NFL Week 16: End of the Road, Beginning of a Journey?

With one game already in the books, and the bulk of games coming up Sunday, let's take a look at what has already happened for some teams.

The Colts punched one ticket with their win Thursday night, leaving four clubs at 9-5, all fighting for a one division spot and one wild-card spot. Those teams are the Jets, Dolphins, Ravens, and Patriots.

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, San Diego hopes to keep their tightrope act around for one more week, and as well hopes Denver can continue to struggle at home.

Last week, San Diego managed to escape three bullets. The first was running out of time and managing to score two touchdowns in the final minutes. Then, the second bullet was an unlucky kicker who missed a 50-yard field goal that would have killed the season.

Lastly, Denver lost to the Carolina Panthers, giving the Panthers a sweep of the AFC West...Not really bragging rights, but considering the Jets went 1-3 against the same four teams....

In the NFC, things look a little more up in the air, as only two teams have their tickets punched. One, being the Cards who looked horrible at home, and the Giants, who have now lost two in a row, and watching Eli Manning get turned into a rag doll with eight sacks.

For all this, there's four spots open, and four outside-wanting-in teams. The Panthers, Vikings, Cowboys, and Bucs all are in position to win out and control their direction. The teams looking in are the Falcons, Eagles, Chicago, and Washington.

As it stands, probably the luckiest squad, is the Cardinals. They locked down the playoff berth so effectively the game in New England, snow and all, won't knock them out of the playoffs.

So, as it stands, on to Week 16:

Miami vs Kansas City - Here's a matchup of two clubs, in opposite directions. Miami is in the hunt for a playoff spot, while Kansas City is fighting to get out of the cellar.

Sorry Herman Edwards....not this week.

Miami 21 Kansas City 10

New Orleans vs Detroit - With both clubs out of contention, and the Lions hoping the NFL doesn't banish them to the NCAA, this might be the game the Lions need.

Probably not, count on Drew Brees to go deep three times.

New Orleans 35 Detroit 21

Cincinnati vs Cleveland - Oh, the joy watching these two clubs play...in the past. Do you think by halftime they can show highlight clips from the '80s?

Cleveland 10 Cincinnati 3

San Diego vs Tampa Bay - This should be a good grudge match. Gruden loved to play San Diego as a Raiders coach, and now, he gets to take on another former Raiders coach...and then next week, play the Raiders.

Denver, rest easy, Tampa Bay is looking at 2-0.

Tampa Bay 24, San Diego 17

Pittsburgh vs Tennessee - This matchup has lost some luster, as Tennessee lost last week to the Texans, and the Steelers are coming off a dramatic last minute win against the Ravens. Will the Titans be able to derail the Steelers' wheels?

Doubtful.

Steelers 21 Titans 17

San Francisco vs St Louis - Right now, another two clubs playing out the string. However, the 49ers coach seems to have his team going in the right direction. The Rams interim coach? How about around in circles?

San Francisco 17 St Louis 7

Arizona vs New England - Hope the cold weather doesn't make Kurt Warner brittle....this is no country for old men.

New England 24 Arizona 13

Buffalo vs Denver - Buffalo's now just playing out the string, and Denver's wanting a win at home to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

By the time this game starts, they may already be there....if not...hmm.

Denver 30, Buffalo 14

New York Jets vs Seattle - Brett Favre and his former coach have one last meeting. Do you think Mike will take it easy on Brett?

Don't expect a Christmas card, Mike.

Seattle 17, New York 14

Houston vs Oakland - Two teams with nothing but pride to play for. Oakland's looking for a second win at home, while the Texans would love to finish above .500.

Could happen for either club.

Oakland 24 Houston 21

Philadelphia vs Washington - Jim Zorn has some funny ways of trying to inspire his club. Either that, or DeAngelo Hall is making everyone crazy there too.

Philadelphia 28 Washington 14

Atlanta vs Minnesota - Matt Ryan's got his club moving in the right direction. If they can stay lucky, they might just sneak into the playoffs.

Luck is a good thing to have, too bad you can't buy it in stores.

Minnesota 28 Atlanta 24

Carolina vs NY Giants - This game looked huge a couple weeks ago.

After the Giants back to back losses...still might be the NFC Championship.

Carolina 24 NY Giants 21

Monday Night

Green Bay vs Chicago - Green Bay could be a spoiler, if they can eke out a win here.

Sure, and Aaron Rodgers is the next Brett Favre.

Chicago 24 Green Bay 10