Saturday Games
Washington (7-7)
v.
Tennessee Titans (8-6)
Washington at Tennessee
Washington managed to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with that win last weekend. But now, they go up against a fairly hot playoff contender, and a team that probably has the best defense over the last few weeks. Yes, the Titans are playing their best football right now, and I would not want to have to go up against them if I am a playoff contending team right now. They have blown out each of their last two opponents, while allowing a total of 9 points between those two games, while scoring 47. Clearly, they are determined to qualify for the postseason, and this late season push will be difficult for a team like Washington, given their offensive limitations and woes of late. Both teams need to win this one, but only one can. Right now, it is hard to imagine the home team suddenly failing, and seeing their three game winning streak end prematurely against a struggling opponent. That makes this pick fairly easy and predictable. My pick: Tennessee
Baltimore Ravens (8-6)
v.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-3)
Baltimore at L.A. Chargers
Now, here is a really huge game, with a lot of playoff ramifications! Both teams could wind up as division leaders by the end of this weekend, if they win and their top division rivals lose. And both teams also could wind up as Wild Card teams going on the road. That is a wider discrepancy. in the case of the Ravens, they could actually just as easily wind up missing the playoffs altogether, if they lose too many games, and too much ground to either the Titans or Colts. Baltimore almost pulled off a huge win in Kansas City a few weeks ago, but the Chargers did pull off a miracle comeback win in Kansas City a couple of weeks ago. They look like they are in serious contention for being the best team in the NFL at this point, and that is why I believe they should manage a win in this one. They have one of the best defenses (Baltimore, in fairness, likely has the best), and a solid and explosive offense, as well. Plus, they are one of the most consistent winners this season. All of that should be a formula for success for Philip Rivers and the Chargers. My pick: L.A. Chargers
Monday Night Football
Denver Broncos (6-8)
v.
Oakland Raiders (3-11)
Denver at Oakland
The Broncos have effectively had their season end with their last two games, which were both stunning losses. The Raiders, meanwhile, have been eliminated since basically before the mid-season point, so they are used to it. That makes this game difficult to predict. The Raiders are playing for pride, and have played well in recent games, at least compared to the way that they played earlier this season. But the Raiders have also lost four straight, and just have not managed to win many games this season. The Broncos, meanwhile, enter this game looking unpredictable, as well. Will they play inspired football, trying to exit the season playing their best? Or did the last couple of losses basically hurt their morale to such an extent that they fail to play their best? Hard to tell. But my guess is that Denver hardly has to play their best to manage to knock off Oakland, a team that has ranked consistently as one of the very worst all year long. The Broncos have the better team, period, and thus should manage a win. My pick: Denver
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