Well this is it, the final week of the 2011 season. A season that we thought may not happen. We’ve seen some surprises (49ers are 12-3, Colts LITERALLY can’t win without Peyton Manning), some things that aren’t surprises (Dolphins suck, Eagles were overrated), and some changes in my predictions for the home stretch from Thanksgiving weekend. While several matchups will have a huge significance on playoff seeding, there’s two games in particular everyone should follow.

The Denver Broncos will be playing for their playoff lives against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. In this writer’s opinion, this is Tim Tebow’s last chance to prove his worth in being the Broncos’ starting quarterback. It’s no secret that football operations czar and Denver legend John Elway wants a prototypical pocket passer and knows that the option-style offense will eventually run it’s course.

Standing in Tebow’s way is Kyle Orton. Yes the same Kyle Orton that was pushed aside earlier this season even though the team as a whole wasn’t playing well. Orton, who will be leading the Chiefs into hostile territory, is 1-1 as a starter with the Chiefs. For Orton, it will be a chance to audition for teams looking for a veteran starter for next season, however the pressure will be all on Tebow whom has looked more Tebow-esque in his last two games. Regardless of this season’s outcome, don’t expect Tebow to start for the Broncos next year.

The playoffs will start early for the NFC East as the Cowboys travel to play the Giants for the NFC East title. The Cowboys are 1-4 against the Giants since 2009 and their most recent loss came on a blocked field goal at the end of the game in Week 14. Although the Giants will have home-field advantage, their 3-4 record would dictate otherwise. Neither team looks primed for a deep playoff run and both have some serious flaws.

The Cowboys have had a suspect secondary all season and have consistently found ways to beat themselves. Fortunately, Tony Romo is having one of his best seasons and has limited turnovers. The Giants front four have been wreaking havoc, especially Jason Pierre-Paul. Offensively, they just haven’t been in-sync. Plus, if I have to look at Eli make that face again I’m going to bang my head on the wall. You know the look, the “Oh gee whiz, I’m a 15-year-old kid and I messed up the game.” If you don’t know the look, just watch for it on one of his patented 3rd down failures. This game will be won on turnovers and inefficiency. So we’ll just see who wants it the least.