Kelsey Tucker

Sports Editor

   With only three weeks left in the regular season and playoffs directly after, this season is one to keep a close eye on. As the new year approaches, bringing with it playoffs, now is the time for the teams to win to guarantee their spot.

    Week 12, which included the Thanksgiving Day games covered in the last issue, was a week of redemption. The previously 3-7 Arizona Cardinals improved their record to 4-7 as they defeated the Rams in St. Louis 23-20. The Denver Broncos won against the Chargers in San Diego, 16-13. The Broncos came back in the 4th quarter with a 37-yard field goal to tie up the game, sending it into overtime. Broncos kicker Matt Prater sealed the win with another field goal in overtime. The New York Giants took on the Saints in New Orleans, with the Saints winning 49-24. For the Saints, after having a bye week in Week 11 and barely scraping by the Falcons in Week 10, this was a nice win.

    In Week 13, the Broncos winning streak held with them beating the Vikings 35-32. The rivalry game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots occurred this week, with the Patriots unsurprisingly winning 31-24. The Arizona Cardinals faced the Dallas Cowboys at home, getting a much-needed win after losing most of their games so far this season. The score was 19-13. The Green Bay Packers barely beat the Giants 38-35. The Rams didn't score any points this week, whereas their opponent, the San Francisco 49ers, scored 26.

    The highlights of Week 14 included two amazing and entertaining games. The Cowboys, looking to keep the number 1 spot in their division, faced the Giants in Dallas. Giants quarterback Eli Manning further proved his clutch status with a touchdown pass late in the 4th quarter. After they received the ball, Dallas had the opportunity to kick a field goal. Right before the snap, New York called a time-out, but the field goal was still kicked and was good. However, it would not count because of the time-out called. After the time-out, Dallas re-kicked, and it was blocked by Giants player John Pierre-Paul. The kick was no good, and the Giants won. In the other exciting game, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow and kicker Matt Prater kept up the Broncos winning streak yet again against the Bears. Down 10-0 in the 4th quarter, Tebow led the Broncos down the field twice for a touchdown, and then again for an amazing 59-yard field goal kicked by Prater. In overtime, Prater kicked a 51-yarder to win the game. This is Tebow's 6th straight win, and his 7th overall out of the 8 games he's started this season.

    The Packers are still undefeated, with a 13-0 record and a guaranteed bye in the first week of playoffs. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers led them to last year's Superbowl win, and it seems they are on their way again. However, the Colts are still suffering without quarterback Peyton Manning, having not won a single game this entire season.

    Overall, the 2011 NFL season has been exciting, shocking, and surprising. With up-and-comers like Tebow, seemingly seasoned pros like Rodgers, and missing all-stars like Manning, this has been one of the most interesting seasons so far.