The Carolina Panthers (7-8), the defending NFC champions, are trying to become the first team to make the playoffs after starting its season 1-7. They have won six of their last seven, including a 32-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints (7-8) on Dec. 5.
To get to the postseason both Carolina and New Orleans need a victory plus a Vikings or Rams loss or a Seattle victory. New Orleans has won its last three games, but has yet to beat the Panthers since the former Saints back-up and Louisiana native Jake Delhomme took over at quarterback for Carolina.
PHOTO: AP
New York Jets (10-5) at
St. Louis(7-8)
The Jets have looked mediocre since their 5-0 start, but for the fourth time in five years a victory in their regular season finale will get them into the postseason.
The Rams have won only two of their last six games but a victory against the Jets combined with a Seahawks loss would give them the NFC West title. The Rams could also get a wildcard berth with a victory combined with a Vikings loss or with a tie in the Saints/Panthers game.
The Jets can still make the playoffs if they lose and either Buffalo or Denver loses as well.
Pittsburgh (14-1) at Buffalo (9-6)
Despite an 0-4 start, the Bills, who have won six in a row and eight of their last nine, could get into the playoffs with a victory combined with a Jets or Denver loss.
The Bills catch a break this week as the Steelers have locked up home-field throughout and may rest many of their starters.
The rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is doubtful with a rib injury.
Buffalo's first-year coach Mike Mularkey and Bills offensive coordinator Tom Clements were both on the Steelers coaching staff last season.
Indianapolis (12-3) at Denver (9-6)
Denver has the luxury of controlling its own fate. A victory for the Broncos, and they are in the playoffs. They may end up traveling to the RCA Dome to play the Colts next week in the first round of the playoffs.
Last season the Colts rolled over the Broncos in the first round, 41-10. Denver can also get into the playoffs with a loss, but would need a lot of help.
The Colts have locked up the third seed and may give many of their regulars much of the day off.
Minnesota (8-7) at
Washington (5-10)
Minnesota started 5-1, but has lost six of its last nine games and needs a victory this week to make the playoffs. They also could get in with a loss ifeither a St. Louis or Carolina lose.
Green Bay (9-6) at Chicago (5-10)
Green Bay won the NFC North with a victory last week in Minnesota and have little to play for.
The Bears are only 1-5 over their last six games, but did defeat the Packers earlier this season.
Cincinnati (7-8) at Philly (13-2)
The Eagles will continue to rest up for the playoffs, while the Bengals are trying to put together consecutive .500 seasons.
OUT AGAINST INDONESIA: Taiwan reached the semi-finals at the tournament for the first time by defeating Denmark, with Chou Tien-chen beating Viktor Axelsen Taiwan yesterday crashed out of the Thomas Cup team competition in Chengdu, China, but achieved their best result at the top-tier badminton event by reaching the semi-finals. Indonesia were too good in the semis, winning 3-0 to advance to today’s final against China, who eliminated Malaysia 3-1. In the opening singles of the men’s team clash at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium 2, Anthony Ginting defeated Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen 21-18, 21-19 in 51 minutes, which put a huge hole in Taiwan’s aspirations to perhaps even make the final. In the men’s doubles, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Ardianto downed Lee Yang and Wang
NO DOUBT: Spurs star Wembanyama was unanimously selected as NBA Rookie of the Year, winning all 99 votes to become the first Frenchman to capture the honor The Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night produced a dominant defensive display to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Denver Nuggets with a 106-80 road victory. The third-seeded Timberwolves harassed Denver relentlessly to claim a second straight win over the NBA champions as the series heads back to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards scored 27 points apiece, but the star of the show was Minnesota’s suffocating defensive effort, which knocked Denver out of their stride almost from the tip-off. The Timberwolves finished with 11 steals and 12 blocks, in sharp contrast to
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid Open final with a grueling three hour, 11 minute victory in the Spanish capital. Coming back from 1-3 down in the decider and saving three match points in total, Swiatek claimed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory to secure the Madrid Open trophy for the first time. “Well, who is going to say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?” Swiatek said. Swiatek, who picked up the 20th title of her career, and ninth at
One of Malaysia’s top soccer clubs has pulled out of today’s season-opening Charity Shield after a spate of assaults, including an acid attack, on players in the country. It leaves the kickoff of Malaysia’s season this weekend under a cloud following the unprecedented acts of violence against players, which have left the country shocked and angry. Authorities said they have imposed tighter security, but Selangor said that they would not play in the showpiece curtain-raiser against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) citing “a series of criminal incidents and recent threats.” Selangor and Malaysia winger Faisal Halim is in intensive care