The New York Jets, as is their habit, blew a chance to clinch a playoff spot last week by losing at home to Buffalo. The Oakland Raiders, as is their habit, lost in Denver, putting in jeopardy their chances at a first-round playoff bye.
So the Jets must win Sunday in Oakland to ensure a playoff spot. The Raiders, who have dropped three of five, get a first-round bye if they win and either New England beats Carolina or Miami loses to Buffalo.
Both teams are bickering among themselves.
In Oakland, Rich Gannon says the Raiders lack discipline. Coach Jon Gruden says they don't.
In New York, Vinny Testaverde and offensive coordinator Paul Hackett are at odds over the play call in the final seconds of last week's loss. The Raiders, favored by 412, are vulnerable to the run. The Jets have Curtis Martin and one of the NFL's better offensive lines.
Herman Edwards wasn't around for previous Jets swoons.
JETS, 20-19
Minnesota (plus 10) at Baltimore (Monday night)
Unless both the Jets and Seahawks win Sunday, the Ravens will be in the playoffs when this game is played.
Might happen.
RAVENS, 22-3
Jacksonville (plus 6) at Chicago
The Bears need this one to ensure themselves of the NFC Central title and a first-round bye.
BEARS, 16-2
Green Bay (minus 3)
at New York Giants
The Packers need this to move up if the Bears falter.
PACKERS, 17-13
Atlanta (plus 1412) at St. Louis
The Rams need this to ensure home field.
RAMS, 42-20
Philadelphia (plus 3) at Tampa Bay
Whatever happens, they meet again next week in Philly. Take the under. Way under.
BUCS, 5-3
New England (minus 6) at Carolina
The Patriots need this to clinch the AFC East. Strange things have happened this year. But not here.
PATRIOTS, 24-9
Kansas City (plus 4) at Seattle
If the Seahawks can win, they have a decent shot at the playoffs.
Chiefs closing well.
SEAHAWKS, 22-20
Buffalo (plus 612) at Miami
The Bills are playing spoiler.
DOLPHINS, 20-17
Arizona (plus 312) at Washington
Both playing for .500 seasons.
CARDINALS, 16-14
San Francisco (minus 212)
at New Orleans
If the Packers lose, the 49ers get to play them at Candlestick.
49ERS, 42-16
Cleveland (plus 7) at Pittsburgh
After last week's loss, the Steelers will play hard.
STEELERS, 24-16
Cincinnati (plus 512) at Tennessee
The Bengals win early in the season and late. But ...
TITANS, 20-18
Denver (plus 212 ) at Indianapolis
Two major disappointments.
BRONCOS, 27-26
Dallas (minus 212) at Detroit
It would be just like the Lions to win this one.
LIONS, 10-9
LAST WEEK: 8-6-1 (spread); 9-6 (straight up).
SEASON: 120-99-9 (spread); 155-78 (straight up).
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.