Can he break Dickerson's record?

Can he break Dickerson's record?

We’re in the final week of the 2009 NFL regular season, and before we turn the fortunes of the 2009 portion into the hands of 2010 and the next decade, we still have one last glance at some special moments in Week 17.

We’ve seen some interesting things, some scary things, and some shocking things through the previous 15 games, and we even had quite the wild ride over the course of the off-season.

And even when the 16th regular season game is over for all 32 teams, the story-lines still won’t be completely over. Even for the teams that won’t make the dance, there will still be questions waiting to be answered, positions needing to be filled, and staff changes to be made.

But for Week 17, for right now, let’s take a look at the Five Things to Watch For:

5. Will Playoff Positioning Matter for the Cardinals and/or Packers?

@ Cardinals

Both teams still can change who their first round match-up will be against, and if Arizona wins and has some games go their way, they could actually be looking at an unlikely number two seed and a week away from the playoffs.

Neither team is expected to begin resting their starters before half-time, and early reports suggest that this game will be fought to be won. Both teams could stand to improve their seeding and could potentially be fighting for the chance to host a game in the first round.

Then again, who wins or loses this match-up could mean nothing if they still wind up playing each other next week. We’ll take the home team. Besides, if the teams go to their back-ups, are you really going to go with over ?

Cardinals 27, Packers 21

4. Will ’s Tears be of Joy or Anguish?

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The Bengals could play spoiler against an average Jets team that has a shot at the playoffs, but considering all New York needs to do is win to get it, I somehow see Mark “Sanchize” working some magic and winning over his city (and state) yet again.

After starting the season 3-0, and the Jets will once again be on top of the world after beating the Bengals, if only for one week.

Jets 26, Bengals 24

3. Can the End the Regular Season on a High Note?

@ Minnesota Vikings

The Giants didn’t show up last week at home with everything on the line, so why should we think anything different on the road against the Vikings? Minnesota can use a weak Giants defense as its playoff launchpad to correct any mistakes.

They still have a long way to go, but ending the season on a high note is probably a necessity to making a serious run in the playoffs.

Vikings 34, Giants 24

2. Will Break ’s Rushing Record?

Eddie Griffin started the debate earlier in the year, I seconded it by predicting the same after Week Eight, and after 15 games of torrid running, the possibility still remains.

Chris Johnson is just 128 yards away from breaking 2,000 rushing yards, and would need an extra 105 to tie Eric Dickerson’s all-time single-season rushing yardage record.

With the backing of his team ( wants him to get the record), there is little doubt Johnson will be fed the ball early and often, and with a soft match-up against the Seattle Seahawks, the second-year back truly has a shot at making history.

After 10 consecutive games of 100+ rushing yards, CJ stands 234 yards away from owning the new record for rushing yards in one season.

Verdict: Against all odds, Johnson will break the record.

1. Who Wins the ?

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The Eagles have looked impressive lately and have several experts thinking “team to beat” in the NFC, but a trip to Dallas for the NFC East title and a shot at the No. 2 seed in the playoffs will be too much to swallow.

They’re a good team, but so are the Cowboys. Dallas finally rids of their “December Curse” by sweeping Philly and stealing the NFC East.

Cowboys 36, Eagles 33

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