Nfl Tickets - League Talk After Week 14

Week 14 brought some changing elements to the NFL

, and it's officially crunch time for teams trying to make the playoffs. While the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints have claimed top spots in the AFC and NFC, respectively, there are several changes going on around the league following Week 14 that have potential to shake things up at the end of the regular season, including the following situations.

Chris Henry's death: In one of the most heartbreaking incidents this year, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry passed away on Dec. 17 following a domestic dispute in North Carolina. The 26-year-old Henry had been in the midst of turning around his troubled life, and his shocking death has rocked the entire football realm. The Bengals have a big game coming up in Week 15 against the San Diego Chargers, and news of Henry's death could either destroy the Bengals' morale or make them stronger as they travel to Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 20.

Indianapolis' starters: Peyton Manning has been a main figure in selling NFL tickets this season (and not just because of his foray into TV commercials), and his team's predicament is one that most teams around the league wish they were having: whether to sit the starters or play them.

Rookie head coach Jim Caldwell took a wishy-washy stance on the situation in the Colts' Week 15 Thursday night game against Jacksonville, playing defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis only sparingly, and the Colts just barely scraped by the Jaguars. Will the Colts shoot for 16-0 or rest their starters for the rest of the regular season? That choice could make all the difference, so Caldwell had better choose wisely.

Randy Moss' absence: Just days after being sent home from practice for being late, New England Patriots superstar Randy Moss had one heck of a lackluster performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 14, even leading certain Panthers to claim Moss gave up during the game. Bill Belichick has to get his army synced back together if the Patriots have a solid shot at the playoffs, and getting Randy Moss in line is one crucial item on New England's to-do list.

Carolina's injuries: Put a fork in the Panthers; their season is done. With Jake Delhomme out of commission and Carolina's last three games against the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, the Panthers don't have a prayer at making the playoffs. What this team needs to focus on now is strategy and rebuilding, and that could all hinge on what happens with Julius Peppers in the offseason.

Sinking Steelers: A 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 was a good signifier that the Pittsburgh Steelers are losing steam going into the end of the regular season. They've lost their last five games in a row (against the Bengals, Chiefs, Ravens, Raiders and Browns, at that,) and Big Ben has to get his inconsistent team off the ground in Week 15, when Pittsburgh plays Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers at home.

Flying Eagles: Whatever got into DeSean Jackson after his early December concussion is nothing short of spectacular for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jackson's two touchdown runs for 60+ yards in Philly's Week 14 game against the New York Giants helped bring this Eagles team back to life, and after also beating the Falcons in Week 13, Redskins in Week 12 and Bears in Week 11, the Eagles are a sturdy force leading the NFC East, with a chance to end the season strongly with wins over the 49ers (Week 15), Broncos (Week 16) and Cowboys (Week 17).

by: Brent Warnken

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