NFL Preview by Hamish Girvan @Girvana

The final week of the regular season has some great match ups.

Chicago Bears v Detroit Lions

The NFC North playoff spots are still up for grabs and Chicago must not only win, but must also rely on Green Bay to win at Minnesota to get a wild card spot. After the Bears first 8 games this season they had only lost once, however a bad run since has seen them now in this position. Detroit are in a real rut and the only positive of last weeks home loss to Atlanta was the record set by Calvin “Megatron”Johnson for breaking the record of the number of receiving yards in a single season. Chicago at home are traditionally tough however with the pressure on them here anything is possible. Pick – Chicago only just

Denver Broncos v Kansas City Chiefs

The Denver Broncos season rolls on and on. The decision to sign Peyton Manning would have to go down as one the best acquisitions in recent seasons by any team. Momentum is everything and the Broncos will not want to lower their guard here against the Chiefs. Kansas City had a huge game of rushing yards last weekend against the Colts however were still on the losing end of ledger. Ranked as the worst team’s in the NFL this season they look odds on to get the number one draft pick for their rebuild next season. Pick – Denver at home comfortably

Indianapolis Colts v Houston Texans
The Colts have had one of the best turnarounds from one season to the next in NFL history. After only winning two games last season, they have easily made the playoffs this season after their win against the Chiefs last week. Even more remarkably this has been achieved with an interim head coach after Chuck Pagino was diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer two games into the season. In this divisional clash the Texan’s will be wanting to get their season back on track after a suprising home loss to the Vikings last week. They go into the playoffs as AFC South champions however a win will give them home advantage – a loss may not. Pick – Houston in a close one

Cincinnati Bengals v Baltimore Ravens

The Bengals have made the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time in a long while with thier knock out win against the Steelers last week. They have been consistent all season and will take last years experience into the playoffs this season. Baltimore won the AFC North division last week with their win against reigning champions, the New York Giants, and the Steelers loss. Not as dominant defensively as usual, they still have the weapons to win games, and prolific running back, Ray Rice, is having a season to remember. The AFC North is one of the most physical divisions in the NFL so expect a slugfest. Pick – Cincinnati at home

Minnesota Vikings v Green Bay Packers
Another game with big connotations that affect two teams. If the Vikings win they will make the playoffs and knock Chicago out, something never predicted at the start of the season. Their efficient win at Houston last week set them up here for an all or nothing game. The Packers who have not been as dominant as previous seasons have taken the NFC North title and will want a win to give them a chance of a first round bye. Led by Quarterback Aaron Rogers they have suffered a number of injuries during the season, however they look to be getting back to full strength at the right time. A lot to play for here. Pick – Green Bay easily in the final quarter

 Washington Redskins vs Dallas Cowboys Live ESPN Sunday at 2.30pm
A great game to finish off the regular season with the only NFL division not yet decided. Whoever wins this takes the NFC East which has been a battle from start to finish. Everything is on the line with the winner getting a playoff spot and the other team eliminated. Both teams looked out for the count at various times this season, however both managed to cling onto wins when it counted. The Redskins have mercurial RG3 at quarterback whose running game has been one of their main weapons. His ability to be unpredictable is immense. The Cowboys are desperate to make the playoffs otherwise consequences in the off season will occur, and heads will roll. The reverse fixture in late November provided an easy win for the Redskins at the home of the Cowboys. Game of the week. Pick – Dallas by a whisker