Green Bay Packers 13, at Buffalo Bills 21
Buffalo’s defense did something virtually no one has been able to do this year: make Packers QB Aaron Rodgers look bad.
Line: Buffalo’s defense is legit. If only they had a decent quarterback!
Jacksonville Jaguars, 12 at Baltimore Ravens 20
Baltimore made it harder than it had to be – but ultimately their defense was too much for Jaguars rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.
Line: Baltimore sure wins ugly – and Blake Bortles looks like he may be a bust, too.
Cleveland Browns 0, at Cincinnati Bengals 30
Polarizing Browns rookie Johnny Manziel was absolutely terrible – he gave the ball away and couldn’t get the offense going at all, meaning long-suffering Cleveland fans will have to go another year without making the playoffs.
Line: Johnny Football just led the Browns right out of the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17 at Carolina Panthers 19
This game is all about how bad the NFC south – which both teams play in – is this year. Carolina won and has a record of 5-8-1. They are currently leading that division.
Line: I mean, does someone actually HAVE to win the NFC South?
Houston Texans 10, at Indianapolis Colts 17
This was a battle between two of the rising stars in the league – Colts QB Andrew Luck and Texans defensive lineman JJ Watt – with the division title on the line. Luck threw two touchdowns to bring the Colts back in the second half and the Texans couldn’t do anything on offense all day.
Line: Luck looked shaky, but he came through when it counted – like he always does.
Oakland Raiders 13, at Kansas City Chiefs 31
The Chiefs won the latest game in this traditional rivalry – which has faded a bit because the Raiders frankly stink – by taking advantage of Oakland’s mistakes and not making any of their own.
Line: Remember when this rivalry used to matter? Is Oakland ever going to be good again?
Miami Dolphins 13, at New England Patriots 41
New England’s offense was too much for a Miami team that blew them out the first week of the season. Tom Brady was…well…Tom Brady, and the Pats clinched their 375th AFC East title in a row.
Line: Brady looks as good as he ever has – I don’t see who’s going to keep them out of the Super Bowl if he keeps playing like this.
Washington Redskins 13, at New York Giants 24
One of two truly meaningless and painful games to watch this week. Controversial Redskins QB Robert Griffin III was not as bad as he had been, but ultimately exciting Giants rookie Odell Beckham Jr won the suffix battle by scoring three touchdowns.
Line: Beckham’s practically unstoppable – when Victor Cruz gets back next year the Giants will have one of the most exciting receiver combos in the league.
Pittsburgh Steelers, 27 at Atlanta Falcons 20
Pittsburgh built a lead on the arm of Ben Roethlisberger and the legs of rookie RB Le’veon Bell and withstood Atlanta’s late comeback attempt. Both of these teams still have a chance at the playoffs.
Line: Big Ben wouldn’t let the Steelers lose – Atlanta didn’t look great, but they may still win the NFC South.
Denver Broncos, 22 at San Diego Chargers 10
Peyton Manning was sick and hurt, but he did just enough – along with some smothering defense – to lead the Broncos past their divisional rival Chargers. They clinched a spot in the playoffs – meanwhile, the Chargers are all but eliminated.
Line: Peyton’s not looking great, but he’s got enough to give them a chance, especially with that defense playing the way they are.
New York Jets, 16 at Tennessee Titans 11
The second meaningless game that was painful to watch – more painful to watch than Redskins-Giants. It’s best not to discuss this one, even if you’re asked.
Line: [shake head].
Minnesota Vikings, 14 at Detroit Lions 16
Detroit came from behind to win this game, helped by two interceptions thrown by Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater. The Lions kicked the game winning field goal with a few minutes left and kept their playoff hopes alive.
Line: The Lions could still get in, but I’m not sure they deserve to after seeing this game.
San Francisco 49ers, 7 at Seattle Seahawks 17
San Francisco’s disappointing year continued as they’re eliminated from playoff contention – done in by Seattle’s defense and their own mistakes. As the Niners swoon continues (they may lose their head coach, John Harbaugh, this offseason), the Seahawks seem to be returning to the style and level of play that won them a Super Bowl.
Line: I don’t know what happened with the Niners, but I think Harbaugh’s gone.
Dallas Cowboys 38, at Philadelphia Eagles 27
Dallas looked like they were going to run away with this game, opening up a 21 point lead – Philly stormed back but ultimately had no answer for Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, who caught three touchdowns. For once, the Cowboys didn’t choke in an important game. They’re now in the driver’s seat in the NFC East.
Line: I never would’ve thought Romo would be the one to come up big – but then, he was playing against Mark Sanchez.