Redskins 27, Cowboys 6
It’s amazing how things work out sometimes in the NFL. Six weeks ago, safety Sean Taylor was shot and killed at his Miami home. Five weeks ago, head coach Joe Gibbs was lambasted for a bad decision that wound up costing the Redskins a win against the Bills. At 5-7, they had small hopes for the postseason and essentially just wanted to get through the rest of the season and recoup. Now 9-7 after rolling to four straight victories, the Skins will play the Seahawks next week in the opening weekend of the playoffs. Gibbs deserves a lot of credit for keeping this team motivated, focused and determined. He reminded the media that a head coach is more than just a record.
Browns 20, 49ers 7
The Browns had to win to keep their playoff hopes alive, which they did thanks in large part to Jamal Lewis’ 128 rushing yards. However, the Colts have to beat the Titans Sunday night in order for Cleveland to get into the postseason. Who would have thought that at 10-6, the Browns would have a shot at missing the playoffs? Of course, who would have thought the Browns would be 10-6?
Bears 33, Saints 25
The Saints’ season ended in Chicago last year, and it ended in Chicago this year. Why teams still kick to Devin Hester is beyond me, although giving the Bears field position at the 40-yard line all the time isn’t wise either. Kyle Orton threw for 190 yards on 12 of 27 passing and the 19-yard touchdown pass he threw to Mark Bradley was an absolute bullet. Orton will get the opportunity to earn the Bears’ starting quarterback job next year and just based on how he’s performed the past three weeks, he has to be the frontrunner, too.
Broncos 22, Vikings 19 OT
After rattling off five-straight wins to reach 8-6, the Vikings collapsed the past two weeks. Their loss to the Redskins last week cost the Vikings a chance to control their own playoff destiny and a defeat Sunday in Denver sealed their fate. Surprisingly, the Broncos were able to shred Minnesota’s usually stingy run defense and although they mounted a nice fourth quarter comeback, three turnovers doomed the Vikings. This team certainly has a lot of promise and as long as Tavaris Jackson continues to develop, the Vikes are going to be in contention again next season.
Titans 16, Colts 10
Stop and think about this for a second: Kerry Collins sunk the Browns. Collins guided the Titans to three second-half scoring drives after Vince Young left the game with a quad injury. Nobody should blame Indy for not playing starters the entire game. They’re trying to win the Super Bowl, not help the Browns make the playoffs. I don’t think Tennessee is going very far, but they do have two irreplaceable factors heading into the postseason: a defense and a running game.
