Monday Night Football Schedule 2012: Late-Season Games with High Stakes

The Monday Night Football slate is going to be a doozy in 2012, but it’s games later in the season that should have fans really excited.

If everything falls into place, it looks as if the last three games to close out the MNF season (Weeks 14-16) are all going to be incredible matchups with serious playoff implications on the line.

Week 14: Houston Texans at New England Patriots

Will the No. 1 seed in the AFC be on the line?

We all know the Pats are fighting for the top spot every year, but don’t sleep on the Texans to be right there with them.

With the majority of a great team returning, in addition to some shrewd upgrades, Houston has the potential to not only win the AFC, but the Super Bowl as well.

I can’t wait to see how the Patriots defense handles the explosive Andre Johnson.

Week 15: New York Jets at Tennessee Titans

The Jets could be 5-11, 11-5 or anything in-between. That being said, with Rex Ryan's track record, the odds are the Jets will still have a pulse with three games remaining.

The Titans shocked most when they won nine games last year, and enter the 2012 season as contenders in a weak AFC South. That’s what happens when you get a combined four games against the Colts and Jaguars.

Both of these teams are going to be addressing quarterback questions throughout the season. Will it be Mark Sanchez vs. Matt Hasselbeck? Will it be Jake Locker vs. Tim Tebow? Mark Sanchez vs. Jake Locker? Matt Hasselbeck vs. Tim Tebow?

Week 16: Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions

For two teams that will likely be fighting for a wild-card berth, the all-important tiebreaker might come into play.

Neither team will be favorite to win their division, but last year’s NFC Wild Cards could be battling for the same spot in a potential win-and-you're-in scenario.

With Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford hurling the pigskin, a shootout is a strong possibility. 

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