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The NFC Playoff picture has changed dramatically in just one week. Injuries and some surprising losses have moved projected playoff participants to the brink, allowing teams like the 49ers a realistic shot at the postseason.

Playoff fortunes fluctuated after a wild week 12 in the NFL. A handful of contenders performed poorly but escaped with victories while other playoff hopefuls failed to improve their postseason standing. FYI: Vince Young is back and so are the Titans.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. I’m thankful that Sunday will provide us with some watchable football (fingers crossed). While competitive games are never guaranteed, anytime you can eliminate the Lions and Raiders before Sunday and then match up the Seahawks and Rams, you’ve got to like your chances.

Thursday’s Specials: Sub-par football, sub-par food, and another opportunity for the AFC West to prove its dominance. Happy Thanksgiving!

Things got very, very interesting in the AFC this past Sunday. Several intra-conference defeats have clouded the playoff outlook. Twelve teams have an opportunity at the playoffs, but only six will advance. Do the Titans have enough time to sneak in? This we know for sure; December will be crazy.

Who’ll be in and who’ll be left out of the NFC playoffs? It’s the question on everyone’s mind. January is too long to wait for answers. Can the Cardinals catch the Vikings? Will the Cowboys really miss the playoffs again? I reveal the playoff slate before Thanksgiving.

Matthew Stafford and Brady Quinn put on a show in Detroit. The “haves” in the AFC North fell to the “have-nots” from the AFC West, and the wild card picture in both conferences grew even more muddled. Will the real playoff contenders please stand up?

Playoff implications abound in week 11. The Broncos put their AFC West title on the line while the Giants look to erase a four game skid. Keep your eyes open for: the Browns vs. Lions in a 3-3 tie, the Redskins scaring Dallas, and Bill Belichick punting on 3rd and 7. UPDATED: Swine Flu Style.

Sunday’s defeat in San Diego was nothing out of the ordinary for the Philadelphia Eagles. If Andy Reid is being chased out of town, it must be Thanksgiving time. All is well in Philadelphia!

The Broncos are reeling, the Chargers are surging. Four weeks ago the Broncos were running away with the AFC West. Now the Charges are lurking. Speaking of surging and reeling; the Bengals rule the AFC North and Bill Belichick isn’t as smart as he thinks. Week 10 was a doozy.