Week 17 Picks

Before we get to the picks for Week 17, I think that Sunday will not be a wild and wacky season finale that people get accustomed to. Last year, Week 17 provided some major drama with Tampa Bay losing to hapless Oakland, which led to the Eagles beating the Cowboys in a play-in game. 2006, saw KC getting in when Denver, Cincy, and Tennessee all lost. In 2003, Minnesota lost to 3-12 Arizona, which enabled Green Bay to enter the playoffs. 2002 saw the Jets win the AFC East in stunning fashion because New England somehow beat Miami after being down late in the game. In other words, strange things take place in Week 17. Unfortunately, the NFL won't get that drama again this year. The Eagles will battle it out with Dallas for the NFC East, but both teams are assured a playoff spot. I can't see Minnesota losing at home to the Giants, who are out of playoff contention. Arizona and Green Bay play each other this week, and they will most likely face off next week in the Wild Card Round. Baltimore has a layup on the road in Oakland, so they will clinch one of the wild cards. Normally, the Jets would blow the game against Cincy with a chance to get in, but the Bengals are going to rest their starters, so the Jets will waltz in the postseason. With that said here is what the Playoffs should look like come the end of Week 17:

AFC

1- Indy

2-San Diego

3-New England

4-Cincy

5- NY Jets

6-Baltimore

Wild Card Round

Saturday 8:00pm 1/9/2010

6-Baltimore at 3-New England

Sunday 4:oopm 1/10/2010

5-NY Jets at 4-Cincy

Divisional Round

Saturday 8:oopm 1/16/2010

NE, Cincy, or NY Jets at 2-San Diego

Sunday 1:oopm 1/17/2010

Baltimore, NY Jets, or NE at 1-Indy

NFC

1-New Orleans

2-Philly

3-Minnesota

4-Arizona

5-Green Bay

6-Dallas

Wild Card Round

Saturday 4:00pm

5-Green Bay at 4-Arizona

Sunday 1:00pm

6-Dallas at 3-Minnesota

Divisional Weekend

Saturday 4:00pm

GB,Arizona, or Dallas at 1-New Orleans

Sunday 4:oopm

Arizona, Dallas, or Minnesota at 2-Philly

Onto to picks for Week 17.....

Last Week's Record: 4-12

Overall Record: 111-122-8

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

BUFFALO (-3) over Indy: I hope the Colts lose in their first playoff game. They sit everyone in frosty Buffalo as the Bills prepare for a new regime.

CAROLINA (-4) over New Orleans: The Saints will sit Drew Brees. Wow, this is great for the NFL. I can't wait for the 18 game season, and the final three weeks of the season are meaningless. By the way, I like Matt Moore as the QB for Carolina, and John Fox should keep his job, while Jake Delhomme loses his job.

Jacksonville (+1) over CLEVELAND: The Jags will finish 8-8, and the Browns will start a new era with Mike Holmgren as General Manager.

Philly (+3) over DALLAS: Toughest game on the board, but I think Philly is playing the best out of all the NFC contenders. This should be a fun one. The Cowboys will be dangerous in the playoffs.

Chicago (-3) over DETROIT: Finally, Jay Cutler came alive in a 4 touchdown performance over the Vikings on MNF. Will Lovie Smith make it to 2010?

HOUSTON (-7) over New England: The Texans finish at 9-7 and save Gary Kubiak's job for another year. The Pats get ready to make in a run the playoffs. Watch out for NE because nobody is talking about them.

Pittsburgh (-2) over MIAMI: The Steelers win and pray for some help to make the playoffs. The Fish finish sloppy, but will be primed to get back into playoff contention next year.

MINNESOTA (-7) over NY GIANTS: The G-Men will put forth a good effort, but Minnesota gets some momentum going for the playoffs.

NY JETS (-7) over Cincy: The Jets get another gift as they beat the Bengals' backups on SNF. It will be a different story come playoff time- trust me on that one.

San Francisco (-6) over ST.LOUIS: The Rams will get the number one pick in 2010.

Atlanta (-2) over TAMPA BAY: The Falcons end at 9-7.

ARIZONA (-2) over Green Bay: These two will square off in the playoffs next week.

Baltimore (-8) over OAKLAND: The Ravens get into the tournament.

SAN DIEGO (-3) over Washington: The Chargers get ready for a run to the Super Bowl. The Skins get ready for Mike Shanahan.

Tennessee (-6) over SEATTLE: Will Chris Johnson get 2,000 yards?

Kansas City (+10) over DENVER: The Chiefs end Denver's season in disappointment. Final Score: Chiefs-19 Denver-10