NFL Week 17 Picks

Week 17 is already here. Thankfully the Steelers will get to play at least one more game. There are a ton of meaningful games today, even if your team stinks. Onto the picks...

Overall: 136-90   Spread: 35-35-1

Ravens 24, Browns 14 --- CLE +13.5 The Ravens need to win and have the Chargers lose to get into the playoffs so there is plenty at stake for the home team. The Brownies are playing out the string with Connor Shaw at QB. A win gives them 8 wins for their first non-losing season since 2007. The Ravens should win but I don't think they crush the Browns.

Dolphins 17, Jets 13 --- In all likelihood this is Rexy's last day as the Jets coach...It may be Philbin's last day in Miami as well. I think the Jets defense will play well for their coach but per usual the offense will not produce enough points as the Jets finish 3-13.

Patriots 24, Bills 17 --- The Patriots have no reason to put any effort into this game. The Gronk should not see the field today, either should TFB but I can understand wanting to give him some reps so he isn't rusty in two weeks. I'll take the Patriots to win no matter who plays.

Texans 27, Jaguars 17 --- The Texans need so many things to go their way to get into the playoffs but even with a win a 9-7 season would be a huge improvement over last seasons debacle. Also if the Jaguars fire Gus Bradley consider that my resignation from the Jags Bandwagon...maybe.

Colts 21, Titans 14 --- The Colts have nothing to play for. They are the four seed in the AFC and will be at home next week. Normally I'd say don't risk playing Andrew Luck or other starters but after getting destroyed by the Cowboys last week I think they will want to get back on track before the playoffs being. Plus the Titans stink so give me the Colts to win.

Giants 27, Eagles 24 --- A disappointing conclusion to the year for the Eagles even if they win this game. I guess that's what happens when you try to use Nacho Sanchize as your starting QB. The G-Men have ODB Jr. so I'll take them.

Cowboys 23, Redskins 20 --- It wouldn't shock me if the Redskins win this game. After beating the Eagles last Saturday it appears Jay Gruden and Bobby III may finally be on the right path. As for the Cowboys they are headed to the playoffs and will most likely be playing next week so it's possible that they don't leave Romo and DeMarco Murray out there for the entire game.

Bears 28, Vikings 24 --- CHI +6.5 Jay Cutler audition time. The Bears will likely be making a lot of changes this offseason and Cutty is probably one of them if they can find somebody to trade for him. It wouldn't shock me if he plays well and the Bears get a win today.

Packers 31, Lions 17 --- GB -7 The Lions haven't won in Green Bay since 1991 and with the NFC North title on the line I don't see that changing. The Packers only scored 7 points against the Lions in week 3 but I'll take them to pour it on today.

Saints 24, Bucs 17 --- Thankfully for both of these squads their seasons will finally be over today. The Saints went from a possible Super Bowl contender to a 10-loss team. While the Bucs were labeled the surprise team in the South. Not so much with only two wins.

Panthers 21, Falcons 20 --- CAR +3 I just have a hunch that Mike Smith will botch this game in the end. The Panthers have won three in a row despite not having Cameron Newton for one of them. I'll take the Panthers to get the road win to clinch the division.

P.S. Whoever wins this game, I'm taking outright next week. Free money.

49ers 17, Cardinals 9 --- I just have no confidence in the Cardinals ability to score. Logan Thomas should not be an NFL starting quarterback...either should Ryan Lindley have been. If the Cardinals don't get a defensive touchdown I don't see them making it to double digit points as they will likely limp into the playoffs. Hey Bruce, call up Kurt Warner to play for one game.

Seahawks 24, Rams 10 --- Seahawks need to win to clinch home field advantage. I think that will happen and I also think they are the clear favorite to get back to the Super Bowl in the NFC because their defense has become amazing again.

Broncos 31, Raiders 17 --- Broncos need to win to secure a first round bye. The Raiders haven't won two in a row since October of 2012. I'll take the Broncos.

Chargers 24, Chiefs 17 --- If the Chargers can beat the Alex Smith-less Chiefs they will be in the playoffs and the Ravens will be out. So that's what I'm rooting for. I just have a feeling the Chargers are going to blow it.

Steelers 34, Bengals 20 --- PIT -3.5 I'm going to be up until about 5:30 AM French time so the Steelers better send me to bed happy. They put up 42 against the Bengals three weeks ago, so I don't see the Steelers offense getting shut down. The key is stopping Jeremy Hill, who has been very good in the past few weeks. If the Steelers can force Andy Dalton to try to beat them then I like the Steelers chances of winning the AFC North.

Enjoy the games people. 

NFL Week 16 Picks

(Sorry for the swear but that is just too good not to post.)

Today is it for the Steelers. Win and you are in the playoffs for the first time since Tim Tebow made you look like a bunch of fools. A lot of other teams need wins to clinch playoffs berths and divisions. Rexy vs. Belichick for possibly the final time. John Football gets to play again and the Cardinals have a chance to be the number one seed in the NFC with Ryan Lindley at the helm. Big day. I went 0-5 in spread picks last week so I have to get some right this week. Onto the picks...

Overall: 128-85   Spread: 32-33-1

Steelers 20, Chiefs 17 --- I want to say I have a bad feeling about this game because that's just what the Steelers have taught my brain to do over the past two years. However, the way they have played over the past weeks has made me kind of confident. I think this will be a somewhat low scoring game due to the Chiefs good pass defense and their awful passing offense. Whoever does a better job of shutting down Jamaal Charles or Le'Veon Bell will likely be the winner. Let's hope it's the home team.

Dolphins 24, Vikings 17 --- I think Joe Philbin is on his way out in Miami. The Phins have a ton of talent and at times have looked awesome this year. But in the past two weeks when they need at least one victory, they laid eggs. At least after watching Hard Knocks a few years ago Philbin did not seem like an exciting guy who would get his team pumped up to play. Maybe the Dolphins should think about bringing in REXY for a few years. He'd work wonders with that defense and if he hires the right O-coordinator Tannehill can lead that team to the playoffs.

Ravens 35, Texans 24 --- I love how everybody is saying, "oh the Ravens are rounding into form." Really? They haven't beaten a team that is currently above .500 since week TWO. In fact their Thursday night week two win over the Steelers is the only victory they have against a team with a winning record. They get to play another 7-7 team that won't make the playoffs today in the Texans. The Texans will finish 8-8 but they won't win today. Ravens, YAY.

Lions 21, Bears 0 --- This maybe the first time I've ever predicted a shutout. Jimmy Clausen stinks. The entire Jay Cutler experiment has been awful but benching him is not the solution when Jimmy is the backup. Lions need to win and the Bears are ready to book their tee times.

Browns 20, Panthers 17 --- I know what you all are thinking, "He has to back off on his love for Johnny Football after last week right?" Wrong. Still love him and today is the day he proves he can kind of play in the NFL. I blame the offensive game plan against the Bengals. Why did they run the pistol? JFF never ran that in college and this is the NFL. Give me the Brownies to get to 8 wins in the first time in forever.

Saints 30, Falcons 24 --- The Saints lost to the Falcons in week one but I think they may have finally figured some things out against the Bears on Monday night. I know they have lost four in a row at home but I just can't see them losing another one.

Packers 30, Bucs 20 --- TB +12.5 While it would make all the sense in the world for the Packers to roll the Bucs after losing to the Bills last week, I think this one could be close for awhile. I also think a double digit home dog is just a good bet to make. The Bucs are 0-6 at home so that doesn't help my case but they have been in most of their games.

Patriots 24, Jets 17 --- NYJ +10.5 Same thing here with the Jets. Home team as 10 point dog. Plus this will probably be the last time REXY gets to go up against the mighty Belichick. Other than the butt fumble game the Jets are normally competitive with the Pats. If Rexy can find a way to pressure TFB they might keep it close for awhile as long as Geno doesn't turn it over a bunch of times.

Rams 23, Giants 20 --- NYG +6 The six-point spread is just too big for me. I think the Rams are good but they aren't miles ahead of the Giants. And who is going to stop Odell Beckham Jr.? That kid is unstoppable at the moment and as long as Eli doesn't get sack four times or more the Giants offense should be able to score a little. In the end though Eli will probably turn the ball over but I don't expect the Rams to roll the Giants like they did against the Raiders.

Raiders 24, Bills 21 --- OAK +7 Another road dog and this time I think they win outright. I can't believe I'm picking the Raiders to win a game. But the Bills are off a huge home win against the Packers. I just think they are due for a let down and the Raiders have not been terrible ever since their first win against the Chiefs.

Cowboys 24, Colts 21 --- I have no idea who is going to win this game. If DeMarco Murray is out it could be hard for the Cowboys offense to adjust, plus they are only 3-4 at home. As for the Colts though, they are a bit like the Ravens. They don't a ton of wins against good teams. I'll pick the Cowboys because if they win they are in but I'm already thinking about Andrew Luck having the ball in a one possession game late in the fourth.

Seahawks 14, Cardinals 6 --- ARZ +8.5 Ryan Lindley stinks but the Cardinals at home do not. They are 7-0 this year and despite all the doubters are a good football team. I'm not picking them to win because the Seahawks defense will likely devour Lindley but I don't expect them to cover. The Cardinals defense can keep them in the game but the Seahawks will most likely get the win.

Broncos 34, Bengals 10 --- Name one prime time game that Andy Dalton has stepped up and played great. Don't worry I'll wait. I need the Broncos to win for the Steelers playoff/division chances but I also think the Bengals defense could get abused but C.J. Anderson and the Broncos running game. Give me the Broncos to win big.


Enjoy the games people.

NFL Week 15 Picks

There are only THREE weeks left in the NFL regular season. I have no idea how the time flew by so quickly. Today and the next two weeks are going to determine a ton for a lot of teams, even the bad ones. JOHNNY FOOTBALL plays today. I, for one, am pumped. I might not even watch the Steelers game at times just to see JFF do the money sign all day long against the Bungals. Onto the picks...

Overall: 117-81   Spread: 32-28-1

Falcons 30, Steelers 27 --- I have an awful feeling bout this game. At this point Julio Jones is still a game-time decision, so my opinion might change if I know he's inactive but at the moment I'm assuming he will give it a go. If number 11 is active, the Steelers have no chance of stopping him. A.J. Green destroyed the Steelers secondary last week and Julio could very well do the same thing. I know most of you readers aren't Steelers fans but Mike Mitchell is the worst player in the NFL and he currently starts at safety for the Steelers. He's cocky even though he accomplishes nothing on the field. Anyways, the Steelers are 1-2 against the terrible NFC South. A loss today to the 5-8 Falcons will likely end their playoffs hopes. It's a must win but these are the games the Steelers have been losing all year long.

Giants 24, Redskins 14 --- The Redskins are a complete debacle. I feel bad for Jay Gruden, who may lose his job. It's all Daniel Synder's fault. He doesn't know how to own a team. I don't understand why every owner doesn't just shadow Bob Craft or the Rooney's or the Ravens guy and a few others the minute they buy the team. It seems pretty simple. Just learn from the best. Anyways, the Giants will probably win out to finish 7-9 to save Coughlin's job, while simultaneously messing up their chances at having a top ten pick.

Patriots 28, Dolphins 20 --- A couple things about this game. I'd be shocked if the Patriots lose this game. The Dolphins have not swept the season series against the Patriots since 2000. That being said I also don't think the Patriots will blow out the Dolphins and cover the nine-point spread. The Dolphins defense is very good and they have the ability to pressure the quarterback, which could fluster TFB. In the end though, the Patriots should get the win to clinch the AFC East.

Chiefs 26, Raiders 17 --- After five straight wins, the Chiefs have dropped three straight and are on the verge of elimination. The Raiders have won two of three, with one of those wins coming over the Chiefs. I don't see win number three coming today for the Raiders though. They are 0-6 on the road and with the Chiefs having their backs against the wall, I'm taking the home team.

Colts 34, Texans 20 --- I don't think either of these teams are good. Here are the seven opponents the Texans have beaten, Titans twice, Jaguars, Browns, Bills, Raiders, and Redskins. Here are the Colts nine victories, Jaguars twice, Redskins, Browns, Bengals, Ravens, Texans, Titans, Giants. So the best win between the two teams is a win over the Bengals or Ravens, who both have been up and down. The Colts have Andrew Luck so they are better than the Texans and will win an clinch the AFC South today, but I'm not expecting them to go anywhere in the playoffs.

Ravens 27, Jaguars 10 --- The Ravens have been blowing out bad teams this season. The Jaguars are 0-6 on the road and are in the race for the number one pick. The Ravens got a huge win last week against the Dolphins and with the Jags, Texans, and Browns remaining on their schedule they have a great chance to get to 11-5.

Packers 27, Bills 20 --- The Bills defense is very good. Last week they allowed only 24 to the Broncos in Denver. The 24 points was the most they've allowed since October 12 when the Patriots hung 37 on them. The Packers offense is equally as impressive, having scored 40 or more points three times in their past five games. I'll take the Packers on the road.

Panthers 24, Buccaneers 17 --- The Panthers have already beaten the Bucs with Derek Anderson at quarterback. At 4-8-1 they are somehow still alive and I think that's the reason I'll take them today. Their blowout win over the Saints last week may have been a turning point for them. That and the Bucs haven't scored more than 17 points in their past three games.

Browns 34, Bengals 24 --- CLE -2 All in on JFF. I don't know why the Bengals are even going to show up. The little man is going to be running all over the place and throwing up money signs every five plays. Josh Gordon is going to have a huge day now that he doesn't have Brian Hoyer throwing to him. Plus it would also help the Steelers if the Bengals were to lose again. So help me out one time Brownies.

Jets 25, Titans 18 --- Aren't you pumped to watch this one? The 2-11 Toilet Bowl!!! The Titans have lost seven games in a row and have gotten destroyed the past three weeks. The Jets aren't all that great either at 0-6 on the road. I'll take the Jets because it would be such a Jet thing to do to win two of their final three to get to 4 wins and ruin their chances of getting a top three pick. I also think that the Titans are worse than the Jets if that's possible.

Broncos 28, Chargers 24 --- SD +5.5 Ever since the Broncos got beaten by the Rams, they have not been blowing teams out. They should have Julius Thomas back at near 100% today but Peyton Manning hasn't thrown for over 200 yards in the past two weeks. Maybe they are ready to have a big game passing but the Chargers are good at home. They also need to keep winning to remain in the playoffs. I'll take the Broncos to win but I think the Chargers cover and possibly win.

Seahawks 17, 49ers 13 --- SF +10 I think the 49ers are done. Harbaugh is on his way out and who knows if Kaepernick will ever be the same as he was during their Super Bowl run. The Seahawks are rolling, having allowed only 20 points total over the past three weeks. With all that being said give me the Niners +10. This is a rivalry game similar to the Steelers/Ravens. These two teams hate each other and if the Niners have any heart at all they show up today and give the Seahawks a battle.

Lions 24, Vikings 14 --- The Vikings are 5-5 with Teddy Bridgewater as their starting quarterback, however they are 1-3 on the road with Teddy. That win came over the Bucs. The Vikings lost 17-3 to the Lions earlier in the season. I'll take the Lions, who need to keep winning to keep pace the NFC.

Eagles 34, Cowboys 24 --- PHI -3.5 I just can't take the Cowboys against the Eagles just a few weeks after witnessing them get destroyed at home on Thanksgiving. The Cowboys are 6-0 on the road this year but the Eagles are 6-1 at home. An Eagles win basically give them a 1.5 game lead in the NFC East. I also don't think that Jason Garrett will make any big adjustments, while Chip Kelly most likely will. Give me the Eagles.

Saints 34, Bears 30 --- OVER 53.5 I have no idea about these two teams. I keep wanting to give the Saints the benefit of the doubt but they stink. You can't get destroyed at home against the Panthers like they did last week and be a good team. The Bears are a mess as well. People are calling out Jay Cutler. Their coach is likely finished in three weeks. I'll take the Saints but then again if it's cold and windy, the Bears could take it. Give me the over though.

Enjoy the games people.

NFL Week 14 Picks

Not a good week 13 of making picks. 8-8 in outright winners and 1-6 on spreads, counting the Thanksgiving games. I swear whenever I say bet the Patriots spread they don't cover just to screw me. It's nice that they lost but then I also lose money so it's almost not worth it. Anyways, only four weeks left in the season. College football is pretty much over so we better enjoy the next few weeks because before you know it football will be gone.

Overall: 108-75   Spread: 30-26-1

Steelers 27, Bengals 24 --- PIT +3 I am very confident in the Steelers for some reason. The loss to the Saints last week was predictable. But they have been very good against teams with winning records, 4-1. The Bengals return home after sweeping a three game road stretch. However the last winning record team the Bengals played they lost 24-3 against the Browns. I just have a feeling Andy Dalton is due for a stinker. Plus the Steelers need this game more. If they lose the season is pretty much over.

Redskins 26, Rams 23 --- WAS +3.5 The Rams beat the Raiders 54-0 last week. Maybe, just maybe they are due for a let down. At least that's what I'm hoping for. The Redskins were in the game against the Colts last week for awhile with Colt McCoy. It's the first game Colt will start at home, so there is the potential for a little boost for the Redskins. I'll take them outright, also because the Rams might overlook the Redskins for their Thursday night game against the Cardinals next week.

Titans 20, Giants 17 --- I'm done with the Giants. I was on the verge of picking the Jaguars last week but I said, "hey maybe the Giants aren't that awful." I was wrong. They stink. 7 straight losses and while the Titans are equally dreadful, I'll take the home team.

Saints 31, Panthers 21 --- Another team that's on a brutal skid, the Carolina Panthers. They have lost six straight, including getting beat up by the Vikings last week. I'll take the Saints to win. I think they figured some things out last week in Pittsburgh.

Vikings 24, Jets 14 --- MIN -6 In games when Teddy Bridgewater does throw an interception. The Vikings are 0-4. In games when he does not throw a pick, the Vikes are 4-1. He has been pretty good in his rookie season so far and if they beat the Jets today at home they will be 6-7 on the year.

Dolphins 28, Ravens 24 --- I'm not sure how much the loss of Haloti Ngata will hurt the Ravens. I realize he's a beast and a great athlete, but give me Vince Wilfork every day of the week over Ngata. After saying that though, I'm picking the Dolphins because he will be out. The 'Phins running game is ranked 10th, so I think they will be able to move the ball.

Colts 28, Browns 20 --- The 3.5 line stinks for the Colts but I'll sill take them to win. I personally think the Brownies should have gone with Johnny Football as their starter over Brian Hoyer. I understand that Hoyer is the guy that led them to a 7-5 record but he has only led the Browns offense to one touchdown in his past 45 possessions. JFF did that on his first drive. I just think a guy like Manziel can give the Browns offense a burst of energy that they need to get into the playoffs. With Hoyer I feel like they are headed for an 8-8 or 9-7 record but that won't be good enough to get in.

Lions 27, Bucs 20 --- The Lions are 5-1 at home and need to keep winning. The Bucs are 2-10 and aren't really playing for anything now that the NFC South leader has five wins. Lions win.

Jaguars 24, Texans 21 --- JAX +6.5 The Jags are about to get hot. One win in a row. Here comes two. Ryan Fitzpatrick had the game of his life last week against the Titans, throwing six touchdowns to no interceptions. That won't happen again. I think the Jaguars keep in close and maybe pull off the upset.

Broncos 31, Bills 24 --- The Broncos are 6-0 at home this year and I don't see their first loss coming to the Bills. I just think that if the Broncos get out to an early lead the Bills don't have the firepower to hang with them.

Cardinals 21, Chiefs 17 --- I'm trying to get off the Cardinals bandwagon but I can't do it just yet. Sure they have stunk on offense over the past two weeks but they return home today where they are 6-0 this season. The Chiefs have lost two in a row and if the Cardinals defense regains their form it could be three losses in a row for the road team.

Seahawks 27, Eagles 21 --- The Eagles are another undefeated home team but I think they go down today. I'm believing in the Seahawks now. Their defense has been dominant over the past two weeks, allowing six points. I think their Super Bowl hangover phase has come and gone and with the NFC West crown in reach they have all the motivation to win this game.

49ers 26, Raiders 14 --- I think the Raiders proved last week that their season goal have been accomplished. They got their win and they can lock up the number pick if they lose out. Niners should win.

Patriots 27, Chargers 20 --- Phil Rivers is 30-6 in December since 2006 but the Patriots just don't lose two in a row. Plus now that they lost to the Packers, they need to keep winning in order to secure home field advantage in the AFC.

Packers 41, Falcons 20 --- No chance the Packers lose on Monday night to the Falcons. They are 6-0 at Lambeau and Aaron Rodgers is just too good.

Enjoy the games people.