[ This is being published late because I missed it, not because of Evan - Jon]

Week 14 marked the last Thursday Night football game until 2019. I don’t know about everybody else out there, but I think this season has flown by. I think Nebraska playing 12 straight weeks didn’t help that cause, and now we’re in bowl season and there’s still a ton to play for in the NFL. In fact, 14 of 16 NFL matchups this week have playoff implications.

Offense

Rex Burkhead RB - New England Patriots: The Patriots lost their last two games, and in each Burkhead only had four carries. This past weekend against the Steelers Burkhead had 25 yards so a lot more than he had the previous week, but remember he’s just coming back from IR. The Patriots play the Bills on Sunday at noon.

Defense

Prince Amukamara CB - Chicago Bears: The Bears clinched the NFC North for the first time since 2010, and all the Bears fans I know are very pleased with this team. The defense carries them just like back in 80s. Amukamara has played really well this season and had four tackles against the Packers on Sunday. The Bears have clinched a playoff spot and will play the 49ers and hope the Rams lose to bump them up to the number two seed in the NFC.

Will Compton LB - Tennessee Titans: Compton recorded three tackles in the Titans win over the Giants in week 15. The Titans play the Redskins on Saturday at 3:30.

Lavonte David LB - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: I’m sorry to any Bucs fans out there, but can you guys please trade David. I feel so bad for him that he is on this team. Since he got into the league I don’t think the Bucs have made the playoffs, maybe they did once, but I don’t remember. David continues to eat on defense totaling 12 tackles in the Bucs loss to the Ravens on Sunday. He also had two sacks, honestly can he get out of Tampa Bay? The Bucs play the Cowboys on Sunday at noon.

Nathan Gerry LB - Philadelphia Eagles: Gerry continues to get more playing time. I’d like to see the number of snaps he’s gotten over the last five games. This past weekend the Eagles played the Rams and they won in LA. Gerry had four tackles, which brings his season total to 20. The Eagles play the Texans on Sunday at noon.

Randy Gregory DE - Dallas Cowboys: Gregory continues his trend of recording one tackle per week. This time his tackle came against the Colts. The Cowboys were shutout in this game, but gave up 23 points. The Cowboys play the Bucs on Sunday at noon.

Joshua Kalu CB - Tennessee Titans: Kalu earned playing time for the second week in a row. The Titans beat the Giants, and Kalu made two tackles. The Titans play the Redskins on Saturday at 3:30.

Ndamukong Suh DT - Los Angeles Rams: The Rams have been sliding downhill ever since the Chiefs game back on the Monday before Thanksgiving. They won that game, but it almost feels like they exerted so much energy they’re burnt out and limping to the end. Which is sadly how the Chiefs look as well. Such tallied five tackles in their loss to the Eagles. The Rams play the Cardinals on Sunday at 3:05.

Special Teams

Sam Koch P - Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens have now won four out of their last five games. In their game against the Bucs, Koch punted three times and his average per punt was 42.3 yards. The Ravens play the Chargers on Saturday at 7:20 (Go Ravens).

NFL Playoff Picture

AFC

1. Chiefs (11-3)
2. Texans (10-4)
3. Patriots (9-5)
4. Steelers (7-5-1)
5. Chargers (11-3)
6. Ravens (8-6)

In The Hunt: Colts (8-6), Titans (8-6), Dolphins (7-7) and the Browns (6-7-1)

NFC

1. Saints (12-2)
2. Rams (11-3)
3. Bears (9-4)
4. Cowboys (8-6)
5. Seahawks (8-6)
6. Vikings (7-6-1)

In The Hunt: Eagles (7-7), Redskins (7-7) and the Panthers (6-8)