NFL Passion: Player of the Week and Final Thoughts on Week 13

Week 13 is in the books, just four more weeks and it's playoff time! This week provided intense action as we still are uncertain of who will be seeded where come playoff time, or even who will be in the playoffs. One thing is for sure, the Packers keep winning, although it seems to get a little bit tougher each week. Can someone actually put the Pack Attack down? That's something to be answered in the weeks to come, so let's put this one behind us so we can move on, starting with my players of the week.

Ray Rice absolutely tore it up on Sunday, running for 204 yards and a score on a 7.0 ypc rushing average. The guy ran all over the Browns defense and helped the Ravens improve to 9-3. He's been a workhorse for Baltimore all season and may be their most key component come playoff time.

Matthews got his hands on the ball twice for the Packers in their 38-35 win over the Giants Sunday, both forcing a fumble and returning an interception for a touchdown. This guy is a beast and in jut 3 NFL seasons has become one of the leagues most feared defenders. There aren't too many that make plays as big on the defensive side of the ball as Clay Matthews.

1. Will the Broncos continue their winning ways? Amazingly yes. I don't know how Denver continues to win games, but they do. They now control their playoff destiny and will win the AFC west should they win the rest of their games. They face the injury plagued Chicago Bears in Week 14.

2. How will injury plagued teams respond? The Texans responded with an impressive victory over the Falcons, and the Bears responded with more injuries. They not only lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, but how now lost star running back Matt Forte for a good amount of time. We'll see if these teams can hold on down the stretch.

3. What will happen when Pittsburgh and Cincy go round 2? Pittsburgh kicked the mess out of Cincy, that's what happened. The Steelers showed the Bengals who the big boys were at home, and now the division fight comes down to the Steelers and the Ravens. The Bengals hold on to the final playoff spot in the AFC, but they have quite a few teams on their heels.

4. Can the Giants play spoiler once again against the Packers? They sure gave a hec of an effort. The Giants closed the gap and tied the game in the final minutes before Aaron Rodgers drove his team on a champion like drive for the game winning field goal, and the Packers remain undefeated.

5. Can the Lions take the Saints? No way Jose. The Saints showed that the lions just aren't quite ready to call themselves elite. Well actually, the Lions show that with their actions on the field each week. Drew Brees took Detroit to school throwing for 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Lions playoff hopes just took a hit, but at least the Bears and Falcons both lost as well.

Chargers 38, Jaguars 14

Philip Rivers looked good for the first time in a while, throwing for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Ryan Matthews added 112 yards and a touchdown, and the chargers snapped their six game losing streak. The Jaguars are a terrible football team.