This weekend, three NFL MVPs from the same division - quarterbacks Drew Brees, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan - will lead the Saints, Panthers and Falcons into battle. They represent a division that is virtually in a three-way tie. If the playoffs started today, these three teams would occupy half of the NFC's playoff spots.

Meanwhile, fans of the Giants are licking their wounds, and their star QB will be benched for the first time in his career. New Yorkers may be in shock, but other fans around the country are simply wondering: why were their expectations so high? The Giants barely made the playoffs last season and were crushed in the Wild Card round. Why were they scheduled to appear in a half dozen games in prime time?

To be sure, there are always millions of viewers who are 'in a New York state of mind.' But the last several seasons have demonstrated what some NFL fans have been thinking for years: there is too much of a northeastern bias by viewers and media; very good teams in other parts of the country deserve a lot more attention than they have been getting.

This weekend, there are several major showdowns, so I cannot identify a 'Game of the Week.' These six matches will have enormous playoff implications:

1. The Vikings and Falcons clash with NFC playoff seeding on the line;
2. The Saints and Panthers fight for the top of their division;
3. The Bills, running out of time, face the Patriots;
4. The Cardinals get one last shot at the playoffs vs. the Rams;
5. The Seahawks try to stay in the playoff picture vs. the Eagles;
6. The Bengals get a last gasp vs. the Steelers.

Here are all the matches, and my picks:

Visitor          Home           My Pick

Redskins      Cowboys       Redskins   TNF
Vikings        Falcons          Falcons
Texans         Titans           Titans
Chiefs          Jets              Chiefs
Broncos        Dolphins       Broncos
Colts            Jaguars         Jaguars
Bucs            Packers          Bucs
Lions            Ravens         Ravens
Patriots         Bills              Bills
49ers           Bears            Bears
Browns        Chargers        Chargers
Giants          Raiders          Raiders
Panthers       Saints           Panthers
Rams           Cardinals       Cardinals
Eagles          Seahawks      Eagles      SNF
Steelers        Bengals        Bengals     MNF

It's December, by golly! Pick a contender to follow and enjoy.