By Akaash Kamdar

Redskins 16 (6-3, 1st in NFC East), Buccaneers 3 (3-6, 4th in NFC South)

The Redskins secured a big road win to move to six wins and stay on the top of the NFC East against the Buccaneers. The Bucs were led by Ryan Fitzpatrick, who surprisingly threw for 400+ yards and could only score three points, and a non-existent running game. On the other hand, Adrian Peterson for the Redskins had another great game and racked up 68 rushing yards. It was not his greatest performance this season, but it was enough to pull the Redskins through. A big win on the road was enough to convince NFL enthusiasts everywhere that maybe the Redskins haven’t been relying on luck and if they keep it up, it seems as if they have a clear path to the division title.

Rams 36 (9-1, 1st in NFC West), Seahawks 31 (4-5, 2nd in NFC West)

The Rams narrowly slipped away with a home win against the Seahawks, who put up a great stand at the end. The Rams defense was the key factor to the divisional win, as the constant pressure in the pocket against Russell Wilson and star defensive end Aaron Donald came up with 2.5 sacks. The Rams offense also came up big with running back Todd Gurley collecting 160 scrimmage yards and a score. This game was integral in humanizing the Rams and demonstrating how they are, indeed, susceptible to a bad game here and there. It does not, however, change the fact that they are one of the strongest teams in the NFL and are more than capable of going far in the postseason.

Bears 34 (6-3, 1st in NFC North), Lions 22 (3-6, 4th in NFC North)

The Bears extended their lead in the NFC North in a predictable result in a divisional game against the Lions. The ultimate game-changer was quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who came up big with a 76 percent completion rate, 355 yards, and three touchdowns on the day. The Bears seriously lacked a dependable running game, as their leading rusher only secured 21 yards. The Bears are in a competitive division but in comparison to the NFC as a whole, the Bears are in line to easily be able to secure a postseason spot as a division leader or Wild Card spot. They should be in good shape, as well, if they have Mitch Trubisky playing at the top of his game, as he did this week.

Packers 31 (4-4-1, 3rd in NFC North), Dolphins 12 (5-5, 2nd in AFC East)

The Packers blew out the Dolphins in a must-win game at home in order to stay alive in their competitive division. After Packers running back Ty Montgomery was traded a week ago, halfback Aaron Jones broke out of the chains with 172 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns to help give Aaron Rodgers and the Packers a win. The Packers needed this big win, but a mediocre record plus a super competitive division with the Bears two games ahead and the Vikings one game ahead might be enough to end the Packers’ postseason run this year.

Cowboys 27 (4-5, Tied for 2nd in NFC East), Eagles 20 (4-5, Tied for 2nd in NFC East)

A gigantic divisional road win for the Cowboys keep them tied with the Eagles for the division and help keep both teams two games down from the Redskins. Ezekiel Elliot, who was going through a bit of a rough patch, broke out with 187 scrimmage yards and two scores. Even though the division might be fully in the hands of the Redskins if they keep their skill level the same, the Cowboys’ win was enough to keep them in the division race before falling completely out of it, if they had lost.