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As the season   winds down the picture seems to be getting clearer in each division,   besides the NFC East, which comes as no surprise as it seems to take a   similar turn every year. Today I’m going to take a look at 5 games and   give you my picks. I have truly stunk it up on my fantasy league this   year, despite having Drew Brees on my roster; however, I’ve been solid   at picking games, so I’m going to give this a shot.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville (Thursday)

Indy is coming in to this game with a 13-0 record, behind the   walking legend known as Payton Manning. This guy has by far been the   most consistent player in the league for years now. Apparently the   coaching shift from Tony Dungy to Jim Caldwell has gone over smoothly   and Indy fans should be happy. I have to admit that I have ignored Jacksonville for the most   part all year, as I just feel they play ugly. I know “run first” was the   consensus in the NFL for years, but it’s turned into a pass first   league, and I don’t find myself over excited to watch run first teams.   “Run First” teams have always had to back up slow offense with smash   mouth defense, and Jax just doesn’t have that going for them. With all   that being said, this team is hanging in the playoff hunt, and who   knows…they may even make it. I’m still picking Indy to show them how   it’s done. Indy wins this one by 15 points.

Dallas at New Orleans

Well…this is a tough one. The main reason being that I’m a   lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. New Orleans has been amazing   this year. They not only win, but they win pretty in most cases. I have   been rooting for the Saints all year, and they have gotten the job   done. These guys seem completely invincible, while the Cowboys seem to   be back in their December downward spiral. The main difference this year   is that Tony Romo is playing very well, even in December. Looking at   the last 2 losses, you have a loss to the Giants, which undoubtedly   caught a break, because Romo gashed their secondary with ease, but   defense and special teams, which have been solid all year managed to   mess up this game somehow. San Diego are a great   team, and Dallas kept it   close, but let’s face it, they put too   much faith in Marion Barber. Since his injury he just hasn’t played   well. It’s time the Cowboys turn Tashard Choice into the every down   back, and if for no other reason, just to punish Marion Barber for   getting stopped 4 times on the goal line by an undersized Chargers   defense. I made excuses for my Cowboys now let’s get to it. New Orleans at home should   win this game, but I refuse to pick against my Boys. Dallas wins by 3.

Cleveland at Kansas City

This will be a dog fight between two of the worst teams in the   league. The Browns have stunk it up on every opportunity on offense and   defense. I don’t think in all my years of watching the NFL have I seen   such offensive impotency. What I do like about the Browns is Brady   Quinn. Mark my words, this guy will be good a few years down the road.   Mangini should lose his job at the end of the season.

I’ve been watching KC this year, and I believe they have a   good future ahead of them. Getting rid of Larry Johnson was a good move,   and giving Matt Cassel the reins, despite his short comings this season.   They will eventually be a good team. This game is gonna be ugly, so I   will be refraining from watching it, but I pick KC to come out with a 10   point win.

Miami at Tennessee

Winner of this one still has a shot at the playoffs. This   will be a good game. Vince Young has brought a spark back to the Titans   offense, but it doesn’t change the fact that their secondary is   depleted. The Dolphins like getting it done on the ground, and have been   very efficient doing so, which makes the Titans crappy seconday less of   an issue, but they HAVE to stop the run! Chad Henne has also shown he   can get things done in the air, which the Titans should be scared of.   This game is going to be good, and likely a battle to the very end. I’ll   take the Titans in this one.

Green Bay at Pittsburgh

The Steelers are in a funk, and have been for weeks. The   Packers on the other hand are getting it done. It’s going to be as cold   as a Siberian Husky’s nut sack at Heinz Field on Sunday. When the game   is over, it will be even colder. I take the Packers in this one.