-Thanksgiving-

Lions 40, Packers 10

If the Lions can run the ball and rush the passer like this, they could do some damage in the playoffs.

Dom Capers will likely be the scapegoat after the season is over and the Packers fail to make the playoffs.

Cowboys 31, Raiders 24

I made it a point to watch the Cowboys’ Tyron Smith vs. the Raiders’ Lamarr Houston match up closely throughout this game, and what I saw— complete domination of Houston by Smith—was very impressive. Houston is one of the best young defensive players in the league, and plays like the one during which Smith completely pancaked Houston on one of DeMarco Murray's touchdown runs bodes well for Smith’s future as an elite offensive lineman in the league.

McGloin can play, but doing almost nothing in the second half of the game after taking a 21-7 lead is inexcusable.

Ravens 22, Steelers 20

With an $8.75 million cap hit next season, will Ray Rice be finished in Baltimore after this year?

Le'Veon Bell is an impressive player. Sure, he’s a 240+-pound running back, but the fact that the Steelers split him out wide and trust him catching the ball on such a regular basis shows his athleticism and the completeness of his game.

-Sunday-

Panthers 27, Bucs 6

Yawn. Panthers with another win. Nice toe-tapping touchdown grab from Brandon LaFell, who has turned himself into a nice player. Can’t wait for next Sunday’s showdown with New Orleans.

Yeah, the Bucs got trounced. But their defensive line played well, shutting down the run and forcing Cam Newton into some errant throws early. Gerald McCoy is simply a beast.

Jaguars 32, Browns 28

The least-talented team in the league is playing themselves lower in the draft by the week. Ugh. But on a more serious note, Gus Bradley and Bob Babich have drawn up some creative yet effective blitzes this year, which they need since they don’t have the talent to hit home with the front four. Kudos to them.

Is Josh Gordon the best wide receiver not named Calvin Johnson? And how good will he be a couple years down the line? He’s got size, speed, hands… he does it all.

Patriots 34, Texans 31

The Patriots have to get this whole run defense thing figured out.

I like Case Keenum. But it’ll be hard to pass up on a top prospect when the Texans pick in the top five during next year’s draft.

Colts 22, Titans 14

Sure, Andrew Luck has had a tough time since losing Reggie Wayne to a season-ending ACL injury, but his professionalism is undeniable. After he threw a perfect pass to Darius Heyward-Bey which Heyward-Bey dropped, Luck wasn’t phased at all. He even went right back to Heyward-Bey on the very next play. I wouldn’t worry if I’m a Colts fan— the franchise is in good hands.

I’ve said this many, many times throughout the year. But Titans’ defensive tackle Jurrell Casey is an absolutely elite player. One of my favorites to watch. The Titans won't do anything as far as the postseason this year, but they do have a talented roster.

Vikings 23, Bears 20

I love that the Vikings are trying to get the speedy Cordarrelle Patterson more involved on offense. That toss to him which resulted in a 33-yard touchdown run was an awesome idea. Maybe he’ll end up filling Percy Harvin’s shoes after all.

Crazy offensive numbers for the Bears. As soon as they get that defense solidified, they’ll be a perennial playoff team.

Dolphins 23, Jets 3

This week’s underrated pass rusher award goes to Miami’s Olivier Vernon. People complain about Dion Jordan not getting enough playing time, but that at least in part has to do with Vernon’s performances.

What else is there really to talk about besides Geno Smith? Any playoff chances are slipping away, and with that comes the increasing chance New York will draft another quarterback come May.

Eagles 24, Cardinals 21

That designed Nick Foles misdirection rollout in which he started scrambling left only to quickly cut back to the right and find Zach Ertz for the touchdown was a really cool play design. Who would you take over Foles right now? Not many others.

When Carson Palmer turns it over, the Cardinals lose. Any hopes of making the playoffs lie with him.

Falcons 34, Bills 31

Too little, too late for the Falcons. Going into a contract year next season, will the Falcons choose to re-sign Roddy White or let him walk in favor of trying to patch up other numerous holes on the roster?

I’m telling you, when the Bills get consistently good quarterback play, they’ll be a pretty good team. That defensive line is awesome, and Jerry Hughes continues his impressive breakout season.

49ers 23, Rams 13

The Niners do what the Niners do. Good to see Kaepernick play well if you’re a Niners fan. Also, an impressive debut from Michael Crabtree. I wonder if he goes the distance on that 60-yard catch pre-injury.

Really, Jeff Fisher? Down 17 points with a bunch of time left and you decide to go for it on 4th-and-11 when you’re in field goal range? Take the points, and cut the game to two possessions.

Broncos 35, Chiefs 28

Peyton Manning’s deep ball to Eric Decker on one of their four shared touchdowns for the game was pretty. Manning’s arm may not be what it used to be, but it’s still plenty good.

The Chiefs sure miss Justin Houston. But the Chiefs’ potential in the playoffs remains high should Alex Smith keep playing like this.

Bengals 17, Chargers 10

The Bengals’ defense may not be what it used to be pre- Atkins and Hall injuries, but with good quarterback play they are still capable of making a deep playoff run.

The Chargers’ defense may be terrible, but at least they found some really talented, young offensive weapons this year in Keenan Allen and Ladarius Green.

Giants 24, Redskins 17

How about a throwback game for Justin Tuck? I haven’t seen him put on a dominant performance like this in years. Also, Jon Beason for a late round pick seemed like an insignificant trade for the Giants at the time, but Beason has turned into one of the centerpieces of the defense.

RGIII still takes too many hits. Remember when the Redskins traded for the rights to draft him? Well, because of that, their high pick that they’ll receive this year for losing all these games will go to the Rams. Think about that. That’s absolutely disheartening if you’re a Redskins fan.

Seahawks 34, Saints 7

No Sidney Rice. No Percy Harvin. An ailing run game. Against the second-best team in the NFC in a primetime game, probably for the top seed in the conference. 310 yards and 3 touchdowns. Russell Wilson, ladies and gentlemen. MVP? That probably will go to Peyton Manning. But Wilson definitely deserves the respect of being in the conversation.

The Saints' defense was an absolute mess--maybe Rob Ryan isn’t a genius after all. The Saints are absolutely still a contender, though. They aren’t the first team to look like that at Century Link, and they won’t be the last.

Reach Staff Writer Andrew McKagan here or follow him here.