Week 17 NFL Predictions

Saturday
NY Giants at Washington- With the way that the Giants are playing and how the players are pointing toward one another and the coaching staff for blame, I don't have much confidence in the team to win in Washington.
Washington 28 NY Giants 21

Sunday
Carolina at New Orleans- The Saints have the second seed locked up, so the real question is, how long will they play their starters? I wouldn't want to play the underachieving Panthers in the playoffs, so I'd think that they'd play them the majority of the game. Having lost to Carolina already once this year, I think it's important for the Saints to finish the Panthers off, so they don't have to face them again, having lost two of two to them during the course of the season.
New Orleans 27 Carolina 21

Cleveland at Houston- The Browns are struggling, especially after Charlie Frye went down with an injury. Houston is coming off a shocking win over the now 11-4 Colts. Will they have a letdown week (yes, it can happen in the NFL, especially if you're the Texans)? I'm not thinking so. I like Houston to finish the year strong, with a 6-10 record, and something to build off of for next year.
Houston 24 Cleveland 17

Detroit at Dallas- The Lions almost beat the Bears last week. They were within a dropped pass by Mike Williams of defeating Chicago. Dallas got spanked by Philly on Monday night. Even though I haven't been too impressed with Dallas of late, especially on defense, I have to pick them at home against the Lions.
Dallas 28 Detroit 17

Jacksonville at Kansas City- The Jags are just finding ways to lose, aren't they? Things aren't getting any easier when they have to travel to Arrowhead. The Jags should be very motivated for this game and I see them stating their case as a potential Wild Card team.
Jacksonville 21 Kansas City 17

New England at Tennessee- How do the Titans keep on winning? Their D scored the only three touchdowns of the game for their team two weeks ago against Jacksonville to win a game where they held the ball for about 14 of the 60 minutes. Maybe I'm just not a big believer yet, but I have to go with Tom Brady and the Pats against the pesky Titans.
New England 24 Tennessee 17

Oakland at NY Jets- Like the Titans, the Jets are just finding ways to win football games. With receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter doubtful for Sunday's game, it's very hard for me to see Oakland generating much offense. NY should lock up a solid playoff spot with this win.
NY Jets 17 Oakland 3

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati- Pitt is out of the playoff race and Cincinnati is praying for a chance to play following this weekend's game. With how they were embarrassed a week ago, I look for the Steelers and Willie Parker to exploit the subpar Bengal defense and come away with a victory to close the year out at an even 8-8.
Pittsburgh 27 Cincinnati 24

Seattle at Tampa Bay- Seattle is playing anything but stellar of late and Tampa has done anything but give up, even though they've been out of the playoff race for quite some time. I look for Tampa to fight for sixty minutes, yet again, but to fall just short in the end.
Seattle 24 Tampa Bay 17

St. Louis at Minnesota- Two teams that are heading in opposite directions. The Rams' offense has exploded like old times in recent weeks and Minnesota can't get anything done on that end. I look for the two teams to continue their current streaks, with the Rams coming out on top.
St. Louis 31 Minnesota 13

Atlanta at Philadelphia- As much as I want the Falcons to win, I find it hard to believe that, as distracted as they are, they'll be able to beat a red hot Philly squad away from home. They have the talent to win this game, but I just don't see it happening.
Philadelphia 27 Atlanta 20

Buffalo at Baltimore- Buffalo seems to play great at home, and not so great away from home. That's not a good ingredient when you're playing in Baltimore against the tenacious Raven defense. I look for Brian Billick and his squad to finish the regular season on a high note and march into the playoffs on a roll.
Baltimore 17 Buffalo 10

Miami at Indianapolis- The Colts have lost 4 of their past 6 games, following a 9-0 start. They fell to now 5-10 Houston last week. Good news for them is that Miami is anything but spectacular offensively and the Colts should rebound from an embarrassing loss a week ago to finish the year at 12-4.
Indianapolis 24 Miami 17

Arizona at San Diego- The Cards have been showing some life lately. It's hard for me to believe that they'll show enough life to win in San Diego, though. The Chargers are hotter than anyone in the league and are the team to beat in the playoffs. Just don't tell Marty that. He's had the rep of...well, you know (I won't say it).
San Diego 27 Arizona 17

San Francisco at Denver- The Niners had an opportunity to make a playoff run, but fell to Arizona 26-20 last week. With this game at Mile High, and coming off a high in their 24-23 victory over Cincy last week, I like the Broncos to finish the regular season on a similar (high) note.
Denver 24 San Francisco 14

Green Bay at Chicago- Like last week, I just have to wonder how long Chicago will play their regular starters. For how much the Bears have struggled in recent weeks, I'd play the starters for the majority of the game. If they do, I think they'll win. If not, then it's anybody's game.
Chicago 27 Green Bay 21