FOOTBALL

Some interesting scenarios in the football world this weekend. A couple teams know where they stand in the playoff race and have already clinched. A bunch are still in the playoff race with teams trying to catch them in the hunt. And lastly, there are teams that have no chance at making the post season and are in the process of figuring out personnel changes and looking forward to Draft.

The two surest playoff bound teams in each of the leagues are the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills this week and should continue their winning ways as they begin to prepare for the playoffs. Tom Brady continues to be hitting on all cylinders and with a win or tie this week can wrap up the division officially. Although Atlanta with a win over New Orleans will also grant them the title of division champs, the game is a little bit different. They will be taking on the defending Super Bowl Champs fighting for their playoff lives. But, the game represents more than that, it represents two quarterbacks battling for the title of “THE” NFC South Quarterback. Matt “Ice” Ryan will try to take the reigns from Drew Brees under the bright lights on Monday Night Football on ESPN.

The New York Jets are making the trip to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Mark Sanchez however might not be starting. Although, all signs point to Sanchez toughing out the pain and play at less than 100%, Rex Ryan has said that he is fully prepared to put Mark Brunell on the field. The same Mark Brunell who has started 1 game since 2006 and has only attempted 31 passes since. But, the Jets offense won’t be the deciding factor in the game; it’s the defense. When Jay Cutler has a passer rating over 100, the Bears are undefeated. When opposing teams don’t get pressure on him and make him rush his passes, Cutler may be the best quarterback in the NFL. The Jets need to blitz Cutler and force him into making mistakes, if they want to have any chance at a win.

The biggest game of the week comes in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers, fighting for their playoff lives, welcome back their pro bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers to try and win their last two games and make a run in the playoffs at the Super Bowl. But, the New York Giants, fresh off their epic collapse look to right the ship. Eli Manning called a players only meeting, earlier this week, for the first time in his career. And that says he means business. The traditionally quiet quarterback seems to take the lead in getting vengeance for the Giants with the Packers being the victims.