In the race for the NFC West title, the 49ers went for a win in overtime Monday night, when a tie might have held off the Seahawks (there is another game to be played — in Seattle). The Niners were the NFL’s last unbeaten team.
 
The Steelers, who we left for dead only a month ago, are making noise like they want to get back into the playoff picture — maybe even back into the battle for the AFC North title. Thursday, we’ll see if they are for real when they visit the Browns, who need a win just as badly.
 
The Panthers, still within striking distance of the division-leading Saints, now have to deal with the Falcons, who just upset the Saints in New Orleans.  Meanwhile, the Saints head to Tampa for a rematch with the Bucs. So, the Saints' hold on the division title is not as strong as some might think.
 
In a very tight race for the AFC South crown, all four teams in the division are within two games of each other. The Titans have a bye. While the Jaguars and Colts play a divisional rematch Sunday, the NFL’s two most explosive quarterbacks (now that Patrick Mahomes is slowed) will go head-to-head, when the Texans visit the red-hot Ravens (leading the AFC North).  
 
The Patriots are still sitting pretty in the AFC race for home-field advantage, but the Eagles look hungry and can ill afford to lose a game as they try to keep pace with the Cowboys. So I expect a classic battle between the two Super Bowl teams from 2018.
 
And, as the Raiders continue their exhilarating ride up from the cellar, the Chiefs (who still lead the AFC West) will hope for another strong effort by their defense when they visit the Chargers.  That should be another great Monday Night Football game.
 
Last week, my picks went 8-8.  Here are this week's matches — and my picks.
 
Visitor                         Home              My Pick

Steelers                      Browns           Steelers
Falcons                       Panthers        Falcons
Cowboys                     Lions              Cowboys
Jaguars                       Colts              Colts
Bills                             Dolphins         Bills
Texans                        Ravens            Ravens
Broncos                      Vikings            Vikings
Jets                             Redskins         Redskins
Saints                          Buccaneers    Saints
Cardinals                     49ers              49ers
Bengals                       Raiders           Raiders
Patriots                       Eagles             Eagles
Bears                          Rams               Rams
Chiefs                         Chargers         Chiefs
 

It still looks to me like only one team is a lock to make the playoffs. That team? The Patriots — even though I doubt that they will win in Philadelphia this Sunday. Enjoy!