The Paydirt Report: Week 12The 4th quarter of the season is upon us. It's about to get real up in here. We can now start to talk seriously about Wild Card races. The AFC is bunched up between Denver, Kansas City, NY Jets and Oakland with Cleveland being the long shot. The NFC on the other hand, is a three horse race between Green Bay, Carolina and New Orleans. This does not diminish the division races which are hotly contested. So lets go see about em.
AFCWest
San Diego(9-3) holds their 1 game advantage over Denver(8-4) and Kansas City(8-4) in this wildest of wild divisions. Do not go to sleep on Oakland(7-5) who has won their last 3 games straight to jump right in the thick of things.
East
Miami(10-2) finally gets some breathing room as the NY Jets(8-4) Loss to Green Bay sets them 2 games back. The Jets have kept the heat on the Dolphins all year. Lets see how they handle the stretch. Buffalo's(5-7) are fading with a loss this week while New England has already been eliminated.
North
Cincinnati's(8-4) 1 year rebuild project is paying off as they have gained a lead of 2 games over struggling Cleveland(6-6) The Browns and Bengals play each other one more time before seasons end. Pittsburgh's (4-8) is playing some good football but their record doesn't show it. They may be a contender for the division in 1980. Baltimore(1-11) will have a high first round draft pick.
South
With Houston(8-4) cruising Tennessee's(5-7) playoff hopes are holding on by a thread. Indianapolis(4-8) and Jacksonville(4-8) have the big e next to their names.
NFCEast
Dallas(7-5) have opened up a more comfortable 2.5 game lead with their convincing win over Philadelphia(4-7-1). Washington(3-9) continues their long slide, as NY Giants(1-10-1) celebrate their first win of the season. Congrats go out to the Big Apple.
West
With Seattle(11-1) coasting into their 7th NFC West title, minimizing injuries and getting that home field advantage will be the focus. Congrats to the Seahawks and the 12th man. Arizona(4-8), San Francisco(4-8) and Los Angeles(4-8) all have an e on their man cave trophy cases.
North
Detroit(10-2) wins their 7th in a row to stay up 2 games on Green Bay(8-4). Why is this key? Because they play each other week 16. If the Lions can hold onto a 2 game lead they'll wrestle that NFC North division banner back from the Packers. Chicago(4-8) is playing for pride and Minnesota(0-12) still looking for that W.
South
Tampa Bay(11-1) wins again as they get a narrow victory over the Steelers to hold onto a slim 1 game lead over Carolina(10-2) who has been impressive all year. The Panthers beat New Orleans(8-4) to secure second place in the division. Atlanta(3-9) is looking for spoiler roles.
Games to Watch Week 13Cincinnati @ Miami
Cleveland @ NY Jets
Kansas City @ Houston
Seattle @ Detroit -
Battle RoyaleNew Orleans @ Dallas
