It’s a rare NFL Sunday when the late-afternoon slate is more attractive than the early games, but this week’s schedule is back-loaded with games fraught with playoff implications. Perhaps the most intriguing is the Chiefs’ opportunity to prevent the Broncos from capturing the AFC West. Former Bronco quarterback Kyle Orton returns in hopes of exacting Kill Bill-level revenge upon his usurper, Tim Tebow.

As you can see, Orton is up to the challenge…

In other action, the Bengals host the Ravens in the battle for a Cincinnati playoff bid. In honor of the occasion, here’s a gingerbread representation of Paul Brown Stadium.

Here’s the rest of today’s slate rated on the patented 4-star system that hates meaningless football…

Kansas City at Denver ★★★
Tampa Bay at Atlanta ★
Baltimore at Cincinnati ★★★
Pittsburgh at Cleveland ★★
San Diego at Oakland ★★★★
Seattle at Arizona (If this is your only football option, we humbly suggest the Twilight Zone marathon SyFy.)

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This rivalry was a lot more entertaining when the Broncos still had Cutlersulker. It also helped when at least one of these teams had a winning record.

The frustrating continued competence of Kyle Orton prevents us from having the two most abstinence friendly quarterbacks in the NFL having a true battle tonight. Tim Tebow did throw his first career touchdown last week in the Broncos ragetrolling of Todd Haley, so that might encourage Josh McDaniels to foolishly try more Tebow passing plays.

The Chargers are without Antonio Gates and Ryan Mathews tonight, but Marmalard does get Malcom Floyd back. Not that it matters all that much, as Rivers and Peyton Manning are squaring off to be the most fluffed quarterbacks in the league this week by dint of succeeding with an array of previously unheard of receivers.

And don’t be a Peter Downer – be sure to check out this morning’s Designed Rush feature.

Look, I know it’s been a rough road, especially with you going to England soon, but just give me another chance. I’ve been playing really well lately! I know I’ve burned you in the past, but…I…I just can’t believe you left me on waivers again. I guess I didn’t know what you were going through in 2005.

If you pick me up, I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I’ve already thrown more TDs than Peyton and Tom Brady combined, and only one of those guys is out for the year! I know your dad was busted by the IRS, but you can trust me on this. As soon as you put me in your starting lineup and hit “Submit Changes,” everything will be alright.