Pittsburgh over Carolina.  The Steelers accomplished what they set out too.  They beat an inferior opponent without anyone getting hurt and getting team MVP  Troy Polamalu valuable rest so he can be ready for the playoffs.  The Panthers all but assured themselves the number one pick in the draft Stanford’s Andrew Luck, who with their luck (pun intended) will probably choose to stay another year in school and take salsa dance classes.
Arizona edging Dallas.  In a battle of third string quarterbacks the Cardinals John Skelton out dueled Cowboys Stephen McGee leading the Cardinals on a last minute drive setting up the game winning field goal by Jay Freely.  The Cowboys David Buehler picked the wrong time to take a day off by missing a late PAT, (I’ve been waiting all year long to say that) eliminating the possibility of overtime.  He must have heard the cries of football widows everywhere screaming “Miss it Ferris!”  .
Chicago edging New York Jets.  It is not so surprising the Bears won.  It is how they won, in a shootout against a very good AFC team with a very good defense.  Jay Cutler got hot, but it was the special teams lead by Devin Hester that got them into good field position.  He is the most dangerous return man in the game and proved it again.  Hester took a couple of returns that looked at first like he was going nowhere, into large gains with a blink of the eye.  Hester has wings on his feet because he glided on the all most frozen field and eluded Jets special teams players who seemingly had him bottled up.  Hester also has become a dangerous receiver making a couple of nice catches including his touchdown pass.  He is defiantly one the Bears most potent offensive weapon.  Jay Cutler showed mental toughness after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

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Reviews of NFL week 11 games featuring the New York Giants and the Philadelphia EaglesHe threw three touchdown passes and not did not force any passes.  The Bears offensive line that has taken a beating in games and in the media did not allow Cutler to get sacked and played perhaps their best game of year.  It looks like they have finally jelled together and are ready for the playoffs.  The Bears defense which has been solid for most the year allows 27 points to a Jets offense that has trouble scoring recently.  They allowed the Jets to run and throw pretty much at will which has to be a concern.  But they did stop the Jets in the fourth quarter and the last minute interception came at the right time.  This game showed why the Bears are the enigma of the all the playoff teams.  You can never get a true read on them.
The Jets lost but backed into the playoffs.  Not the way they wanted but they are in.  The good news is that Mark Sanchez played perhaps his best game in a month even with a bad wing.  A little medicine helped a little with that.  Scoring 27 points against a stout Bear defense can be looked upon as positive, but allowing 38 points to offense that is considered to be below average has to be a concern.  They had no pressure on Cutler and he made big plays with receivers  who are are not elite. Their punter must be related to the Giants punter because he kept kicking the ball to Devin Hester.  Defense is the Jets strength.  They need to play much better in the playoffs.  They cannot expect to the offense to carry them or they will be a one and done.
Green Bay blasting New York Jets.  Aaron Rodgers returned with a bang and lit up the Giants at will.  The Giants played like still had a hangover from last week’s come from ahead lost.  They could have used Mike Tyson to punch them in their faces before the game.  It couldn’t have hurt.
St Louis over San Francisco.  The Rams kept the playoff hopes alive by beating the 49ers.  Mike Singletary was fired as soon as they landed.  I’m going to miss his classic post games rants.
Detroit over Miami.  The Lions won their second road game in row in Florida.   Too bad they can’t play all their road games there.  The Dolphins completed their worst home season ever by going 1-7.  I’m sure the 72 Dolphins weren’t celebrating that.
Cincinnati over San Diego.  The Bengals played their best game of the year and Carson Palmer looked like the Carson Palmer of old.  That is what happens when you don’t have T.O. and Ocho-Cinco  yapping in your ear in the huddle.  The Chargers reign as AFC west champs is finally over, next year their goal should be winning a couple of games in September. And special teams, special teams, special teams.
Baltimore over Cleveland.  The Ravens win clinched a playoff berth for them again.  The highlight of the game was Ed Reed almost catching on fire when he clinging to sideline heater.  Here’s thought for the sleeveless Ed Reed.  How about wearing a thermal top?  The Browns are looking forward to next year’s draft, like they do every year since their rebirth.
Tampa Bay rolls Seattle.  The Buccaneers Josh Freeman continues his quest to become an elite quarterback.  He is way ahead of schedule.  With the loss the Seahawks are in good shape to win the NFC least by winning at home next week.  If they do they should refuse to go and give it to the Buccaneers.
Washington edging Jacksonville.  The Redskin won in overtime with Rex Grossman as their quarterback.  That is something I thought I would never happen.  The Jaguar’s still have hope but both of their fans know they have no chance.
Denver over Houston.  The Texans lose after having a large lead, which is no surprise since their defense has been terrible all year long. There 8-8 record that last few years must seem like the glory days now.  Tim Tebow had flashbacks of playing against East Carolina, he then realized at least East Carolina hit him once or twice.
Indianapolis over Oakland.  The Colts have gone old school the last couple of weeks by running the ball and stopping the run.  Fantasy football owners want Peyton Manning’s head when he slid down at the two instead of scoring late in the game.  The Raiders were eliminated from the playoff with this loss, which is itself is a major accomplishment since they are usually eliminated by Columbus Day.
New Orleans edging Atlanta.  The Saints and Drew Brees overcame a couple of bad “Farve” throws to beat the Falcons.  This game was played in a playoff type atmosphere, it was loud and rowdy.  Brees survived despite getting constant pressure from a Falcon defense.  His biggest play occurred when after he threw his second interception to John Abraham, his ankle tackled him preventing him from scoring which would more than likely a game clinching touchdown.  The Saints defense which has been giving up points and yards the entire season, played its best game of the year shutting down the Falcons running attack and keeping Matt Ryan at bay.  The Falcons did blow a chance to clinch home field throughout but costly turnovers did them in.  The short center shot gun snap resulted in a touchdown by the Saints and Michael Turner’s fumble at the goal line cost them a touchdown.  The Falcons should win next week against Carolina to clinch the division and home field.  I’m sure they will be aware that no matter where they play, mental mistakes can quickly put an end to their season.
Mother Nature postponing Minnesota/Los Angeles at Philadelphia.  Mother Nature has had a Pro bowl season.

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