Week 16 - Saturday

'12 Houston vs. '02 Tampa Bay

This week's games will start putting lots of playoff spots in place, none more so than Houston and Jacksonville. Both teams are an incredible 10-4, so only 1 can earn a bye and the other will be a "wildcard".

It would be difficult for Houston to get knocked out completely, so let's see how they fared against the Buccs.

The first quarter went scoreless as both defenses lived up to their reputations. By the 2nd quarter, each offense would start finding a way to move the ball. The Buccs would be the first team to score, with a 39 yard Johnson-to-Johnson pass.

Houston would sneak in a FG before half time, but would find themselves struggling to score again in the 3rd quarter. Grammatica would hit a FG from 49 out, increasing the Buccs' lead to a TD.

Tampa Bay's momentum wouldn't slow down, as early in the 4th quarter Johnson would hit Jurevicius on an astonishing 57 yard throw to go up 17-3. Down by 2 TD's, the Texans would need to get their offense moving further. With just under 6 minutes to go, things seemed to be heading their way as Forsett ran in a TD.

But the Bucc's D didn't let up, and Tampa took home the win 17-10.

The usually tough Texans rushing attack was held to just 64 yards, and just over 200 yards total. Schaub was only 48% on the day with 2 picks.  Brad Johnson threw for 250 yards with 2 TDs and no picks. Pittman and Allstott were both able to run up almost 120 yards.

The upset for Houston breaks their 6 game win streak. It also means they will remain 2nd place in the AFC South regardless of a Jacksonville win or loss, but could take home advantage with a win next week and a Jaguars loss 2 weeks in a row. My bet - they end up a wildcard.

'92 Bills vs. '07 Patriots

With Miami, NE and NYJ all tied in the AFC East, each game in this division is super important. The Patriots have dominated most of the year, and only recently earned the loss to tie them with their other rivals.

Buffalo is a team that has gone from the lowest ranks to now 6-8 with some important wins lately. Will they have what it takes to shake up New England?

Early in the 1st quarter it seemed like the Bills might be able to handle New England. After the Patriots scored early with a rushing TD by Faulk, the Bills were able to get 3 on the board. But what would happen from there would set the stage for the whole game.

On the very next possession, Brady fired a pass to Faulk, which was run 59 yards for a 2nd TD. Brady would throw 2 more before halftime, 1 each to Maroney and Stallworth. The Bills would struggle to put up another FG.

Up 31-6 at the half, the Patriots slowed down some in the 2nd half, but their defense did not hold off on Buffalo. The Bills went scoreless the rest of the game. Brady would throw 2 more TD passes, exposing a very weak Bills secondary. New England wins 48-6.

With 322 yards passing to go with the 5 TD's, and 0 picks on the day, Brady clearly had a phenomenal day. For the Bills, Thurman Thomas had a great day with 131 yards rushing, and Buffalo totalled over 300 yards offense. They just couldn't make their way into the end zone, particularly with Jim Kelly throwing 4 INT's each time they would get close.

After Atlanta, NE becomes the second team to cross the 400 point scoring threshold for the season.They also continue to remain undefeated at home.

'68 Los Angeles vs. '89 San Fran

With so many NFC teams at 9-5 and 7-7, the 8-6 Rams may have a wildcard shot that rests at least on a win here. How will they do against the low ranked Niners team? In their previous matchup, the Niners just couldn't keep up with the Rams. Let's check in on the action now.

In an unprecedented showing by the Niners this season, the first half went almost scoreless. Both teams were able to move the ball well, but had trouble getting into enemy territory.

With the 2nd quarter winding down, the Rams would find themselves moving ahead quicker with their rushing game, and McCutcheon would get the 1st TD before the half on an explosive 15 yarder. The Niners matched that effort in the 3rd quarter, as Montana hit Taylor for a score after a great drive.

With the game tied, it was at this point that things got wild. In an odd twist for either team, special teams plays would come to define the game. With the Rams still having trouble against the Niners, they would attempt another punt, but San Fran would block the attempt and take the ball in for a TD to go up 14-7.

As if Los Angeles smelled blood, Clark would take the following kick return 92 yards to tie things up 14-14. The rest of the 3rd quarter went by without a score, and the 4th quarter remained a standoff until the final minutes approached. With the ball just outside the 2 minute warning, Joe Montana would do what he does best, getting the Niners just shy of a TD with 1 minute to go. The 32 yard FG attempt by Cofer was good, giving San Fran the lead again.

With just 1 minute left, the Rams pulled off a miracle and tied the game up with just 6 seconds left, as Ray split the uprights at 44 yards out. Just as quickly as the game went into overtime, however, it would end. On the opening kickoff, Bryant would somehow find a way to churn out over 90 yards and put up the Rams' 2nd TD on a kick return. Rams win 23-17

Montana was laser accurate at 77.8% of 27 throws, but 3 INT's easily ruined his single TD, as well as the Niners' shot at a W. With the win, the Rams now have playoff hopes, but must see how the Seahawks and Cardinals fare tomorrow.