baronial paternalist: Christmas Eve in the NFL

In pictures

Globe and Mail Update

Published Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 7:20PM EST

Last updated Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 7:44PM EST

Images from Week 16 of the National Football League

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New England Patriots fan holds up a sign in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-24.
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Washington Redskins cheerleaders take the field before the Washington Redskins play the Minnesota Vikings at FedEx Field on December 24, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Minnesota Vikings won, 33-26.
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Denver Broncos cornerback Andre Goodman hits Buffalo Bills running back Tashard Choice and knocks the ball free during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Broncos 40-14.
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Greg Wilson shows his Christmas spirit during an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. The Eagles won, 20-7.
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Wide receiver Doug Baldwin of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against Chris Culliver of the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on December 24, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. The 49ers prevailed 19-17.
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is unable to hold onto a pass while being defended by San Diego Chargers strong safety Steve Gregory during the first quarter at Ford Field. The Lions won 38-10 to clinch their first playoff berth since 1999.
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington watches the ball into his hands over Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny during first half of their NFL football game at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee December 24. 2011. The Titans won 23-17 to stay in the playoff hunt.
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Members of the Carolina Panthers signal after recovering a fumble by Josh Freeman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers prevailed by a score of 48-16.
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Letroy Guion of the Minnesota Vikings rushes Rex Grossman of the Washington Redskins as he prepares to through a pass during the first quarter at FedExField on December 24, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Vikings won 33-26 to improve to 3-12 on the season.
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Place kicker Sebastian Janikowski of the Oakland Raiders kicks a 36-yard field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs to win the game in overtime on December 24, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Oakland defeated Kansas City 16-13 in overtime.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall surges into the end zone to score against the San Diego Chargers in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, December 24, 2011. The Steelers won at a canter, 27-0.
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Baltimore Ravens fans hold up foam logos during the second half of a 20-14 win over the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson flips over Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 23-16 to keep playoff hopes alive.
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David Harris of the New York Jets is tackled by Hakeem Nicks and Kareem McKenzie of the New York Giants after intercepting a pass during the second half of a game at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2011 in East Rutherford. New Jersey. The Giants won 29-14 to set up a playoff decider next weekend against the Dallas Cowboys.
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Fans of Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos spell out his name at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo won 40-14.
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Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick talks to Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware during a timeout in the Eagles' 20-7 win at Cowboys Stadium.
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A pair of New England Patriots fans dressed as Santa Claus cheer their team on during the first half of their 27-24 come-from-behind win against the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 24, 2011.