The Broncos are 7-8 and have less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs, and they head to LA to take on the Chargers. Denver got hit hard with Covid this week, and they will be without Tim Patrick, Bobby Massie, Calvin Anderson, Bryce Callahan, and Caden Sterns. Not having both Right Tackles is not going to be ideal facing a Chargers team that is getting a boatload of their players back from the Covid list this week. The bottom line is that the Chargers need to win this game to keep their legitimate playoff hopes alive, and the Broncos are basically just playing out the string. This one will be tough to watch...
Prediction: CHARGERS (-5) over DENVER
Final Score: Chargers-30 Broncos-13
Now, onto the picks for Week 17.....
Last Week's Record: 10-6-0
Overall Record: : 122-107-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
BUFFALO (-13) over Atlanta: Buffalo is 9-6 and can win the AFC East if it takes care of business in the last two games. They won't mess around with the 7-8 Falcons and they will win rather easily.
CHICAGO (-5) over Giants: The 5-10 Bears host the 4-11 Giants in a game in which two proud NFL franchises are having a rough year. Look for the Bears to outlast the Giants at home.
Kansas City (-5) over CINCINNATI: This is a huge game in the AFC and it will be interesting to see how the Bengals will be able to matchup with the Chiefs. KC has the #1 seed in the AFC in their sights, and I think they will find a way to take out the Bengals.
TENNESSEE (-2) over Miami: Miami is 8-7 after a 1-7 start, but they have had a very soft and favorable schedule to get to that point. Now, they head to Tennessee to take on the 10-5 Titans. I think this will be a close game, but I think the Titans will put the game away late.
Las Vegas (+6.5) over INDIANAPOLIS: The 9-6 Colts might be without Carson Wentz due to Covid protocols. The Raiders are 8-7 and are still in the playoff hunt. This is a very huge game in the AFC playoff picture. Las Vegas is a very tricky team to pick each week, and I'm not sure that they will win the game outright, but I think taking the points with them is a solid pick.
NEW ENGLAND (-14) over Jacksonville: The Pats are 9-6 after losing two in a row. Now, they host the hapless Jaguars, and they will do what they have to do to win this game and get to 10 wins.
Tampa Bay (-12) over JETS: The Bucs are 11-4 and still fighting for the #1 seed in the NFC. I think they will easily roll past the 4-11 Jets in the Meadowlands this week.
WASHINGTON (+4) over Philadelphia: The Eagles are 8-7 and on track to get the #7 seed in the NFC. They can still make the playoffs if they lose this week, and I think this will be a tough game. Washington is 6-9 and most likely not going to make the playoffs, but they will play hard at home against their division rival.
Rams (-3) over BALTIMORE: It is unclear if Lamar Jackson will play, but Tyler Huntley will give them a good chance to win if he starts at QB. The Rams are 11-4 and can possibly win the NFC West. This is a tough game to pick, but I'm going with the Rams on the road.
Houston (+14) over SAN FRANCISCO: Jimmy G might be out with a thumb injury, so Trey Lance might get the start. The Texans are a 4-11 but they have been feisty the last few weeks. I think the 49ers will find a way to win, but I think the Texans will cover.
DALLAS (-5) over Arizona: The Cardinals are 10-5 and free-falling in the NFC West at this point, They clinched a playoff spot, but they are in danger of losing the division. The Cowboys are 11-4, winners of the NFC East, and looking for a high seed. I like what I see out of the Cowboys, and I don't like what I see from the Cards. I think Dallas will win by a touchdown.
Carolina (+7) over NEW ORLEANS: The Panthers are 5-10 and playing out the string. The Saints are 7-8 and still have a chance at the playoffs. I think they will take care of business at home this week.
SEATTLE (-7) over Detroit: Seattle is 5-10 and out of the playoffs. The Lions are 2-12-1, but they are still playing hard. I would think that Seattle will beat up on the Lions at home in this spot.
GREEN BAY (-6) over Minnesota: The Packers are 12-3 and in line for the #1 seed in the NFC. The Vikings are 7-8 and hanging on to slim playoff hopes. I could see them playing GB tough in Lambeau, but I think the Packers will smell the blood in the water with the bye in the NFC and take down the Vikings on Sunday Night Football.
PITTSBURGH (+4) over Cleveland: Huge game in the AFC on Monday Night Football. It leaked out that Big Ben is going to retire after this season, and I think he will win in what might be his final game at Heinz Field.