The 2013 NFL season has involved a series of intersecting story lines, from game to game, teams adjust to each and every one of them. If there’s been one theme or story line that seems to arise every week, it’s how unpredictable the league has become. Playoff bound teams lose to less than stellar opponents (Bills over Dolphins), evenly matched games result is blowout victories (Patriots and Eagles) when neither result could not have been expected, much less predicted. Arizona’s victory in Seattle didn’t shock me because the Cardinals defense has been among the league’s best and their team as a whole has been grossly underrated. Yes, CenturyLink Field is the hardest place to play as a road team but the Cardinals visit at least once a season. If any team is capable of breaking a home streak, like the one Seattle had before yesterday’s loss, it’s going to be a division opponent who knows that team well enough. The Cardinals weren’t the only team with an impressive victory yesterday. In fact, several playoff bound teams looked great yesterday. Peyton Manning’s record breaking performance led the Broncos to an impressive win over a bad Texans team while the Patriots somehow keep winning. Am I the only who thinks Tom Brady deserves the MVP this season? Manning will most likely get the award but put me in the Brady camp because I don’t even recognize half of the guys that the Patriots are playing with. Surprisingly enough, the Patriots 41 points on the Ravens were only the 3rd highest points from yesterday’s games. Andy Dalton and Bengals had the type of dominant win that injects confidence into a team now that they’ve officially clinched a playoff spot. But even they weren’t the most potent offense yesterday. That title goes to the Eagles, who scored 54 points in what was a beat down on the Chicago Bears. Is anyone surprised that the Eagles-Cowboys game next week was flexed to Sunday night? Let’s move on to the little things that stuck out to me yesterday:

Stock UP: Tony Romo’s clutch gene on the road; Mat McBriar (former Cowboy) because I love trick plays; the Bills giving it 100% for their fans in the final home game for Buffalo this season; Andy Dalton’s monster (4 TDs) performance yesterday; the Colts’ statement win in Arrowhead; the Jets continuing their flip-flop season; Carolina’s impressive win over New Orleans to clinch a playoff spot; Zac Stacy’s chances of being an elite running back for the future; Tom Brady’s road “shakyness”; LeSean McCoy and the Philly offense in general.

Stock DOWN: the Dolphins and Ravens, unable to take a stronghold of the second AFC wild card; Redskins special teams and their home crowd; Kansas City’s offense after their first drive; the Saints offense on the road; Cleveland’s underrated defense (at least I thought they were); Seattle’s home field advantage being a sure thing; Miami’s offensive line; Baltimore’s defensive front against a good QB; Detriot’s tailspin, stemming from the second week of November; Jay Cutler’s chances of getting a huge contract from the Bears.

Sorry fans of the Atlanta Falcons, tonight is not about your team. Final regular-season home game for the 49ers in Candlestick Park. A place with filled with history and tradition. Lots of 49ers greats will be there tonight (Montana, Rice etc.) as the Niners players and fanbase bid farewell to their stadium. I expect the 49ers to roll all over a bad Falcons team and secure their spot in the postseason.