The NFL Roundup Week 12 - The Most Fascinating Games to Watch on Sunday

Written by John Edward Betancourt

For many teams in the NFL, time is running out. The mantra of 'we'll get the next one' no longer applies because as the losses mount, their chances at the playoffs are slipping away and the result of knowing that the clock is ticking...are games with a sense of desperation, and you see teams pushing a little harder on the field, fighting with extra effort to try and seize their destiny and a shot at glory.

They know that they have squandered away their opportunities and with five weeks to go in the regular season, they also know one more loss may mean there's no chance at seeing the field in the postseason which means now is the time to give it their all and leave everything they have left out on the field. As it turns out, there are several games tomorrow that feature teams in some precarious positions, with some of them on the verge of seeing their season end early and others that are in need of a win to solidify their spot in the standings and those are the games we will be keeping an eye on because to see what these players do with their season, or the playoffs on the line...will be downright fascinating.

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SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
4:05 p.m. EST - FOX

When you look at this game on paper, it should be quite the lopsided affair mainly due to the fact that Seattle has gone on a tear since they tied the Cardinals, putting together an impressive three win streak and solidifying their status as the number two overall seed in the NFC if the playoffs started today. But despite their prowess they are going up against a Tampa Bay squad that is starting to put it all together. Jameis Winston is finally figuring out how to play quarterback and the defense is solidifying as a unit to the point where they upset Kansas City last week, meaning that there is a strong chance that the Bucs are going to be quite the handful for the Seahawks and considering the fact that there is a slim chance that Tampa Bay could make the playoffs, you know they are going to bring their A game. 

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT HOUSTON TEXANS
1:00 p.m. EST - CBS

While the Chargers are likely going to miss the playoffs, they're a squad filled to the brim with pride and bravado and well...because of that pride, I've noticed that San Diego has their own special tradition this time of year that they like to extend to opponents that just so happen to have a better record than they do...they love to hand them a nasty and shocking loss. Enter the Texans, a team that is still trying to figure out how the heck to put it all together this late in the season, and they are still reeling from their loss against Oakland last week. They are truly struggling to finish drives and games for that matter and with San Diego in essence coming in with nothing to lose, they are going to harass Brock Osweiler all day long in an effort to force a turnover or two from him and they'll also unleash their fury on offense, airing it out and letting Philip Rivers do his thing. This doesn't guarantee that San Diego will win, since Houston has an incredible record at home...but there is a fair chance that the Chargers may walk out of NRG Stadium holding their heads high with a victory.

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT OAKLAND RAIDERS
4:25 p.m. EST - CBS

This is another game that seems quite lopsided on paper since the Raiders are the toast of the AFC and they're squaring off against a once successful Panthers squad. However, the Panthers are coming off of a solid win and well, they're full of ego and bravado which means they won't be phased by anything that Oakland throws at them, unless of course the Raiders run up the score and sack Cam Newton a few times. But, if by chance the Panthers can hang with the Raiders the same way the Texans did last Monday, there is a chance they can shake up both the AFC and NFC playoff standings with a giant upset. But more than likely, Oakland will simply cement their status as the number one overall seed, and crush any remaining hope that Carolina has when it comes to making the playoffs.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT DENVER BRONCOS
Sunday Night Football - 8:30 p.m. EST - NBC

Every year, late in the season, a game arrives that flat out feels like a playoff game with all the implications that come with it and this...is that game. Both teams are 7-3 and both teams are well aware of the fact, that a loss here...could effectively end their shot at the postseason. That means this matchup will have a special air about it, and both squads will have to be on their best behavior. No silly penalties, no turnovers...because this is a game that will come down to perfection and the team that can execute every single play and keep the ball safe, is the one that walks away with the win. This is flat out going to be one intense matchup and it will be quite the treat to see these two long time foes duking it out on the field, in classic fashion.