Two teams left standing with two games to play, I can’t think of a better end to a playoff race. The Washington Redskins continue to shatter the hopes and dreams of a fan-base that enjoys cross-dressing and dressing like pigs. I digress, Tom Coughlin ponders his future in New York, and his quarterback, the youngest Manning, hopes to keep his name off of a record for once. With just two weeks left in the 2013 NFL regular season, destiny is closer than it appears.
Dallas Cowboys(7-7) @ Washington Redskins(3-11)
While nothing would surprise me from Dallas at this point in the year, there is no way Jason Garrett’s Cowboys lose this one right? Jerry Jones’ team controls its own destiny in regards to gaining a playoff berth, or burning it all down. Win two games in Washington and at home against Philadelphia, and many will forget Tony Romo ‘s meltdown against the Packers in Week 15. Lose either of their remaining two, and another chapter in the most depressing sports novella will be written and distributed.
Prediction: Cowboys 24 Redskins 13
As poorly as Romo can play at times, the league’s 21st-ranked passing defense and 17th-ranked rushing defense will have no answer for DeMarco Murray and a talented Cowboys’ offense. Expect Dez Bryant and Jason Witten to run wild, and Dallas to set the date for a showdown with the Eagles in Week 17.
New York Giants(5-9) @ Detroit Lions(7-7)
Put simply, this game matters to one of the two combatants to take the field under the dome in Detroit on Sunday. Should Jim Schwartz’s Lions lose, there may be no future for the Detroit skipper come the off-season. After losing four of their last five and control of their own destiny, the Lions are in free-fall on their way out of contention. The cure-all in this situation will be Detroit’s remaining scheduled opponents: New York and Minnesota. Should the Lions win their last two, they will still have a shot at playoff glory, something the Giants can only dream about.
Prediction: Lions 34 Giants 13
A team that couldn’t manage to score a single point at home against Seattle in Week 15 takes to the road to face the Lions in the Motor City on Sunday. Boasting the league’s 28th ranked rushing offense and 19th best passing attack, Detroit should make quick and easy work of one of the NFL’s worst teams.
Chicago Bears(8-6) @ Philadelphia Eagles(8-6)
In a game pitting the league’s worst rushing defense against the NFL’s leading rusher; and the league’s worst passing defense against the best wide receiver tandem in the league today, this one should come down to offense. Nick Foles must out-duel Jay Cutler if the Eagles hope to clinch the NFC East this weekend, but Chicago may need the win more. Up just a half game on the resurgent Packers, Mark Trestman has a legitimate shot to make the playoffs in his first year as an NFL head coach. Similar to Chip Kelly, Trestman has transformed a stagnant offense into one of the league’s best, and will look to escape the city of brotherly love with a win in prime time on Sunday night.
Prediction: Bears 31 Eagles 30
As cliché as this may seem, the Bears simply need to win more than the Eagles do this weekend. Up a game with two to play, and the slate set for a meeting in Dallas in Week 17, Philadelphia is looking past this game to the ultimate season-decider in Texas. Chicago must win to hold of a Packers team that may get its leader back on Sunday, but can seal their own fate with a win against the Eagles. In a match up pitting two first-year head coaches, Chicago will come out on top in a close one.