Happy New Year, everyone!
It's the final day of football in the 2011 regular season - and the first day of football in 2012. Here's your open thread for the early games.
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles
Horrible team faces underperforming but talented team. Watching Rex Grossman and Michael Vick compete in an interception-throwing competition should be entertaining. Maybe Vince Young can join in, too.
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
This would be a terrific game if the Packers weren't resting most of their good players, including Aaron Rodgers. The Lions can earn the fifth seed with a win today - and if they win, the Atlanta Falcons won't have anything to play for against the Bucs later today.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins aren't playing for anything, but the Jets can somehow still make the playoffs - if Oakland loses to San Diego, and Cincinnati loses to Baltimore, and Houston beats Tennessee. That's a lot of ifs.
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints
The Panthers have been eliminated from the playoffs - but not so the Saints, who can lock up a first-round bye with a win and a loss by the 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams
The Rams need to lose to have a shot at Andrew Luck. The 49ers need to win to secure a first-round bye.
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings
Nothing at stake here, but there's always Christian Ponder for you Florida State fans.
Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans
The Texans are resting players as they have the 3rd seed locked up, while the Titans can get into the playoffs with a win and an Oakland loss.
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags play for nothing, while the Colts can lose to draft Luck.
Buffalo Bills @ New England PatriotsThis is truly a nothing game. Nothing at stake - except draft position for the Bills, I guess.Scratch that, the Patriots are playing for home field advantage in the playoffs.