NFL Passion Sunday Edition: Still Week 12 in the NFL

Thursday night showed why NFL fans are so spoiled, with a great slate of Thanksgiving football action. So much great action in fact that I was one of many who almost forgot that Week 12 wasn't over after Turkey Day. In fact, it had only just begun. Sunday is full of competitive matches with important playoff implications, simply less hype. We'll see both how the Bears do in their first game minus Jay cutler as well as if the Raiders maintain their hold on the AFC West when Chicago flies into Oakland.The Jets and the Bills fight for their playoff lives in East Rutherford, while division rival New England tries to fight off the Philadelphia Eagles frantic attempt to salvage their season. Not to mention Philip Rivers and the Chargers try to bounce back as well as stop the ridiculous momentum of Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. Here are five questions to ask ourselves heading into Sunday's action.

1. Who's playoff hopes will fade away when the Bills play the Jets? Let's face it, this game is do or die for both teams. The loser will have a shot at surpassing the Bengals for the final playoff spot in the AFC, the loser will take the walk of shame into the offseason. It's no guarantee even one of these teams makes the playoffs, it's my guarantee that at least one of these two ball clubs will be left out.I feel that team will be the Bills, They have played terrible as of late and have already taken a malicious beating at the hands of the Jets this season. It's put up or shut up time. Seriously Jets, if you guys lose, SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Who's playoff hopes say goodbye when the Titans meet the Buccaneers? Both of these teams hang by a thread and have already pretty much fallen out of their division races. They now need to play desperate to somehow rack in a wildcard spot. The Titans chances are better than Tampa's, but they still have to deal with both the Bengals and he winner of Jets/Bills, and the tiebreakers are not looking to good for Tennessee at the moment. We'll see what happens.

3. How will Andy Dalton and the Bengals respond to their two game losing streak? After losing two close ones to the Steelers and the Ravens, they now get the division doormat Browns Sunday . Hopefully Andy Dalton and his young Cincinnati team rise p to the occasion and don't get discouraged nw that they have fallen a game behind the division powerhouses. They played a decent game against both and still are in solid playoff position. They just need to execute.

4. How will the Chicago Bears fare minus Jay Cutler? It seems so unfair that just as Chicago was getting boiling hot, they lose their offensive leader, especially down the stretch of the season. But life isn't fair, and now the Bears have Josh McCown to work with. Yikes. We'll see if he gets the start, and we'll see how they fair. They are going to need big things from Matt Forte and Devin Hester. You would think the Raiders would be more sympathetic and understanding since they were in the same position earlier in the day. They won't be.

5. Will the Eagles continue to survive? It seems when I back the Eagles they falter, and when they have their backs against the ropes they rise to the occasion. They rallied for the improbable victory in New York last week, and now look to further shock and confuse the NFL by defeating the New England Patriots. The Patriots always uncertain defense always leaves the door open for an upset. Vince Young attempts to make it 2-0 as a starter for Philadelphia.

Mark Sanchez New York Jets

Sanchez has been hot and cold all season and I'm looking for this game against the Bills to be either a turnaround that leads to a good close for the young quarterback, or the game that swallows up the Jets season and further leaves questions about his ability to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. If he didn't have what it takes I think he would have been out a long time ago. It's just frustrating how long it's taking the guy to get it together. But look how long it's taken Tony Romo. Then again, there are a lot f people still not sold on that guy either.

Ryan Fitzpatrick Buffalo Bills

Fitzpatrick looked excellent at the beginning of the season but lately has not impressed me at all. The Bills offense seems lifeless once again, and sadly it seems all the hype that has surrounded Buffalo this year has been all for not. Sunday is one of their final opportunities to prove otherwise.

Josh McCown Chicago Bears

It will be interesting to see if he starts for Chicago Sunday. My feeling is if Carson Palmer didn't get an immediate start when he joined the Raiders, then it would make no sense for McCown to start right off the bat either. He isn't much of an upgrade to Caleb Hanie anyway. I can't believe they let Kyle Orton slip away to the Chiefs.

Philip Rivers San Diego Chargers

We are still waiting for the Philip Rivers we all know and love to return to us, and it's been an absolute pain to observe his play during the Chargers 5 game losing streak. He needs to save himself from the embarrassment of being yet another victim of Tim Tebow and the running Broncos. Just take care of the ball fella!

Tim Tebow Denver Broncos

As is the case every week, we find ourselves on yet another Tim Tebow watch. The guy mysteriously continues to win despite displaying absolutely no ability to throw the football. The entire NFL world has been waiting for the Broncos to go under. will they really get the last laugh and steal a playoff spot, or even the AFC West division entirely? They certainly believe in themselves, and sometimes that is the most dangerous quality a team can possess.

Denver Broncos: The Broncos have obtained a ridiculous amount of momentum and are suddenly contenders in the AFC West, going from last to second in the division in a short period of time. They have put themselves in prime position for the steal.

Dallas Cowboys: After enduring much scrutiny early in the season, Romo and the Boys have responded nicely by winning four straight and jumping ahead in the NFC East. On top of that, they have been closing out ball games. Let's see just how long the magic lasts in Dallas.

New York Jets: After an impressive 3 game winning streak to tie for the division lead, the Jets have now lost two straight and are that many games back of New England in he AFC East. They face a must win against the just as if not more inconsistent Bills Sunday.

Buffalo Bills: I know they are only 5-5, but the season is getting out of control fast for the Bills. They are an inexperienced team that started fast and has gone 2-5 in their last seven games, and if they lose to the Jets I just don't see them being able regroup and claim a playoff spot.