Fansided

NFL Week 12: 5 Can’t-Miss Games With Huge Playoff Implications

By Bryce Olin

Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (16) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (16) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Cleveland Browns (6-4) at Atlanta Falcons (4-6)

Who would have thought a game between the Browns and Falcons in Week 12 would have huge playoff implications?

What’s At Stake:

For the Browns, falling to 6-5 might as well be the end of their season, but there’s a chance they could stay in the hunt. They would just need some help, like a lot of other teams, down the stretch.

Surprisingly, this game means very little to the Falcons if they lose, which is ridiculous considering they’re a 4-6, division-leading team. It’s such garbage, honestly.

Even if the Falcons lose, they still hold the tie-breaker with the Saints and play each Carolina and New Orleans once more this season.

If the Falcons win, they’re still going to have to go through both those teams to seal the division; however, opening up a two-game lead in the division (assuming the Saints lose) would be the equivalent of running a 100-meter race with a 10-second head start.

Breakdown:

Who knows what version of either team you’re going to get?

Are we going to get the Browns who lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars by three scores? Or, are we going to get the Browns who basically shutout the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10?

Are we going to get the Falcons who put up 56 points on the Tampa Buccaneers? Or, are we going to get the Falcons who lost to the Minnesota and the New York Giants in back-to-back weeks while giving up and average of 35.5 PPG?

There’s definitely a Dr. Jekyll-Mr.Hyde situation going on with these two teams.

Prediction:

Atlanta 27 Cleveland 22

I don’t know why I think Atlanta is going to win. This game is a coin flip.

Next: Baltimore Ravens at New Orleans Saints

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