Will Falcons be back to defend NFC?
A win at home against Carolina and the Falcons earn the right to defend their NFC title. But Atlanta is 4-3 at home and has limped through December with a 2-2 record and an average point total of 16.5. Atlanta can still reach the playoffs with a loss and a Seahawks loss. Carolina is 5-2 on the road and has won three straight, although it nearly lost to the Bucs before rallying last week.
Will Saints take care of business?
The NFL moved the Saints game at Tampa Bay to 3:25 p.m. to enhance the excitement that is the NFC South. Playing at the same time as Carolina-Atlanta, the Saints won't be able to relax. Tied with Carolina atop the division at 11-4, the Saints clinch the division and a home playoff opener with a win. A loss coupled with a Panthers win would send the Saints on the road for a wild-card game.
Will Seahawks respond to taunt?
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians knows he's on his way out. So after beating the Giants 23-0 last week, he told reporters his team was going up to Seattle this week and "kick their" well, you know. In Seattle, Pete Carroll responded by saying, "Bring 'em on. We'll go play some football and figure it out." Seattle needs a win and a loss by Atlanta to Carolina at home to secure the sixth and final NFC playoff seed.
Will Titans limp into the playoffs?
Tennessee sits in the final AFC playoff spot despite having lost three in a row and four of six. They host the Jaguars in one of the games that was moved to 3:25 to keep the excitement alive in the AFC playoff race. Despite losing to Arizona, San Francisco and the Rams the past three weeks, the Titans make the playoffs with a victory or losses by the Bills and Chargers.
Will Bills end 18-year drought?
Buffalo still is alive. However, ESPN lists the Bills' chances of making the playoffs at 12.7 percent. First, they need to win at Miami against a Dolphins team that has zero to play for. But nothing comes easy for an old-fashioned Bills offense that ranks last in passing, 29th in total yards and 24th in scoring. If the Bills win, they also need a Ravens loss or losses by the Chargers and the Titans.
