NFL Divisional Showdown: Week 13
Divisional games late in the NFL season provide for an exciting experience for any fan because of the intensity brought to the field by each team. This season especially, where no team has run away with the division title as of yet, dreams of a deep postseason run resonates in the minds of many. Week 13 offers an array of match ups that will have your eyes fixated on the television screen from 1 p.m. kickoff through Sunday & Monday Night Football.
The Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5), fresh off a collapse in New York to fall into a tie for the divisional lead with Indianapolis, travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans (5-6), losers of four in a row. However, the Titans could be getting veteran quarterback Kerry Collins back under center to replace the ineffective rookie Rusty Smith, while the receiving corps (Randy Moss, Kenny Britt, Nate Washington) is expected to be healthy and effective as well. The Jaguars have never held a share or sole possession of first place in the AFC South this late into the season, and believe strongly they can avenge for an embarrassing loss (30-3) at home to the Titans earlier this season on Monday Night Football.
San Diego (6-5) hosts Oakland (5-6) in an effort to create some breathing room between the two teams as the Chargers attempt to catch streaking Kansas City atop the AFC West. Currently riding a 4-game win streak, S.D. is playing their best football of the season behind Philip Rivers stellar quarterback play and Mike Tolbert carrying the load in the backfield with Ryan Matthews hurt the last few weeks. The Raiders, after a surprising OT win over Kansas City in week 9 have quietly faded away and they desperately need a victory Sunday to remain relevant in the division. Darren McFadden, who has not been able to regain his early season form where he dictated the pace of the game, must establish a run game in order for the Raiders to have a chance.
With the Eagles victory last night, the N.Y. Giants (7-4) now feel the pressure to keep pace in an effort to win the division crown against long time rival Washington Redskins (5-6). This is a must win situation for both teams who are banged up and without key starters for Sunday’s match up. Eli Manning will have to make do with a scrub receiving unit as Hakeem Nicks is out and Steve Smith is a long shot to suit up. Donovan McNabb must develop into the leader Washington expected him to be when they traded for him and signed him to a lengthy extension if they have a chance to overcome an impressive Giants defense, especially with a depleted backfield.
While the Falcons (9-2) have been the most impressive team in the NFL this season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4) have been a pleasant surprise with a very young squad aiming to make a splash in a tight division race. However, the Bucs have yet to defeat a team this season playing +.500 ball, while the Falcons have impressive wins over New Orleans, Baltimore and Green Bay. Tampa needs a victory this weekend to prove they belong and to have any shot at the playoffs. Matt Ryan has made his case for MVP thus far while surprising running back LaGarrette Blount has been a nice addition to a mediocre Bucs running game.
Sunday Night Football will feature two of the leagues most physical teams who happen to share the division lead entering the much anticipated match up. The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) travel to Baltimore (8-3) after a shaky OT victory against lowly Buffalo last weekend aiming to avoid a season sweep. The Ravens will attempt to defeat the Steelers twice in the regular season for the first time since 2006 in order to secure a two game lead in the division heading into the season’s final stretch. The Steelers are denying rumors that Ben Roethlisberger’s foot is broken, and for their sake they better be correct. The Steelers are 5-0 against the Ravens in game started by Roethlisberger, while they are winless without their quarterback. The physical nature of this game is a must-see as both defenses are hard-hitting, undeterred by the prospect of facing a fine.
Monday Night Football boasts the game of the week as the AFC East’s top 
teams square off in Foxborough for what is primed to be a game to remember. The New York Jets (9-2), having defeated the New England Patriots (9-2) earlier this season, have a slight edge in the division entering this epic showdown. Tom Brady has his offense playing their best at the opportune time as they face a swarming Jets defense hungry to prove they can lead this team to the Promised Land. Rex Ryan has repeatedly said his team is built for the Super Bowl and this week they will have a chance to prove it. This game will likely hinge on Mark Sanchez’s ability to pick apart an average Pats secondary as he did in their Week 2 victory at the Meadowlands.
Fellas, your wife will have to wait for a trip to Bed Bath and Beyond as these games will provide the adhesive so you won’t have to leave your couch.
