Around the NFC
Comeback Kirk: While you were getting your holiday shopping done last weekend, Kirk Cousins led the Vikings to the biggest comeback in NFL history after trailing Indianapolis 33-0 at halftime. There’s still a heaping dose of skepticism about how good Minnesota actually is, but nobody up north is complaining about having 11 wins. An interesting couple of weeks ahead against the Giants and Packers, but we might not learn a ton more about Minnesota until the playoffs begin.
Streaking Lions: In Detroit, meanwhile, hopes are running high. After starting the season 1-6, Dan Campbell’s team is 6-1 and has Carolina and Chicago up next before closing the season against Green Bay. Hello. That looks like a playoff run waiting to happen. A lot of work left to do in the Motor City, but itap there for the taking. Who would have thought that six weeks ago?
Who’s next?: San Francisco has won seven straight, clinched the NFC West and looks like a contender to win out with Washington, Las Vegas and Arizona left on the docket. There’s plenty of time to talk Super Bowl run. But here’s a question to ponder in the meantime: Who’s going to play quarterback for Kyle Shanahan next year? Trey Lance? Jimmy Garoppolo? Brock Purdy? Tom Brady, perhaps? The ripple effect from whatever decision the franchise comes to will have implications around the league.
Around the AFC
Tennessee’s tumbling: The Titans beat Denver on Nov. 13 then went to Green Bay and won on a short week and were rolling at 7-3. Then their offensive coordinator was arrested for drunk driving, their general manager was fired and they’ve lost four straight since. Ryan Tannehill’s been beat up and the schedule stiffened in a hurry. A respite, perhaps, this weekend against Houston, but then Dallas and Jacksonville means Tennessee suddenly is no sure postseason bet.
Trevor time: In fact, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the betting and analytics favorites in the AFC South now. Wouldn’t have thought that after Week 9 in London against Denver. Since then, though, Trevor Lawrence has looked like an upper echelon quarterback. Over a 5-2 stretch, he’s thrown 14 touchdowns and one interception, rushed for a pair of scores and played to a quarterback rating of 108.2. Could be Tennessee at Jacksonville heads up for the division in Week 18.
Trap games?: There are no sure bets in the NFL, even for the gilded quarterback class in the AFC. This weekend, Josh Allen takes Buffalo to Chicago and Joe Burrow takes Cincinnati to New England. If both emerge unscathed, they’ll meet next week both still in the hunt for the conference’s No. 1 seed. The Bills can nab it if they win out, but Burrow and company have won six straight and, of course, are the defending AFC titleholder.
Game of the Week
Philadelphia at Dallas
Both of these teams have already clinched playoff spots and the matchup loses some juice with Jalen Hurts dealing with a sprained shoulder. No offense, of course, to back-up quarterback Gardner Minshew. Even still, these are two of the best half dozen or so teams in the NFL and they’re division rivals to boot. Philly won the first meeting but the Cowboys are 4.5-point favorites this time around. Maybe the lack of serious implications turns it into a dud, but maybe it makes for a chippy one between teams that don’t like each other.
Cowboys 24, Eagles 20
Lock of the Week
Seattle at Kansas City
The Seahawks have seen their playoff odds slip precipitously, losing four of their past five while San Francisco runs away with the NFC West. They’ve still got a shot and a win this weekend at Arrowhead would really help. That, however, is easier said than done. And the Chiefs still have plenty to play for, too. They have a path to winning out and can get the No. 1 seed if that happens and Buffalo trips up somewhere along the way. Kansas City, favored by 10, rarely lets home games this time of year get away.
Chiefs 31, Seahawks 24
Upset of the Week
Green Bay at Miami
Mike McDaniels’ Dolphins have lost three straight but remain in solid – albeit far from certain – playoff position. If they lose a fourth straight, their odds move toward toss-up territory. The Packers, meanwhile, need to win out and get some help in order to make the playoffs. But they’ve won their last two and the thought of an Aaron Rodgers closing run is at least wafting around. Perhaps the four-point underdogs get one step closer on Christmas Day in South Florida.
Packers 27, Dolphins 24
