With the Christmas season comes time off from school, good food and the run to the playoffs in the NFL. With many teams still active in the playoff races, this year's stretch run will be very entertaining. With that in mind, here are seven games to watch during your time off.

New England Patriots @ Chicago Bears

Key Matchup: Devin McCourty vs. Johnny Knox
The Patriots rookie corner McCourty has looked very solid at times, but shaky at others. Knox has developed into a solid deep threat for the Bears, and will have to be accounted for in the passing game. If the Patriots are going to stop the Bears offence, they have to do two things; get pressure on Jay Cutler and slow down Knox.
Pick: Patriots 35, Bears 21

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers

Key Matchup: Dwayne Bowe vs. Quentin Jammer
Another big WR-CB matchup that will likely decide this game. Bowe has exploded this season, leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns. Jammer is a solid veteran player, who has battled inconsistency during his entire career. With Chiefs QB Matt Cassel playing better recently, expect Bowe to win this matchup. I don't know if it will be enough to win this game though.
Pick: Chargers 35, Chiefs 20

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
Key Matchup: David Garrard vs. Peyton Manning
Normally this wouldn't even be a question, but Manning has looked incredibly average this season. Garrard has been better than expected for most of the season, and will have to be at his best in this one. Manning has been without most of his weapons this year, and it is very unwise to bet against him. Seeing as the Jags beat the Colts earlier in the year, I think the Colts get their revenge here.
Pick: Colts 27, Jaguars 17

Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots

Key Matchup: Brandon Jackson vs. BenJarvis Green-Ellis
The running backs in this game will make all the difference. We all know the quarterbacks will light it up, but the winning team will have to get some production out of their runner. The Packers have the better run defence, but I see Green-Ellis having decent numbers. Unfortunately, the Packers haven't got very much out of Jackson, and I don't see that changing.
Picks: Patriots 24, Packers 21

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

Key Matchup: Saints vs. Matt Ryan's Home Record
Since Matt Ryan has been the quarterback of the Falcons, the team has been unbeatable inside the Georgia Dome. However, the Saints will be fired up for a win in this one, after losing to the Falcons earlier in the season in New Orleans. Expect a lot of points in this one, and the winner of this gets the NFC South title.
Pick: Falcons 34, Saints 30

Chicago @ Green Bay

Key Matchup: Jay Cutler vs. Clay Matthews
Cutler has been an elite player when he has had time in the pocket. However, when pressured, he becomes an erratic player with a tendency for turning the ball over. Matthews leads a defence that loves to rush the passer, and will be looking to feast on the Bears weak offensive line. The Bears only win if they can give Cutler time to throw.
Pick: Packers 21, Bears 18

St Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks

Key Matchup: Sam Bradford vs. Matt Hasselbeck
While this game may be between two teams with brutal records, it will likely decide which teams wins the brutal NFC West and host a Wild Card playoff game. Bradford has looked very good as a rookie, and has lived up to his number one overall pick. The veteran Hasselbeck has had an up and down year, and his performance in this one will likely decide his fate for next year.
Pick: Rams 34, Seahawks 24

So, as you can see, there are plenty of great games to watch during the Christmas holidays. After the break, I will take a look at four teams from each conference that will make an impact in the playoffs.

For more from the NFL Czar, check out his blog at jvzsblog.blogspot.com