By Diana Samuels, CNN • Updated 1st March 2016
By Diana Samuels, CNN • Updated 1st March 2016
It’s time to get down to business and start paying attention to your fantasy football team. But this year, we can’t help but wonder what the National Football League might have been like if they had one policy to govern off-field behavior.
The league office’s one firm rule last week was simple: Don’t come in drunk, and don’t be racist or sexist.
Here’s a look at what’s happening the remainder of the NFL season:
1. New Orleans Saints v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 6:25 p.m. ET
If the NFL is reopening its investigation into New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma’s harsh comments after Saturday’s season-ending loss to Carolina, the 2014 Pro Bowl linebacker just might be the franchise’s next resident tutor.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that, after leaving the Saints’ locker room following the 7-9 2016 season, Vilma hurled profanity at about 10 Tampa Bay players — shouting, “You guys gonna bounce, too?”
It hasn’t reached the point where Vilma will be convicted, but the Saints might not be able to keep their 32-year-old linebacker for long if he’s convicted or if the NFL decides to suspend him for his comments — and one they can rule to be racist. He still has plenty of time before the offseason salary cap kicks in.
The Panthers came from behind to defeat the Saints, 30-27, in the biggest game of the year.
2. Oakland Raiders v. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Is the Oakland Raiders’ nightmare year over — or just beginning? The team had a strong regular season, only to fall in the one game that matter most in the AFC wild-card race.
The Raiders lost to Kansas City. The Patriots took home the conference’s top seed. And if the Raiders beat the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots win the wild-card spot.
3. Arizona Cardinals v. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
The regular season’s final game between these two teams promises to be emotional.
After a stressful week that included a missed field goal and an extra point kick, Chicago beat the Arizona Cardinals and clinched the Bears’ first playoff berth since the 2013 season.
The Cardinals will be looking to avoid any after-game celebrations from the Bears to take home a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers v. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
It’s going to be an interesting matchup in the AFC North between two of the league’s hottest teams.
The Steelers have won eight straight games, having lost their first three of the season. As a result, they’ve earned an AFC-best 12-4 record, and are currently looking at a first-round bye in the playoffs.
At the same time, the Bengals are looking to finish the season with at least 10 wins after winning just five in the 2015 season. The Bengals have momentum after taking down the Baltimore Ravens, 14-6, in the NFL’s season finale.
5. Dallas Cowboys v. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers are the NFL’s only two remaining teams without a playoff victory in the last 15 years.
This game will decide who goes home in the NFC divisional round. Green Bay won 31-13 against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon.