For the first time in NFL history a team has started a season 0-15 but Detroit's quest for futility is just one of the many headlines in the NFL for the final week of the regular season.
The playoff picture is still being painted and it keeps getting more abstract by the day as a number of teams or trying to have a shot to play in the Super Bowl.
For the most part each game is important so let's cover them all (the meaningful ones).
(Note each game is on Sunday times Eastern)
1:00 PM Games
St.Louis at Atlanta
Not much to play for for the Rams but Atlanta has a chance to win the division and win a first round bye with a win and a Carolina loss. For Atlanta a first round bye would be another highlight of an amazing year where few expected them to contend with first year coach Mike Smith and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan who replaced the incarcerated Mike Vick.
Chicago at Houston
Chicago's overtime win over Green Bay makes this game meaningful as they need a win and a Viking loss to win the division and qualify. Houston has done well winning four out of five but at 7-8 it was too little too late for the Texans. For the Bears they have won three straight and are trying to mount a final surge.
New York at Minnesota
The Giants clinched home field so they have nothing to gain in this game. As for the Vikings a win or a Bear loss clinches the division and a playoff spot. The Vikings have won four out of five but lost when they had a chance to clinch on Sunday to the Falcons who mounted a final minute rally to win.
Carolina at New Orleans
The Panthers lost a tough one to the Giants on SNF but still have work to do this week as they can still wind up out of a home game in January if they lose and Atlanta wins. The Saints were plagued by inconsistency at times Drew Brees was getting MVP talk and at times they looked horrendous and they also lost four games by less than a touchdown which proved costly as they have nothing to play for.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh
The first game here that is meaningless as the Browns are out of contention and the Steelers are locked in as the number two seed and have a bye for the first round.
Oakland at Tampa Bay
The Raiders have also been somewhat inconsistent beating playoff contenders and losing to first overall pick contenders. The Bucs need a win and a Cowboy loss to get in the playoffs. The Bucs have been fading as of late losing three straight and two of those to division opponents. They have already lost/will lose their defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin to the University of Tennessee since he is opting to join his son, Lane who was named coach of the Volunteers after getting fired by the Raiders.
Tennessee at Indianapolis
Meaningless game as both teams are locked in at their respective seeds but the Colts have been red hot winning eight in a row.
Detroit at Green Bay
Also meaningless but the Lions have not roared all year as they are 0-15 and could be the first team ever to go 0-16 which would be another black mark for a city that has been declining in the past few years. Green Bay has paid for their treatment of Brett Favre as they will go from 13-3 to out of the playoffs.
New England at Buffalo
The AFC East has been a dogfight to say the least. Three teams all fighting for one maybe two spots and it has gone back and forth. The Bills seemed to be contenders until the wheels fell off their season about midway through.
The Pats need a win and a Dolphin loss to win the division or a Raven loss to earn a wild-card spot. Impressive for a backup quarterback who has proven himself worthy in Matt Cassel and a team that came back from a tough overtime loss to the Jets in week 11.
Kansas City at Cincinnati
Meaningless
4:15 PM Games
(Note that its at 4:15 which means fans at home can watch a meaningful 1:00 game longer and not be left hanging if it is still close late)
Jacksonville at Baltimore
For the Ravens its easy win at home and you're in, lose and you go home. Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has done well and has put the Ravens in this position and the Baltimore defense has been themselves.
Miami at New York
The showdown that seemed unlikely to be important in August is as important as can be in December. For the Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington has revived his career and the introduction of the "Wildcat" has caused problems for every team they haved faced. The Jets have flown turbulently this year at times flying high and at times destined to crash, Sunday will determine how this flight will end.
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