New York Giants, Carolina Panthers Set To Make Things Interesting

'Tis the season to be jolly.  Or in many teams cases, actually start playing.  Week 16 is about to get underway, and the second last week of the NFL Regular Season brings upon a new attitude for teams that have the slightest hope of making 2009 a meaningful year.

For those of you that are still dribbling over last weeks results, this week is promising to be even better.

Games with Meaning:

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants, 1:00 PM Sunday on Fox.

Both teams are coming off convincing wins over opponents that couldn't seem to muster up any offense last week.  For those of you that actually managed to stay awake during the Giants v Redskins game, you would know that the Giants played great and the Redskins played extremely, well, lets just say poorly. 

Eli Manning seems to be back at his 100 percent best, and Brandon Jacobs has finally found his feet again, at least for the time being.  If there is anything I can say about the Giants running game, it is that Brandon Jacobs will be trying his damnedest to shrug off that $7,500 fine and just get back to playing football.

The Panthers on the other hand aren't going to the Playoffs, but they still have a lot to play for.  Beating Minnesota last week seemed almost easy for them, and if they can rattle Eli like they did Favre, then this game may just be theirs for the taking. 

This game should come down to who plays the better defense.  New York and Carolina are great on offense, and will rally each other all game long.  Whoever's defense can hold out is likely to be the winner at the end of this one.

Game of the Week:

After changing my mind numerous times on this decision, I have come to a conclusion.

Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:15 PM Sunday on CBS.

There's no doubt in anyone's mind about the way the Eagles have been playing in the past month.  Ranked third in points with 28.5, the Eagles continue to roll.  In particular DeSean Jackson who was scurrying his way past corner backs and safeties all game long last week against San Francisco.

Denver has been feeling the pinch as of late, but are still doing just enough to keep their playoff hopes glowing.  Narrowly defeating Oakland last week made a lot of people laugh and question the Broncos ability, however there is no reason to count them out of this weekends match up. 

Stats-wise Denver is ranked quite well in relation to their 8-6 record on the season, but expect Brian Dawkins to have a big game as he makes his debut back to Philadelphia.  Rarely has Dawkins let a crowd get to him, and this Sunday expect no different.

Interesting Matchup:

Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots, 1:00 PM Sunday on CBS.

Jacksonville hasn't played since Thursday Night's clash against Indianapolis.  Coming off playing a tough team like the Colts is tough, and going into a game against the Patriots is even tougher.  New England needs to win and win some more for the rest of the season, and this is a must win game for the Patriots who have the home field advantage.

Other Games to Watch For:

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers, 1:00 PM Sunday on Fox.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 PM Sunday on CBS.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins, 8:20 PM Sunday on NBC.