It may only be Week 16 of the NFL season, but you might as well consider it a preview of the playoffs. There are several interesting AFC-NFC matchups (Ravens @ Cowboys & Cardinals @ Patriots), however, somehow, someway, the schedule maker has the No. 1- and 2-ranked AFC and NFC teams facing each other.
Although I’m pinning Carolina-New York as the Game of the Week, the Pittsburgh-Tennessee has just as much significance on the line.
NFC: The Giants (11-3) have lost back-to-back games, both home and away, for the first time this season. Injuries and off-the-field drama have plagued the Giants as of late. Wide Receiver Domenik Hixon (ankle) and running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) are both questionable and the G-Men could sure benefit their presence as they seek to get back on a winning track.
The Panthers (11-3) are on a three-game winning streak and have won 7 of 8, with their lone loss at Atlanta (45-28).
The top-ranked NFC squads last met in 2006 and the Giants came out on top of a 27-13 decision, the only time the Giants have beat Carolina of the teams four all-time matchups.
While both teams are already guaranteed a playoff berth, it appears that the Giants have more on the line than the Panthers. Should the Giants fall, for the third time in three weeks, it would stamp a major concern around their playoff potential, however, if they are able to win out (final game against Minnesota), the Giants may just regain the confidence they had earlier in the season and with that, a look of a major contender for a repeat of a Super Bowl triumph.
If the Giants want to make a statement to the conference and the league, that they are indeed for real, they need to do it this week.
And for the record, I am no Giant fan … but, I do believe that they are for real and they are going to prove that this weekend. In order to win, the Giants must protect their quarterback. If Eli Manning gets sacked eight times (like last week against the Cowboys), don’t expect the Super Bowl champs to come out with a victory.
If the Giants patch together their mistakes of the last two weeks, expect them to roll … past Carolina, past Minnesota and past the NFC championship game.
Predictions:
Carolina Panthers 17
New York Giants 31
AFC: The Tennessee Titans (12-2) are coming out of their second loss of the season, and I am pretty darn sure that they are going to record their first losing streak of the season when they square off against the best defensive team in the NFL.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) may be on the road, but they have proven thus far this season, that they can win — wherever they play.
It’s interesting to note that although these two teams are in first place in their respective divisions, neither team has a highly effective passing game, and I don’t think much of either quarterback.
The Steelers lead the all-time series against the Titans 41-29 and after this weeks game, they should improve upon that record.
Predictions:
Pittsburgh Steelers 14
Tennessee Titans 6
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