NFL Week 14 Recap:Terrible Towels Rule

You gotta hand it to the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was certainly no way on Sunday they should have won against the Dallas Cowgirls. They weren't able to takae advantage of Dallas mistakes for most of the game and they seemed kind of off. Down by ten almost halfway through the 4th quarter, the Steelers woke up and rallied to a big victory. Dallas' last mistake was fatal as an interception was returned for a touchdown. The terrible towels cleaned up this mess of a game.

What did we learn this past week?

-While I still think my revised Super Bowl Bowl match up of the NY Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers will ring true, clearly each team has some issues to fix as they set up for their playoff runs. The Giants may miss Plaaxico more than they think as they looked awful against the Eagles. Things like bad games happen, but they cannot afford performances anymore like Sunday's. As for the Steelers...the offensive line has gotta protect Big Ben. It's that simple. The Steelers defense reminds us of the good ole Steel Curtain from many moons ago.

-The NFC South is the most interesting and unpredictable division in football. Don't count out the Saints, who won a key game against the Falcons. Carolina may be readying themselves for a Super run of their own, as they look like they have as dominant a running game as the Giants. I think three playoff spots come out of here. And the last place team could have 9 wins.

-The Cardinals win their first division title since 1975. Is it a tainted one since the NFC West is so bad? It shouldn't matter. But I'm counting on a one and done Playoff season for them.

-Dallas and Washington both look done. But in the wild and crazy NFC, no one should be counted out. Which also means, don't count out Philadelphia. If I were to predict now, the Eagles may have the best chance to pull off a playoff spot of the three other teams in the East.

-Minnesota just looked bad against Detroit and probably should have lost. Can they hang on in the NFC North? I think their season rides on whether or not their key defensive get suspended or not. The Bears? I just don't think they will be good enough to overtake the Vikings.

-The AFC playoff chase could prove to be just as wild as the NFC. The AFC East is in a similar chaotic situation as the NFC South. We have a three way tie for the lead. The patriots and the Jets have just looked putrid the last two weeks. Can anyone see Miami stealing this thing? That would be truly incredible considering their one win last year.

-Baltimore is my choice to gain one of the wild cards, although if they beat the Steelers in Week 15, they could very well steal the division. Defense, my friends, will get you far...

-Indianapolis may do it ugly sometimes, but when they're on like they were on Sunday, they may put a scare into the Steelers. I would not want to play them if they make it into the playoffs.

-We should be congratulating the Tennessee Titans for qualifying for the playoffs and getting a bye. The running game has gotten this team far. Anyone think Kerry Collins for MVP yet???

-Then we have Denver. They win their division almost by default (just like Arizona). I will say this. If Denver can be more consistent, I would think they could be a mild threat come January. Jay Cutler has had himself a nice season.

MVP candidates? Most will say Kurt Warner and Drew Brees will be the top two. I say Kerry Collins, or even Clinton Portis, although Portis' injuries may finally cost him the stats to be a true candidate.

Thursday's game could be a slobber knocker with the Bears and the Saints. We may looking at an elimination game. May be fun...

JP