Late December is always a great time in the NFL. Games take on added meanings, as playoff implications become more apparent. And this year is no exception. With one week to go, there are still 3 post-season spots up for grabs, and plenty of teams still chasing them. In the AFC, the Broncos and Jets are fully in control of their own destiny, and can only throw away their current wildcard status. In the NFC, with only one wildcard spot still up for grabs, a Washington win on Saturday would make things very interesting the following day.

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Those of you who read Ian's column last week will know that I'm his stand-in this week while he's away. If not, let me introduce myself. I'm a Redskins fan, who has been watching football for over 20 years now. I even remember when the Skins were good! I was also a fan of the Scottish Claymores (RIP) in NFL Europe, and even managed to get paid to watch them for a few years, when I was part of the team's stats crew. The undoubted highlight of those days was when we worked the NFL Europe championship game – the World Bowl – a few years ago here in Scotland. Not only was I involved in a game being broadcast live all around the world, I also got to sit in on a press conference featuring Paul Tagliabue and Gene Upshaw. Sadly, the Claymores were folded just over a year later, but I still have great memories of those days.

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I know a lot of you have enjoyed reading Ian's picks this season, and hopefully you'll enjoy mine too (although if you don't it doesn't really matter, as normal service should be resumed next week). However, I should point out that I'm currently sitting a lowly 24th in the PFC pick'em pool, so don't read too much into what I have to say!

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New York Giants at Washington
The Giants stand on the cusp of the playoffs, and a win in Washington on Saturday night ill make a lot of Sunday's games fairly meaningless. As a Redskins fan, you might accuse me of being slightly biased, but I'm going to plump for a Skins win that blows the NFC wildcard race wide open. Why? Well, Strahan is out, which is a huge blow. Add in the fact that Jason Campbell and Ladell Betts seem to be getting much more comfortable as starters, and I think the stage is set for a Skins win.

Carolina at New Orleans
The Panthers snapped their 4 game losing streak last week, in a low scoring tussle with Atlanta, while the Saints clinched a first round playoff bye. For the Saints, this game is essentially meaningless, and there's a chance they'll take the foot off the gas this week. That said, I still think they have too many weapons for Carolina, and finish the season with a home win.

Cleveland at Houston
One of these 2 teams – a combined 9-21 – has to finish the season on a high. And I don't think it will be Cleveland.

Detroit at Dallas
Despite last week's loss, Dallas is still a legitimate contender for the NFC championship. Detroit is a contender for the worst record in the league. Don't expect Matt Millen won't be going out with a win.

Jacksonville at Kansas City
For the record, I thought the Jags were unlucky in their loss last week. On the play that ended their comeback, and probably their playoff chances, I was convinced that Garrard's arm was moving forward, making it an incomplete pass. Would they have gone on to win the game? Possibly not. But that chance was taken away from them not once, but twice (after review) which must be a real sickener. KC, meanwhile, looked less than convincing in ending their losing streak against Oakland. I think this will be a close one, but at this stage in the season Jacksonville just look hungrier.

New England at Tennessee
The Patriots seem to do this pretty much every year – make the playoffs in fairly convincing style, without making too many headlines. With a first round playoff bye pretty much out of reach, there's a possibility Bellichick may rest some key players this week, which would suit Tennessee down to the ground. Vince Young and his team will want to end their season on a high, and I reckon they'll do it, but it will be close.

Oakland at N.Y. Jets
With a playoff berth on the line, I don't think New York are likely to lose this one. Especially playing such a poor Raiders team. No-brainer.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
At this stage in the season, the defending Super Bowl champs only have their pride to play for, and must be asking themselves a whole bunch of what-ifs. The same could just about be said of the Bengals, who have just about written themselves out the playoff berth that only a few weeks ago seemed a certainty. Last week's loss was a heart-breaker but I think they'll pick themselves up and see off the black and gold.

Seattle at Tampa Bay
Last season's other Super Bowl team might have won their division, but they're very much limping into the playoffs, having lost 3 straight. Meanwhile, I think the Bucs are a much better team than their 4-11 record would suggest, which is why I'm going for the (slight) upset win here.

St. Louis at Minnesota
At one point, the Vikings were looking like a playoff contender, At least they were, until they lost 7 of their last 9 games. And those 2 wins were against Detroit and Arizona. More of the same should see the Rams finish with a victory.

Arizona at San Diego
San Diego have got LaDainian Tomlinson. Arizona have one of the worst defenses in the league. No contest.

Atlanta at Philadelphia
The Eagles rose to the occasion last week, and with a chance at a division title on the line, they aren't going to let up this week. Philly seem to be peaking at just the right time, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them wind up in the NFC Championship game in a few weeks. Philly win here.

Buffalo at Baltimore
The Ravens' winning formula this season has been eerily similar to their Super Bowl season – stifling defense, and a safe, if unspectacular, offense. The Bills, while showing signs of life in recent weeks, simply don't have the weapons to upset the Ravens.

Miami at Indianapolis
Since winning their first nine games of the year, the Colts have since lost four out of six, including last week's upset loss to Houston. Miami have only beaten 3 AFC opponents all season, and shouldn't trouble the Colts in this one.

San Francisco at Denver
San Francisco have improved greatly this year, and with 6 picks in the first four rounds of next year's draft, and plenty of cap room to play with, the 49ers could be a force next season. But that's in the future, not the present. The present sees a trip to wintry Denver, to face a team who control their own playoff fate. Broncos win.

Green Bay at Chicago
The last time these teams faced each other, at the other end of the season, Da Bears ran out comfortable winners in a 26-0 rout. I've got a feeling the Pack will put up a bit more of a fight this time. In fact, with Chicago looking a little shaky in recent weeks, and this possibly being Brett Favre's last NFL game, I think an upset could be on the cards.