ThursdayMiami vs Carolina Panthers and Wildcats

Bye-bye, bye weeks and hello official start to the playoff push. The AFC west and all sorts of matchups with wild card implications are on the docket Last week saw just about everything. The game of the year, players trying not to score touchdowns, the Rams challenging the Saints and a punter with a perfect QB rating What's in store this week Glad you asked.ThursdayMiami vs Carolina Panthers and Wildcats. Both teams come into this game at 4-5, but the Panthers have won four-of-six including last week's victory over Atlanta. Jake Delhomme hasn't thrown a pick in three weeks, so Carolina fans will hope he hasn't been saving them for the Thursday night game like Jay Cutler did last week.

The Dolphins' wildcat has an injured paw as its top back and trigger man, Ronnie Brown, is out for the year. The majority of the extra carries will go to Ricky Williams, and probably a few to new number two, Lex Hilliard. Look for Pat White to see extra action out of the single-wing formation, but the Panthers win this one at home.SundayNew Orleans vs. If only the Bucs had pulled it out last week against Miami or the Saints had tripped up against the Rams this game would still have playoff implications, if only a technicality Sigh. The Saints are without two starting cornerbacks but signed former prow-bowler Chris McCalister on Tuesday and that should be enough to keep up with Bucs rookie QB, Josh Freman.

Should be a return to form for the Saints and a blow out win in central Florida.San Francisco vs. Green BayThe Packers are one of four teams tied for the NFC wild card lead at 5-4 and the Niners are one of three teams tied at 4-5, only a game behind. Both teams' defenses looked good last week and held their opponents to under ten points apiece. San Fran's offense didn't look as good as Green Bay's, but Frank Gore has been solid when healthy and Coach Mike Singletary has found a way to get the most out of TE super-athlete Vernon Davis.