Week 17, Say it aint so

It's hard to believe that we're finally at week 17 in the NFL. Just this past summer, we were unsure if we'd even see week 1. But what a great year it's been for football. From record breaking quarterbacks to Tebowing and beyond, there's been so many different angles to watch this year. And wouldn't you know it, even on the final week of the season there's still plenty of excitement. There are several teams that are fighting to get into the playoffs and about a dozen coaches fighting for their jobs. The only good thing about this being the last week in the regular season, is that playoff football starts next week.

DET @ GB – GB. I was really hoping that this game would come down to the “Perfect Season.” Unfortunately, the Kansas City Chiefs decided to play spoiler a couple weeks ago. If the Packers were 15-0 going into this game, I probably would have taken Detroit out of principle. That’s not the case however, so I’m going with Green Bay. 

TEN @ HOU – TEN. I need the Titans to come up big in this game. All I need is a win out of them and about half the population of my work comes in on Monday with sulking faces. Good news for Tennessee is that Houston has clinched a spot in the playoffs and has already stated that their starters will play limited time. I’m just hoping they don’t have a huge lead by the time that happens.

IND @ JAC – IND. This was another game that I was hoping would have meant something. When Indy went 0-10 I chose this game as the only one on their schedule where they could pull off a win. Never thought they’d be going into this game with a pair of wins, let alone one. Still taking them though, considering they seem to be the hot team right now.

NYJ @ MIA – NYJ. I honestly think that the Jets are going to win this game. They may not be able to choose their own destiny, but I at least think they’ll help themselves by winning against Miami. It’s a do or die situation for the Jets, something I’m sure Rex Ryan won’t take laying down.

CHI @ MIN – MIN. There just doesn’t seem to be any hope for either team. They’re both hurt and out of contention. I’m taking Minnesota in this one even though Chicago seems to have the better record. Most of those wins came at the likes of Forte and Cutler.

BUF @ NE – NE. Personally I don’t think New England is going to win this game because I don’t think their starters will be on the field long enough to make a difference.

CAR @ NO – NO. New Orleans might be in the playoffs, but their defense is still good enough to stop the Panthers and Drew Brees can still tack on a few hundred more yards to pad that record for the next challenger.

WAS @ PHI – PHI. The dream team has finally woken up and now they’re trying to just salvage the season they have left with an even record. I think they’ll get it at home especially the way they’ve been playing lately.

SF @ STL – SF. The 49ners are still looking for a first round bye. All they have to do is win against St. Louis whom have done nothing this year. Now they might not even have their quarterback.

SEA @ ARI – SEA. Other than the Indy/Jacksonville game, this one is probably the second worst game of the week if not the first. Flip a coin and I take Seattle.

TB @ ATL – ATL. Tampa Bay has just been a complete disappointment and with Cam Newton now in the picture, people are going to forget about Josh Freeman very quickly.

BAL @ CIN – BAL. This game has definitely become a rivalry, especially this year. It’s fitting that the final game matches these two teams up. No explanation for picking the Ravens, just have a feeling.

PIT @ CLE – PIT. Big Ben or not, Pittsburgh shouldn’t have a problem either putting up points or keeping Cleveland from putting them up.

KC @ DEN – DEN. Tebow Time has been on hiatus the last couple weeks, so I think it’s time it came out of hibernation.

SD @ OAK – SD. San Diego may be out of contention as well, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play a great spoiler game. In fact, I’m counting on it with my pick. Oakland may be playing for another game, but more importantly they’re playing for their former owner. The last time that happened, they lost in dramatic fashion. History does tend to repeat itself.

DAL @ NYG – NYG. This game is a complete toss up, but sometimes you just got to bELIeve. I’m actually hoping that this game ends in perfect Dallas fashion with a Romo-tastic finish.