lost cause for everyone.
Kansas City 6-9 (-4) 3rd quarter, (Even) 4th PF 205 PA 335 Div 2-3 Conf 3-8
Analysis: Todd Haley is out as the head coach. Romeo Crennel takes over for the rest of the season. Is it going to be the permanent solution? Whatever happens,, the Chiefs are going to play spoiler... and to their archrivals the Broncos.
Final Game: @DEN (8-7)
What to expect: Just like I've said. It's a division game, anything goes. Hope you've enjoyed reading this. Happy New Years.
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