Week 17 Picks
New York Jets (6-9) at Buffalo Bills (5-10)
Jets Breakdown:
Well just when you feel like its all better, Mark Sanchez is starting for you again. I don’t have much to say about the Jets, but this could be an important game for some Jets players. A house cleaning is likely coming for this team, and players likely need to show their value in this game.
Bills Breakdown:
I feel about the same way I do for the Bills as I felt about the Jets. This team could also benefit from playing a good game, but in the grand scheme of things, this operation needs to be blown up as well. One win probably will not matter much.
Matchup to Watch: Mario Williams vs. Austin Howard
In this matchup we can watch a glaring error be exploited by a guy who made a huge error. I am sure Mario Williams is surely regretting coming to Buffalo after another dreadful year, but it’s the Bills what did he expect? He has had a decent year, but not dominant. Looks more and more like he chased the money and not wins.
My Pick:
I hate pick this game, because neither team is worth putting any confidence in. in the end, I just cant imagine a post-benching Sanchez coming back with confidence to lead his team to a win. Bills win, I guess.
Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)
Ravens Breakdown:
The Ravens showed us their full potential when they throttled the Giants last week. The question is if they come back to Earth here against the interdivision rival Bengals. I question whether either team will care much about this game because they are probably locked in playoff seeding-wise, but I think they Ravens should fight hard and ride some momentum.
Bengals Breakdown:
The Bengals are locked in to the sixth seed as well, but they too should fight hard in this game. Beating their other big rival will show that they are a force to be reckoned with. As in most situations, I think momentum is important. The Bengals should play their guys and play hard.
Matchup to Watch: Joe Flacco vs. Bengals Defensive line
Watching Flacco it is easy to see he is at his weakest when there are a lot of bodies around him and he is being pressured. Not many teams rush the passer like the Bengals, and Flacco could stumble after a strong game last week if the Bengals put heat on him.
My Pick:
This is a tough game to call because, as I said, I am not sure how much these teams care about this game. In the end, I actually think the Bengals biggest strength is their front seven on defense and that could cause a lot of problems for the Ravens. I will pick the Bengals, but its well known I am not comfortable with these guys.
Cleveland Browns (5-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)
Browns Breakdown:
With the news that third-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis will start on Sunday it hard to get behind the Browns at all in this matchup. Lewis has not seen any regular season action in the NFL so it hard to know much about him. He also will not benefit from the presence of Trent Richardson, who is also not expected to play.
Steelers Breakdown:
The Steelers have to be kicking themselves as they are out of the postseason. They frankly did not deserve it this year, as they have not been a consistent squad. I think they come out angry in this matchup and look to end the year on a high note.
Matchup to Watch: Browns backups vs. Steelers defense
The Browns are headed for another retooling in the offseason. A new set of decision makers need some valuable tape out of guys like Lewis and Montario Hardesty to make decisions on their future. If these two put up good performances they could stick with the new owner. On the Steelers side, their defense needs to given a shot of youth in the offseason. If any of these older guys want to stick they should play well here.
My Pick:
I am picking the Steelers. Maybe if the Browns were healthier they could challenge a defeated Steelers squad, but alas injuries to Weeden and Richardson are probably too much to overcome.
Houston Texans (12-3) at Indianapolis Colts (10-5)
Texans Breakdown:
The Texans have home field and the number one seed in the AFC playoffs at stake here. They also need a get-well game after losing to inferior Minnesota last week. They have a lot to play for here and should be motivated to show they are still a super bowl contender.
Colts Breakdown:
The Colts on the other hand, don’t have much to play for. They are locked into the fifth seed. However, so much of the Colts run has been on momentum and CHUCKSTRONG emotion they would be wise to ride it. Newly returned head coach Chuck Pagano has indicated they have no plans to roll over here.
Matchup to Watch: Arian Foster vs. Colts defense
The Colts were epically bad at stopping the Chiefs running game last week. Conversely, the Texans star running back had to leave the game last week due to an irregular heartbeat. Foster said it was a minor situation and he is fine going forward. I hope to see him make a statement.
My Pick:
I think the Texans win here. The y are probably the better team but I am sure they know they are not a perfect, and would like to have a home field advantage on their side in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13) at Tennessee Titans (5-10)
Jaguars Breakdown:
The Jaguars played the Patriots tough for a half, but ended up folding to much superior team. If they bring that same first half effort to this game they could potentially slaughter the flailing Titans.
Titans Breakdown:
Things are getting bad in Tennessee. The owner turned off the game last week, the team appears to have packed it in, and Jake Locker looks worse than ever. Will they even be mentally ready for this game?
Matchup to Watch: Effort
Not really a matchup, but since I discussed it so much it is worth highlighting. Both teams have struggled and the question isn’t so much who wins, it is more “which staff gets the axe quicker”. The Titans showed no such ever for their head coach, while the Jaguars at least tried last week.
My Pick:
I think the Jaguars come away with a win here. The Titans clearly do not care much anymore and I think some of the Jaguars coaching staff actually has a chance to stick around next year. Neither of these teams deserves it, but one has to win right? No ties please.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-11) at New York Giants (8-7)
Eagles Breakdown:
Mike Vick returns! I guess former starters coming back to rear their ugly heads is the theme of this week. Vick should be plenty motivated to prove he is still a starting caliber quarterback, but I do not foresee a good game for him in this matchup. He will need to rest of his teammates to follow his leadership, not something they ever did real well. The time on the bench probably has not helped Vick correct his turnover issues
Giants Breakdown:
The Giants are broken and battered, but will they be beaten by the Eagles? They certainly have stumbled against Philly in recent years as well. I am not even sure they even believe that they can make a run out of these circumstances.
Matchup to Watch: Jeremy Maclin vs. Corey Webster
Maclin has been on a tear with Nick Foles in the lineup, and he thoroughly dominated in Washington last week. Corey Webster, on the other hand, was torched senselessly by the Ravens passing attack last week. It will be worth watching to see if Maclin can play this way with Vick back under center given he has a favorable matchup against Webster.
My Pick:
I am off the Giants bandwagon, finally. But I am picking them to win, despite the history and a very motivated Michael Vick, they will not surprise the Giants here. One reason: this offense plays very differently with Vick under center than it did with Foles. If Vick shows a major lack of ability to read coverages, and the offense can’t adjust to his scrambling, the Eagles will lose big. I just do not believe Vick can play well anymore
Chicago Bears (9-6) at Detroit Lions (4-11)
Bears Breakdown:
The Bears are on their last playoff legs. They need to win and get some helps from the Packers (GASP) to get in. I expect them to at least take care of business here, because if they don’t, Lovie Smith may need to worry about his job status.
Lions Breakdown:
I said the Lions only care about Calvin Johnson and breaking Jerry Rice’s record so that they can hide their terrible season behind that achievement. Now that that is over with, will they still play hard to get CJ over the 2,000-yard mark?
Matchup to Watch: Charles Tillman vs. Calvin Johnson
Tillman handled Johnson in the fist meeting between these teams. Can he replicate the results here? Tillman’s play dropped off with the entire defenses’ and he hasn’t been the media darling he was earlier in the year. I am sure he does not want to give Calvin Johnson his 2,000-yard season.
My Pick:
The Bears take care of things in this game and then turn their attention to the Packers-Vikings matchup and root for their hated cheese head rivals, no matter how sick it makes them.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-9) at Atlanta Falcons (13-2)
Buccaneers Breakdown:
The Buccaneers are looking worse and worse each week. I honestly cannot imagine them playing well here, unless they are playing against Atlanta’s second team.
Falcons Breakdown:
I have a feeling Atlanta will play their starters through the first quarter and maybe into the second. But I am sure we will see their studs start to trickle out later into the game. With the number one seed locked in, there just isn’t much at stake for Atlanta here.
Matchup to Watch: Josh Freeman vs. Atlanta’s secondary
I think it is pertinent to watch how Freeman performs against the starters as opposed to how he plays against the second teamers who will get time. I can see Freeman tearing up the Falcons scrubs and it being fool’s gold for the coaching staff and lead them to not bring in competition for next year. That would be a massive mistake in my opinion.
My Pick:
I am actually going to pick the Falcons here. Despite the fact that they may not try the whole game I think Atlanta wants to do everything possible to win in the postseason. Smashing an inferior division rival to close out the regular season would be a good start. It would be a mistake by coach Mike Smith to coast through this last game and he cannot afford many mistakes given the pressure to go on a playoff run.
Carolina Panthers (6-9) at New Orleans Saints (7-8)
Panthers Breakdown:
Despite their season being long over, I think Carolina really wants to win this game. Carolina still carries a lot of bad blood with the Saints because they ran up the records/score this time last year and they surely want to pay the Saints back for that. For a team in Carolina that has lacked an edge and a killer instinct for years now, it is actually a good sign that in this lost season they have at least shown that they want to show they can beat, and won’t tolerate disrespect from, the NFC South bullies (Falcons and Saints).
Eagles Breakdown:
The Saints are fresh of the news that they will have Sean Payton back as their head coach for sure next season, and beyond. I am sure they would like to end this chaotic season with a bang by stomping a division rival. It would be good for the Saints to close on a high note and ride some momentum into an offseason that will be filled with questions.
Matchup to Watch: Cam Newton vs. Drew Brees
I really do expect a shoot out here and the quarterback to be at the forefront of the scoring party. Cam Newton has really grown up in this second half of the season, in his play and his off the field maturity, and he would take another great step by outplaying Brees here. As for Mr. Brees he wants to close the door on this obnoxious season, and he will be extra motivated to show the world he is still a top-3 to 4 level quarterback.
My Pick:
Of all the meaningless games in week 17 this is probably the most exciting and hardest to pick. In the end I am going to give the edge to New Orleans, but I expect it to be high scoring and close.
Miami Dolphins (7-8) at New England Patriots (11-4)
Dolphins Breakdown:
The Dolphins have really played quite well, especially considering most ranked them as one of the two or three worst teams in football prior to the season. Beating the Patriots and getting to .500 would be a great way for this squad to end the year.
Patriots Breakdown:
The Patriots have seeding at stake here and Bill Belichick is a master of positioning his team well in the playoffs. No doubt he wants to win this game, but if it benefits him to lose and play a team he perceives as a more favorable matchup in the wild card round, maybe we see him call off the dogs late.
Matchup to Watch: Ryan Tannehill vs. Devin McCourty
Tannehill has looked like he will easily the best quarterback for the phins since the great Marino. Devin McCourty since moving to safety has been just phenomenal. I would bet we see him develop into a Charles Woodson type player in his new role. I want to see how Tannehill handles this type of player and if McCourty can bait him into a few mistakes.
My Pick:
This is a tough one to pick because it is hard to project how the Patriots approach this one. But I am going to go ahead and say the Pats will prevail in this one. Not going to put my money on it though.
Green Bay Packers (11-4)* at Minnesota Vikings (9-6)
Packers Breakdown:
The Packers were stellar last week and they are riding with a ton of momentum here. Expect them to come out and fight hard for that first round bye. Also, no way they want to roll over and give Peterson the rushing yardage record. They are going to load up against the run.
Vikings Breakdown:
They will certainly look to establish the run and get AP the record, also because feeding him is the best chance they have to win, but they are going to be forced by the Packers into having Christian Ponder win them this game. Lets see if he is up to the task.
Matchup to Watch: Vikings pass rushers vs. Packers offensive line
It’s too easy to go with anything Peterson related. Instead I want to see how Jared Allen and company matches up against this offensive front. The line has been by far the biggest weak spot for the Pack and while Allen is certainly on the decline, other players like Brian Robison and Everson Griffin have emerged around him.
My Pick:
I am going with the upset and saying the Vikings get a win. I do strongly believe in the Pakcers as a super bowl contender, but I have a strong feeling Peterson gets the record in this game and carries his team to a win. It just feels right.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-13) at Denver Broncos (12-3)
Chiefs Breakdown:
Kansas City can get the number one pick by losing here. They better not win and screw that up.
Broncos Breakdown:
I don’t think many realize how great this Broncos team is. Yes they have played some cupcakes teams, but they when was the last time they even had a close game? If the Broncos win here they will finish the year on an eleven game winning streak. Wow.
Matchup to Watch: Jamal Charles vs. Broncos run defense
While it has been very good of late, the only chink in the armor of this great Broncos team has been their run defense. Jamal Charles has been a phenomenal player in some really, really tough circumstances this year.
My Pick:
I won’t insult any of my reader’s intelligence. The Broncos will win.
Oakland Raiders (4-11) at San Diego Chargers (6-9)
Raiders Breakdown:
The Raiders are actually making the right move by playing Pryor here. What do they have to lose, another game? They need some game film on the guy at the very least.
Chargers Breakdown:
Lets get this over with guys. Everybody wants Norv Turner out of town. I can’t to see him back as an offensive coordinator though. He is going to realy help some team next year.
Matchup to Watch: Phillip Rivers vs. Raiders secondary
The Raiders pass “defense” has been atrocious all year. It would be great to see Rivers light them up to show his next coach they will still have a good quarterback to work with.
My Pick:
Chargers win another meaningless late season game, but I won’t be totally floored if Pryor actually plays well.
Arizona Cardinals (5-10) at San Francisco 49ers (10-4-1)
Cardinals Breakdown:
Brian Hoyer gets the start at the revolving door that is the Cardinals quarterback position. He was really overhyped by the media when he was the Patriots backup, but he has some skills. He needs to actually throw the ball to Larry Fitzgerald; something his predecessors could not figure out was a good idea.
49ers Breakdown:
Fresh off a total embarrassment at the hands of the Seahawks, I don’t doubt the Niners want to throttle the weak Cardinals. Harbaugh surely will have a grat plan to get us all fired up about Colin Kaepernick again, or at least he better.
Matchup to Watch: Beanie Wells vs. Niners defense
This is mostly a joke. Wells recently aid he was auditioning for the 31 other teams. I am sorry but does anyone care? Wells was a talented player at Ohio State, but injuries have plagued him and he has never been dominant at this level. Still, if he plays well here he could actually fool a team into bringing him in next year with a decent sized contract.
My Pick:
I haven’t been behind the Cardinals since they lost to the Rams all those weeks ago. 49ers win here.
St. Louis Rams (7-7-1) at Seattle Seahawks (10-5)*
Rams Breakdown:
The Rams played a stellar game last week against the Bucs and I am sure they want to play spoiler to their rivals here. Russell Wilson had a poor game in St. Louis last time out.
Seahawks Breakdown:
There isn’t a hotter team in the league right now than these guys. They are beating teams thoroughly and I won’t be foolish enough to pick against them, especially at home. Russell Wilson needs to have a great game against an underrated defense.
Matchup to Watch: Wilson vs. Rams defensive line
What has made Wilson so special recently is his ability to buy time in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield looking for passes. Wilson made some great players on the niners defense look downright silly last week. Lets watch my offensive rookie of the year against some more great players on the Rams line.
My Pick:
Seahawks continue their run. St. Louis might play them tough, but at home the Seahawks will win.
Dallas Cowboys (8-7) at Washington Redskins (9-6)
Cowboys Breakdown:
The Cowboys actually will win the NFC East if they win this game. They have been awful at times this year so that is shocking in of its self. Tony Romo has played fantastic football of late, especially throwing to young stud Dez Bryant, and he can cast a lot of doubts on the “choker” label by winning this game.
Redskins Breakdown:
A seemingly season of destiny could close out in fantastic fashion with a win by Washington here. America will be watching with great interest how RG3’s health holds up in this contest. He hasn’t failed this team yet and it would be shocking if he wilts here.
Matchup to Watch: Alfred Morris vs. Cowboys run defense
This defensive unit has begun collapsing for the second year in a row under the guidance of the incredibly overrated Rob Ryan. I am a firm believer he should be fired after this season, for a number of reasons. Their greatest weakness is defending the power running game up the middle. That happens to be the Redskins’ greatest strength.
My Pick:
This is the game of the week and I am sure it will live up to its hype. I expect a compelling game filled with drama and intrigue. In a very close game, I am picking Washington to come away with the win.
Jets Breakdown:
Well just when you feel like its all better, Mark Sanchez is starting for you again. I don’t have much to say about the Jets, but this could be an important game for some Jets players. A house cleaning is likely coming for this team, and players likely need to show their value in this game.
Bills Breakdown:
I feel about the same way I do for the Bills as I felt about the Jets. This team could also benefit from playing a good game, but in the grand scheme of things, this operation needs to be blown up as well. One win probably will not matter much.
Matchup to Watch: Mario Williams vs. Austin Howard
In this matchup we can watch a glaring error be exploited by a guy who made a huge error. I am sure Mario Williams is surely regretting coming to Buffalo after another dreadful year, but it’s the Bills what did he expect? He has had a decent year, but not dominant. Looks more and more like he chased the money and not wins.
My Pick:
I hate pick this game, because neither team is worth putting any confidence in. in the end, I just cant imagine a post-benching Sanchez coming back with confidence to lead his team to a win. Bills win, I guess.
Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)
Ravens Breakdown:
The Ravens showed us their full potential when they throttled the Giants last week. The question is if they come back to Earth here against the interdivision rival Bengals. I question whether either team will care much about this game because they are probably locked in playoff seeding-wise, but I think they Ravens should fight hard and ride some momentum.
Bengals Breakdown:
The Bengals are locked in to the sixth seed as well, but they too should fight hard in this game. Beating their other big rival will show that they are a force to be reckoned with. As in most situations, I think momentum is important. The Bengals should play their guys and play hard.
Matchup to Watch: Joe Flacco vs. Bengals Defensive line
Watching Flacco it is easy to see he is at his weakest when there are a lot of bodies around him and he is being pressured. Not many teams rush the passer like the Bengals, and Flacco could stumble after a strong game last week if the Bengals put heat on him.
My Pick:
This is a tough game to call because, as I said, I am not sure how much these teams care about this game. In the end, I actually think the Bengals biggest strength is their front seven on defense and that could cause a lot of problems for the Ravens. I will pick the Bengals, but its well known I am not comfortable with these guys.
Cleveland Browns (5-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)
Browns Breakdown:
With the news that third-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis will start on Sunday it hard to get behind the Browns at all in this matchup. Lewis has not seen any regular season action in the NFL so it hard to know much about him. He also will not benefit from the presence of Trent Richardson, who is also not expected to play.
Steelers Breakdown:
The Steelers have to be kicking themselves as they are out of the postseason. They frankly did not deserve it this year, as they have not been a consistent squad. I think they come out angry in this matchup and look to end the year on a high note.
Matchup to Watch: Browns backups vs. Steelers defense
The Browns are headed for another retooling in the offseason. A new set of decision makers need some valuable tape out of guys like Lewis and Montario Hardesty to make decisions on their future. If these two put up good performances they could stick with the new owner. On the Steelers side, their defense needs to given a shot of youth in the offseason. If any of these older guys want to stick they should play well here.
My Pick:
I am picking the Steelers. Maybe if the Browns were healthier they could challenge a defeated Steelers squad, but alas injuries to Weeden and Richardson are probably too much to overcome.
Houston Texans (12-3) at Indianapolis Colts (10-5)
Texans Breakdown:
The Texans have home field and the number one seed in the AFC playoffs at stake here. They also need a get-well game after losing to inferior Minnesota last week. They have a lot to play for here and should be motivated to show they are still a super bowl contender.
Colts Breakdown:
The Colts on the other hand, don’t have much to play for. They are locked into the fifth seed. However, so much of the Colts run has been on momentum and CHUCKSTRONG emotion they would be wise to ride it. Newly returned head coach Chuck Pagano has indicated they have no plans to roll over here.
Matchup to Watch: Arian Foster vs. Colts defense
The Colts were epically bad at stopping the Chiefs running game last week. Conversely, the Texans star running back had to leave the game last week due to an irregular heartbeat. Foster said it was a minor situation and he is fine going forward. I hope to see him make a statement.
My Pick:
I think the Texans win here. The y are probably the better team but I am sure they know they are not a perfect, and would like to have a home field advantage on their side in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13) at Tennessee Titans (5-10)
Jaguars Breakdown:
The Jaguars played the Patriots tough for a half, but ended up folding to much superior team. If they bring that same first half effort to this game they could potentially slaughter the flailing Titans.
Titans Breakdown:
Things are getting bad in Tennessee. The owner turned off the game last week, the team appears to have packed it in, and Jake Locker looks worse than ever. Will they even be mentally ready for this game?
Matchup to Watch: Effort
Not really a matchup, but since I discussed it so much it is worth highlighting. Both teams have struggled and the question isn’t so much who wins, it is more “which staff gets the axe quicker”. The Titans showed no such ever for their head coach, while the Jaguars at least tried last week.
My Pick:
I think the Jaguars come away with a win here. The Titans clearly do not care much anymore and I think some of the Jaguars coaching staff actually has a chance to stick around next year. Neither of these teams deserves it, but one has to win right? No ties please.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-11) at New York Giants (8-7)
Eagles Breakdown:
Mike Vick returns! I guess former starters coming back to rear their ugly heads is the theme of this week. Vick should be plenty motivated to prove he is still a starting caliber quarterback, but I do not foresee a good game for him in this matchup. He will need to rest of his teammates to follow his leadership, not something they ever did real well. The time on the bench probably has not helped Vick correct his turnover issues
Giants Breakdown:
The Giants are broken and battered, but will they be beaten by the Eagles? They certainly have stumbled against Philly in recent years as well. I am not even sure they even believe that they can make a run out of these circumstances.
Matchup to Watch: Jeremy Maclin vs. Corey Webster
Maclin has been on a tear with Nick Foles in the lineup, and he thoroughly dominated in Washington last week. Corey Webster, on the other hand, was torched senselessly by the Ravens passing attack last week. It will be worth watching to see if Maclin can play this way with Vick back under center given he has a favorable matchup against Webster.
My Pick:
I am off the Giants bandwagon, finally. But I am picking them to win, despite the history and a very motivated Michael Vick, they will not surprise the Giants here. One reason: this offense plays very differently with Vick under center than it did with Foles. If Vick shows a major lack of ability to read coverages, and the offense can’t adjust to his scrambling, the Eagles will lose big. I just do not believe Vick can play well anymore
Chicago Bears (9-6) at Detroit Lions (4-11)
Bears Breakdown:
The Bears are on their last playoff legs. They need to win and get some helps from the Packers (GASP) to get in. I expect them to at least take care of business here, because if they don’t, Lovie Smith may need to worry about his job status.
Lions Breakdown:
I said the Lions only care about Calvin Johnson and breaking Jerry Rice’s record so that they can hide their terrible season behind that achievement. Now that that is over with, will they still play hard to get CJ over the 2,000-yard mark?
Matchup to Watch: Charles Tillman vs. Calvin Johnson
Tillman handled Johnson in the fist meeting between these teams. Can he replicate the results here? Tillman’s play dropped off with the entire defenses’ and he hasn’t been the media darling he was earlier in the year. I am sure he does not want to give Calvin Johnson his 2,000-yard season.
My Pick:
The Bears take care of things in this game and then turn their attention to the Packers-Vikings matchup and root for their hated cheese head rivals, no matter how sick it makes them.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-9) at Atlanta Falcons (13-2)
Buccaneers Breakdown:
The Buccaneers are looking worse and worse each week. I honestly cannot imagine them playing well here, unless they are playing against Atlanta’s second team.
Falcons Breakdown:
I have a feeling Atlanta will play their starters through the first quarter and maybe into the second. But I am sure we will see their studs start to trickle out later into the game. With the number one seed locked in, there just isn’t much at stake for Atlanta here.
Matchup to Watch: Josh Freeman vs. Atlanta’s secondary
I think it is pertinent to watch how Freeman performs against the starters as opposed to how he plays against the second teamers who will get time. I can see Freeman tearing up the Falcons scrubs and it being fool’s gold for the coaching staff and lead them to not bring in competition for next year. That would be a massive mistake in my opinion.
My Pick:
I am actually going to pick the Falcons here. Despite the fact that they may not try the whole game I think Atlanta wants to do everything possible to win in the postseason. Smashing an inferior division rival to close out the regular season would be a good start. It would be a mistake by coach Mike Smith to coast through this last game and he cannot afford many mistakes given the pressure to go on a playoff run.
Carolina Panthers (6-9) at New Orleans Saints (7-8)
Panthers Breakdown:
Despite their season being long over, I think Carolina really wants to win this game. Carolina still carries a lot of bad blood with the Saints because they ran up the records/score this time last year and they surely want to pay the Saints back for that. For a team in Carolina that has lacked an edge and a killer instinct for years now, it is actually a good sign that in this lost season they have at least shown that they want to show they can beat, and won’t tolerate disrespect from, the NFC South bullies (Falcons and Saints).
Eagles Breakdown:
The Saints are fresh of the news that they will have Sean Payton back as their head coach for sure next season, and beyond. I am sure they would like to end this chaotic season with a bang by stomping a division rival. It would be good for the Saints to close on a high note and ride some momentum into an offseason that will be filled with questions.
Matchup to Watch: Cam Newton vs. Drew Brees
I really do expect a shoot out here and the quarterback to be at the forefront of the scoring party. Cam Newton has really grown up in this second half of the season, in his play and his off the field maturity, and he would take another great step by outplaying Brees here. As for Mr. Brees he wants to close the door on this obnoxious season, and he will be extra motivated to show the world he is still a top-3 to 4 level quarterback.
My Pick:
Of all the meaningless games in week 17 this is probably the most exciting and hardest to pick. In the end I am going to give the edge to New Orleans, but I expect it to be high scoring and close.
Miami Dolphins (7-8) at New England Patriots (11-4)
Dolphins Breakdown:
The Dolphins have really played quite well, especially considering most ranked them as one of the two or three worst teams in football prior to the season. Beating the Patriots and getting to .500 would be a great way for this squad to end the year.
Patriots Breakdown:
The Patriots have seeding at stake here and Bill Belichick is a master of positioning his team well in the playoffs. No doubt he wants to win this game, but if it benefits him to lose and play a team he perceives as a more favorable matchup in the wild card round, maybe we see him call off the dogs late.
Matchup to Watch: Ryan Tannehill vs. Devin McCourty
Tannehill has looked like he will easily the best quarterback for the phins since the great Marino. Devin McCourty since moving to safety has been just phenomenal. I would bet we see him develop into a Charles Woodson type player in his new role. I want to see how Tannehill handles this type of player and if McCourty can bait him into a few mistakes.
My Pick:
This is a tough one to pick because it is hard to project how the Patriots approach this one. But I am going to go ahead and say the Pats will prevail in this one. Not going to put my money on it though.
Green Bay Packers (11-4)* at Minnesota Vikings (9-6)
Packers Breakdown:
The Packers were stellar last week and they are riding with a ton of momentum here. Expect them to come out and fight hard for that first round bye. Also, no way they want to roll over and give Peterson the rushing yardage record. They are going to load up against the run.
Vikings Breakdown:
They will certainly look to establish the run and get AP the record, also because feeding him is the best chance they have to win, but they are going to be forced by the Packers into having Christian Ponder win them this game. Lets see if he is up to the task.
Matchup to Watch: Vikings pass rushers vs. Packers offensive line
It’s too easy to go with anything Peterson related. Instead I want to see how Jared Allen and company matches up against this offensive front. The line has been by far the biggest weak spot for the Pack and while Allen is certainly on the decline, other players like Brian Robison and Everson Griffin have emerged around him.
My Pick:
I am going with the upset and saying the Vikings get a win. I do strongly believe in the Pakcers as a super bowl contender, but I have a strong feeling Peterson gets the record in this game and carries his team to a win. It just feels right.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-13) at Denver Broncos (12-3)
Chiefs Breakdown:
Kansas City can get the number one pick by losing here. They better not win and screw that up.
Broncos Breakdown:
I don’t think many realize how great this Broncos team is. Yes they have played some cupcakes teams, but they when was the last time they even had a close game? If the Broncos win here they will finish the year on an eleven game winning streak. Wow.
Matchup to Watch: Jamal Charles vs. Broncos run defense
While it has been very good of late, the only chink in the armor of this great Broncos team has been their run defense. Jamal Charles has been a phenomenal player in some really, really tough circumstances this year.
My Pick:
I won’t insult any of my reader’s intelligence. The Broncos will win.
Oakland Raiders (4-11) at San Diego Chargers (6-9)
Raiders Breakdown:
The Raiders are actually making the right move by playing Pryor here. What do they have to lose, another game? They need some game film on the guy at the very least.
Chargers Breakdown:
Lets get this over with guys. Everybody wants Norv Turner out of town. I can’t to see him back as an offensive coordinator though. He is going to realy help some team next year.
Matchup to Watch: Phillip Rivers vs. Raiders secondary
The Raiders pass “defense” has been atrocious all year. It would be great to see Rivers light them up to show his next coach they will still have a good quarterback to work with.
My Pick:
Chargers win another meaningless late season game, but I won’t be totally floored if Pryor actually plays well.
Arizona Cardinals (5-10) at San Francisco 49ers (10-4-1)
Cardinals Breakdown:
Brian Hoyer gets the start at the revolving door that is the Cardinals quarterback position. He was really overhyped by the media when he was the Patriots backup, but he has some skills. He needs to actually throw the ball to Larry Fitzgerald; something his predecessors could not figure out was a good idea.
49ers Breakdown:
Fresh off a total embarrassment at the hands of the Seahawks, I don’t doubt the Niners want to throttle the weak Cardinals. Harbaugh surely will have a grat plan to get us all fired up about Colin Kaepernick again, or at least he better.
Matchup to Watch: Beanie Wells vs. Niners defense
This is mostly a joke. Wells recently aid he was auditioning for the 31 other teams. I am sorry but does anyone care? Wells was a talented player at Ohio State, but injuries have plagued him and he has never been dominant at this level. Still, if he plays well here he could actually fool a team into bringing him in next year with a decent sized contract.
My Pick:
I haven’t been behind the Cardinals since they lost to the Rams all those weeks ago. 49ers win here.
St. Louis Rams (7-7-1) at Seattle Seahawks (10-5)*
Rams Breakdown:
The Rams played a stellar game last week against the Bucs and I am sure they want to play spoiler to their rivals here. Russell Wilson had a poor game in St. Louis last time out.
Seahawks Breakdown:
There isn’t a hotter team in the league right now than these guys. They are beating teams thoroughly and I won’t be foolish enough to pick against them, especially at home. Russell Wilson needs to have a great game against an underrated defense.
Matchup to Watch: Wilson vs. Rams defensive line
What has made Wilson so special recently is his ability to buy time in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield looking for passes. Wilson made some great players on the niners defense look downright silly last week. Lets watch my offensive rookie of the year against some more great players on the Rams line.
My Pick:
Seahawks continue their run. St. Louis might play them tough, but at home the Seahawks will win.
Dallas Cowboys (8-7) at Washington Redskins (9-6)
Cowboys Breakdown:
The Cowboys actually will win the NFC East if they win this game. They have been awful at times this year so that is shocking in of its self. Tony Romo has played fantastic football of late, especially throwing to young stud Dez Bryant, and he can cast a lot of doubts on the “choker” label by winning this game.
Redskins Breakdown:
A seemingly season of destiny could close out in fantastic fashion with a win by Washington here. America will be watching with great interest how RG3’s health holds up in this contest. He hasn’t failed this team yet and it would be shocking if he wilts here.
Matchup to Watch: Alfred Morris vs. Cowboys run defense
This defensive unit has begun collapsing for the second year in a row under the guidance of the incredibly overrated Rob Ryan. I am a firm believer he should be fired after this season, for a number of reasons. Their greatest weakness is defending the power running game up the middle. That happens to be the Redskins’ greatest strength.
My Pick:
This is the game of the week and I am sure it will live up to its hype. I expect a compelling game filled with drama and intrigue. In a very close game, I am picking Washington to come away with the win.
