week 17 picks

Week 17 Picks

Understandably, this is going to be the hardest week to predict the games. We’ve got several teams who don’t have anything to play for because they’ve clinched, and several others who just don’t care anymore and want to begin their vacation. Who will compete to the end? Who needs to win to stay alive? Let’s go to the picks:

Indianapolis @ Buffalo
Based on last week we can assume that the Colts play their backups. I still think they win. By 3.

New Orleans @ Carolina
Even if the Saints played at full-strength I think I’d pick the Panthers because of how both teams played last week. Carolina by 7.

Jacksonville @ Cleveland
Jags by 18.

New England @ Houston
Belichick takes pride in being the most mysterious coach in the NFL, but the one thing we know for sure is that Houston is going to play their asses off to make the playoffs. Texans by 14.

NY Giants @ Minnesota
Vikings don’t have the luxury of blowing this game; they still need to play for a first round bye. Giants have no motivation. Minny by 10.

San Francisco @ St. Louis
Niners by 4.

Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
Falcons by 6.

Pittsburgh @ Miami
Steelers are so focused on the help they need, I think they lose focus on the game they have to play. Still no Polamalu, still no great defense. And the Dolphins have Joey Porter who will be all sorts of geared up to face his old mates. I like the Dolphins by 12.

Chicago @ Detroit
Not a chance Lions fans. Sorry. Bears win 26-6 and the nightmarish decade is over.

Philadelphia @ Dallas
Lost in the meaninglessness of week 17 is the fact that this game is an absolute gem. Winner wins the NFC East. Both teams are playing at a high level right now. I like Philly to keep rolling. By 4.

Kansas City @ Denver
Broncos gotta win to keep their hopes alive and they’ll do just that. Denver by 15.

Baltimore @ Oakland
Nobody likes traveling cross-country and the Raiders have stolen a few games at home this year, but Baltimore’s going to be focused. Win and they’re in. How could they lose to a Charlie Frye-led team? I like the Ravens by 13.

Tennessee @ Seattle
Chris Johnson needs 128 yards for 2,000 this season. That should be the Titan’s only focus and they should be able to pull it off against a sloppy Seattle team. Titans by 4 I guess.

Washington @ San Diego
The Chargers keep on rolling. SD by 24.

Green Bay @ Arizona
This should be a fun little shootout. I like the Packers by 3. Something like 38-41.

Cincinnati @ NY Jets
This is the game of the week so it’s fitting that it’s on Monday night. Ochocinco against Revis. Jets need a win and they’re in the playoffs. Bengals can rest their starters. All the pressure on Sanchez, in New York. The thing is, Cincinnati actually kind of stinks and is the worst playoff-bound team by a long shot. Jets win by 16.

As always, GO LIONS and have a happy new year.

And for a fun bonus surprise: College Football Bowl Game Picks!

Capital One Bowl: LSU vs. Penn State
I’ll take PSU

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State
And OSU

Sugar Bowl: Florida vs. Cincinnati
And the Gators.

Alamo Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Michigan State
Give me Texas Tech

Fiesta Bowl: TCU vs. Boise State
I love TCU

Orange Bowl: Iowa vs. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech by a mile.

BCS Championship: Alabama vs. Texas
Don’t like either team but I guess I’ll pick Texas.