Well, hard to believe, but Christmas is here.
And the NFL has a large slate of games for both tomorrow, Christmas Day itself, as well as Saturday. Pretty much all of them have some playoff ramifications.
Let's take a look:
Christmas Day Games (Wednesday):
Kansas City at Pittsburgh - The Chiefs have the best overall record in the league at 14-1. They are on the cusp of clinching the top overall seed in the AFC playoffs, which includes an important bye week. However, they have to keep fighting for it, since the Bills managed to mount a strong comeback after being outplayed by New England early, and eventually found a way to beat the Pats. That means that KC did not clinch home field advantage by virtue of the Bills losing, so now the Chiefs have to work and earn a win if they hope to finally clinch the number one overall seed in the AFC. It won't be easy, as they have to visit Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, who currently are hanging onto the AFC North lead that they share with the Baltimore Ravens, who just handed the Steelers a lopsided loss. Prior to that, the Steelers got rocked in Philadelphia. So they are desperate for a win, and getting one against the Chiefs would be a huge deal, and could win back some of the confidence which this team likely is lacking in the wake of those two consecutive blowout losses. This should be a tough one either way, no matter who wins. I suspect that it will be close throughout. But since this one means so much to the Chiefs, and they have such experience winning the close games, expect KC to find a way to win, possibly right at the end of the game.
My pick: Kansas City
Baltimore at Houston - Both of these teams are playoff bound, and both also sit atop the standings in their division, although the Ravens share that lead with the Steelers. Obviously, Baltimore will hope for the Chiefs to beat the Steelers, which would allow the Ravens a golden opportunity to grab the lead very late in the season in the AFC North race. The Ravens have been hot as of late, and have won three of their last four following a disappointing, yet close, loss in Pittsburgh. Last weekend, they exacted a strong measure of revenge by beating the Steelers soundly. Now, they visit Houston to take on the Texans, who likely feel that they can steal away the third overall seed with a win over the Ravens coupled with the Pittsburgh loss to Kansas City. They Texans have been particularly tough when playing at home this season. Still, my suspicion is that the Ravens find a way to win.
My pick: Baltimore
Seattle at Chicago - While the first two games feature all AFC teams which have already clinched playoff spots, this one features only one team with a chance at qualifying got the postseason. Chicago was effectively eliminated quite some time ago, long before they were officially eliminated. The Seahawks, however, are desperately trying to hang onto their flickering playoff and NFC West division title hopes. They simply cannot afford a letdown in this one, as a loss here coupled with a win by the LA Rams would clinch the division title for the Rams. It would also seriously compromise the Seahawks own chances of even qualifying as a Wild Card. Da Bears will likely try some things, maybe even take some chances, in their hopes of playing spoiler in this one. However, the Seahawks should show determination, as well as a bit of evidence for why they have enjoyed a season successful enough at this point to make them serious contenders to reach the playoffs. Expect them to roar a bit early, and to hang on for a fairly comfortable win at Soldier Field in the Windy City.
My pick: Seattle
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