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.