This final week of the 2013 NFL Regular Season will be, from what I can remember, one of the biggest and most important weeks in the modern history of the NFL. Of the 16 games to be played on Sunday, 13 of them have import for the playoffs. Heading into this final week, none of the divisions have been won and, of the teams that have already clinched playoff spots, none of the seeding is set.
The Dallas Cowboys have lost quarterback Tony Romo. Jason Garrett's press conference on Monday afternoon was your typical coach's non-responsive "everything is perfect and fine and we'll move on like normal." To strengthen that thought and to build confidence, the Cowboys have signed another backup quarterback. John Kitna is back with the Cowboys after a 3-year absence.
Green Bay should know "definitely" by Thursday whether or not they will have their regular starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was injured in a November game in Green Bay against Chicago when he was sacked and broke his collarbone. The Packers will be renewing their rivalry with the Bears with a chance for the playoffs on the line.
Below are the playoff scenarios for this final week of the NFL regular season (per NFL.com):
CAROLINA @ ATLANTA. Panthers can earn their division title and a first-round bye in the playoffs with: a win or tie, a New Orleans loss or tie; if the Panthers and 49ers both win and Seahawks lose, Carolina earns home-field throughout the NFC playoffs.
TAMPA BAY @ NEW ORLEANS. Saints can earn their division title and a first-round bye in the playoffs with: win and Carolina loss; Saints can win a playoff spot with a win, or a tie and a Cardinals tie, or a Cardinal loss.
BUFFALO @ NEW ENGLAND. Patriots can earn a first-round bye with a win or tie, a Bengals loss or tie and a Colts loss or tie; Patriots can earn home-field throughout the playoffs with a win and a Broncos loss.
NEW YORK JETS @ MIAMI. Dolphins can earn a playoff spot with a whole lot of help, there are four different scenarios in which the Dolphins can make the post-season.
CLEVELAND @ PITTSBURGH. Steelers can earn a playoff spot with a win and losses by the Dolphins, Ravens and Chargers.
JACKSONVILLE @ INDIANAPOLIS. Colts can earn a first-round by with a win and a Patriots loss and a Bengals loss or tie.
PHILADELPHIA @ DALLAS. Winner is in, loser goes home. This is simple.
BALTIMORE @ CINCINNATI. Ravens have five different scenarios that would allow them to make the playoffs. Bengals can earn a first-round bye with a win and Patriots loss.
GREEN BAY @ CHICAGO. Packers win and their in. Bears need to win or tie to make the playoffs.
DENVER @ OAKLAND. With a win Broncos earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win or tie or a Patriots loss or tie.
SAN FRANCISCO @ ARIZONA. 49ers win their division and a first-round bye with a win and a Seahawks loss; with a win, a Seahawks loss and a Panthers loss or tie the 49ers win their division and home-field throughout the playoffs. Cardinals win a playoff spot with a win and a Saints loss or tie, or a tie and a Saints loss.
KANSAS CITY @ SAN DIEGO. Chiefs are in. Chargers can earn a playoff spot with a win and a Dolphins loss or tie and a Ravens loss or tie, or a tie and a Dolphins and Ravens loss.
ST. LOUIS @ SEATTLE. Seahawks can win their division and home-field throughout the playoffs with a win or tie, or a 49ers loss or tie.
Next week shouldn't be as convoluted since there will only be 4-games, two on Saturday two on Sunday.
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PIX shout-out to Michael who is now tied for first place with Brian with one week to go, PIX has never gone into the final week. Isabella has fought and is making a splash passing several in her fight. Starting next week we will have a guest picker, Savanna has requested...and who can deny a 4-year-old that request (even though she won't win anything)?
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