Week 17 NFL Picks

Detroit Lions (+7.5) @ Green Bay Packers- The Lions could make this a close game given that they have won the past two meetings against the Packers, and held Green Bay to only 17 points in their last game.

The division and a homefield game for the playoffs

will be on the line in this game at Lambeau Field

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans (-7.5) - Houston is unlikely to make it to the postseason but will still be playing for a playoff spot.  Houston beat Jacksonville 27-13 in its last meeting.

Indianapolis Colts (-7.5) @ Tennessee Titans  - While the Colts have already won the division, they may want to put forth a better effort after a big loss to the Cowboys.  Chuck Pagano has said that he wants some momentum to carry into the playoffs so look for the Colts to play most of its starters in this one.

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens (13.5) - Johnny Manziell partying has resulted in the tardiness of some Cleveland Browns players to practice.  Baltimore will look to try to secure a playoff spot as they need to either win or tie to the Cleveland Browns and a San Diego Chargers loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.  

Buffalo Bills (+6.5) @ New England Patriots - The Bills are playing well but have lost 13 straight in Foxborough.  While the Patriots struggled against the Jets last week, the Patriots put up 37 points in its first meeting at Buffalo.  Still, it looks as if Rob Gronkowski and other key contributors will be out in this one so this one has a potential to be a close game.

A list of New England inactive players

New York Jets (+7) @ Miami Dolphins - Rex Ryan is already cleaning out his office.  The Jets are playing for nothing more than a draft pick.  The Dolphins have also been eliminated from the playoffs so this game could potentially be close against division rivals.

Carolina Panthers (+3) @ Atlanta Falcons - These two six win teams will be playing for a playoff spot.  It looks as if Cam Newton is playing better ball who has as many rushing touchdowns in the past two weeks (2) as he did in the first eleven.

Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings(-7) - Jay Cutler is back as the team's starting quarterback.  Still, Minnesota plays better ball at home than on the road and it looks like Coach Trestman will be fired from the Bears.

San Diego Chargers (-2.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs will be without Alex Smith in this one which should be enough to give San Diego the edge.  If Chargers get out ahead, it will be tough for the Chiefs and Chase Daniels to lead them back to victory.  Philip Rivers has also done well at the end of the regular season.

Best record in the regular season finale since 2006. pic.twitter.com/UonRG1ITbV
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 28, 2014

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants -  Neither team has much to play for.  The Giants have been playing better ball as of late.  Peyton Manning has got it together with the help of Odell Beckham who has 6 touchdowns in the past 3 weeks.  Sanchez's play has not been up to par against division opponents like the Cowboys and the Redskins.

Dallas Cowboys (-6.5) @ Washington Redskins (+6.5) - This is the first time in a long time that Dallas has clinched a playoff spot going into the final week of the postseason.  Dallas's motivation for this game may be minimal since the conditions for the Cowboys to secure a first round bye (Green Bay and Seattle losing at home) is unlikely.  Washington played hard against the Eagles last week and even though it will hurt their draft position, the coaching staff and its quarterback are playing for its future and will likely put out a full effort to win the game.  Still, Dallas is so far undefeated on the road this season and should pull out the win here unless Dallas pulls out its starters.

Here's an interesting clip of Alfred Morris being mic'd up against Eagles as the Washington Redskins played spoiler last week against the Eagles.

New Orleans Saints (-5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Saints have nothing to play for other than pride.  The Bucs in the meantime are playing for the chance for a number 1 pick which means they are better off losing this game than winning it.

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco (-6.5) 

I just looked Harbaugh in his eyes and thanked him for leading us to some of the best times of our lives. Give Respect when it's Due.
— Bam Davis (@AnthonyDavis76) December 28, 2014

It is the end of an era with the 49ers as Jim Harbaugh will go to Michigan.  While Arizona is playing for a potential first round bye, they will be starting their fourth string quarterback Logan Thomas.  Drew Stanton could be back next week in time for the playoffs who has been out after catching an infection in the hospital.  

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos (-14) - The Denver Broncos are still playing for a #2 seed and look for them to try to pile up the points against the Raiders which they already did earlier this year.

Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers - These are two of the hottest teams in the NFL right now.  The Bengals are coming off a 37-28 win against the Broncos.  If the Bengals can run the ball, they should be able to win this game.  

Washington Redskins/Eagles Recap and Week 16 Picks

DeSean Jackson dances after a win 

Against his former team (via DCSportsBog)

Robert Griffin did just enough to help Washington win.  He threw a couple of bombs to DeSean Jackson which lead to 3 rushing touchdowns for the Redskins offense: one by Alfred Morris and two by fullback Daryl Young, who went to Villanova University.  He also did what Mark Sanchez could not do which was lead his team on a game winning field goal drive.  

Philadelphia errors certainly helped.  They extended drives with penalties on 3rd down including an unsportsmanlike conduct shove and a few  roughing the passe.  Will Allen tackled DeSean Jackson to avoid potential embarrassment which resulted in pass interference and the football near the goal line. 

The Eagles missed two field goals.  Sanchez committed a few turnovers including a fumble in the 1st quarter and interception with the Eagles having a chance to take the lead in the 4th quarter.  On what proved to be difference making score, the Eagles sealed their fate by roughing up Robert Griffin which put the Redskins in field goal range.

The Eagles should have put forth a much more disciplined effort given that they are playing for a playoff spot and could be eliminated from playoff contention if the Dallas Cowboys take care of business against the Colts.

Minnesota Vikings @ Miami Dolphins (-4) - The Dolphins have taken care of homefield for the most part and defense has been solid which could present problems for the Vikings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+12) @ Green Bay Packers - The Packers struggled against the Bills while the Bucs could make this game potentially interesting if Lovie Smith can put forward a good defensive game plan and if Tampa Bay's big wide receivers step up.  

Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions (-8.5) 

Jimmy Clausen is mostly famous for attending

Notre Dame but has been a disappointment in the NFL

 The Bears are already without Brandon Marshall and now they move forward with Jimmy Clausen who was only a third string quarterback for the Panthers. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (-4.5) - New Orleans won the first meeting at Atlanta and this time they will be playing at home to try to build off its momentum of its win against Bears.  The Falcons offense has been solid lately but their defense has been shaky all season long.

New England Patriots (-10) @ New York Jets  - This could be the last time that we see a Rex Ryan vs. Patriots showdown.  While Rex Ryan has upset the New England a few times, including the playoffs, the Patriots have done a good job at piling up points on below average opponents.  

Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) - The Steelers have put together good wins against the Bengals.  While the Chiefs have a good defense, I wonder if Alex Smith can create enough offense against the Steeler's 3/4 defense.  

Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers (-4) - Cam Newton returns and Johnny Manziel looks dismal so far as a starting NFL quarterback.

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) @ Houston Texans - The Texans look to play spoilers against the Ravens.  While the Ravens have won 4 of their past 5, the Ravens only beat Jacksonville by 8 points.    Still, Case Keenum makes the start, so it could be a struggle for Houston to put up points.  

New York Giants @ St. Louis Rams (-6.5) - The Rams defense is elite which should put the clamps down on the Giants.  While the Rams only scored 6 points last week, the Giants defense has been below average throughout the season.  

Buffalo Bills (-6.5) @ Oakland Raiders - The Buffalo Bills come off a win against the Packers and look to join the party on teams that have blown out the Raiders.  

Indianapolis Colts @ Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) - It looks like DeMarco Murray will play which could give Dallas the offensive boost it needs to beat the Indianapolis Colts.  It should be a high scoring game with big playoff implications for both teams.    

Seattle Seahawks (-8.5) @ Arizona Cardinals- Arizona is 11-3 and could have enough tools to keep this game close down the stretch.  Still, the Seahawks have been taking care of quality opponents both on the road and at home and it could be hard for Arizona to garner up some offense with their 3rd string quarterback Ryan Lindley.

Worst Thursday Night Game Ever Pick

The Titans have started 3 different QBs this season and might draft Mariota or Winston (via ESPN)

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-4.5)

This is the first time in 42 games that the Jaguars have been favored over an opponent.  The last time these two teams played, the Titans beat the Jaguars 16-14.  Each team enters the game at 2-12 and a winner does have to emerge.  I suppose Jacksonville will have the advantage at quarterback with Blake Bortles, and Tennessee will be highly motivated to lose this one if they want to secure a top pick to draft to draft either Mariota or Winston in the upcoming draft.

Week 15 picks

Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs (-10) -  Kansas City lost to the Raiders a couple of weeks ago and right now haven't been able to get on track after a tough loss to the Cardinals on a controversial call.  The Chiefs will want to extract revenge on the Raiders and Oakland has struggled on the road.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Baltimore Ravens (-13.5) - The Ravens are playing better coming off a win at Miami while the Jaguars struggled against the Giants.  Look for the Ravens to put away the Jaguars especially since Baltimore is playing for a playoff spot.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2.5) @ Atlanta Falcons  - Atlanta's offense looks like it is clicking on all cylinders while the Steelers managed a solid win against the Bengals last week.  The Steelers should have an advantage over a shaky Atlanta pass secondary. 

Houston Texans (+7) @ Indianapolis Colts  -  This is a division game.  While the Colts are the slight favorites, look for the Texans to keep it close.

Cincinatti Bengals @ Cleveland Browns (+2.5) -

Johnny Manziel makes his debut against

a coach who called him a midget

 Johnny Manziel makes his first career start against Cincinatti.  Manziel could make some rookie mistakes but even so, he has the potential to be an upgrade over Bryan Hoyer who had only thrown one touchdown pass in his last five games.  

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (-9) -  New England lost the opening game of the season to the Dolphins but now Tom Brady and the Patriots offense is hitting on all cylinders.

Tampa Bay Bucaneers @ Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton is out in this game.  But the Panthers already have beaten the Bucs on the road without Newton in their opener.  Plus Carolina's defense has picked it up lately especially against the Saints.

Washington Redskins (+7) @ New York Giants - Both teams have little to play for other than pride.  Look for Washington to get back on track even though they struggled against hte Giants in their opening meeting.  

Green Bay Packers (3.5) @ Buffalo Bills - Green Bay's defense had trouble containing the Falcons offense.  Still, Kyle Orton and the Bills offense have not been as explosive.

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions (-7.5) - The Minnesota Vikings have won their past couple of games but Detroit has been taking care of business at home with two consecutive 17 point victories at home.

Denver Broncos (-4) @ San Diego Chargers - The Chargers defense has had trouble slowing down Peyton Manning since he's been in Denver.

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks (9.5)- The 49ers have looked shaky leading up to this game against the Seahawks .  San Francisco its past two games by double digits, with a terrible loss to the Raiders.  While the 49ers have plenty to play for,  the Seahawks defense is hitting its stride as was able to slow down the Philadelphia's offense last week.  

Dallas Cowboys (+3.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles - Dallas has had extra time to prepare and look back at the mistakes they made during the Thanksgiving game.   Of course the game will depend on upon Sanchez who has been great at times and mediocre in others.  

New Orleans Saints (-3) @ Chicago Bears -  Both teams are struggling.  Look for New Orleans to rebound after a poor effort against the Panthers.  Plus the Bears will be without Brandon Marshall for the remainder of the season.  

Week 15 Thursday Night Pick

Since taking over as a starter, Shaun Hill is 3-1
(via the LA Times)

Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams (-5) - The Rams have outscored their last two opponents (the Raiders and the Redskins) 76-0 in their last two games.  Meanwhile, the Cardinals trounced the Rams 31-14 in their last meeting in Arizona, but are without Carson Palmer in this one. 

Yes, the Rams last two opponents may look below average- then again, the Raiders have won 2 of their past 3 and Washington's offense has been better with Colt McCoy running the show.   Arizona's offense has been limited with Josh Skelton; the Rams defense has outscored the Cardinals offense in the past couple of weeks.   The Rams are now playing with a lot of confidence, and have already beaten quality teams at home including the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers.  Look for St. Louis to cover here against Arizona 

My Week 14 NFL Picks

Dallas Cowboys  @ Chicago Bears (+4) - Chicago and Dallas have had each a week to prepare.  It should be a high scoring affair.

Tony Romo's December record has been bad
Jay Cutler has picked up his play 
(via espn.com)

Baltimore Ravens (+2.5) @ Miami Dolphins - This game could decide who ultimately makes the playoffs.  I have questions about Miami's offense who almost lost to the Jets this past Monday Night.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinatti Bengals (-3) - The Bengals have been a more consistent team than the Steelers who have had some impressive wins but few of those have come on the road.

St. Louis Rams (+3) @ Washington Redskins - Colt McCoy and Washington's offense actually put together a few good drives against the Indianapolis; it was the defense that actually could not hang with the Colts.  Still, the Rams defense is really good, they typically play Washington tough, and they are playing for a playoff spot.  

Colt McCoy has been solid 

but Washington's defense hasn't been 

(via bleacherreport.com)

New York Jets @ Minnesota Vikings (-6) - Minnesota has won 2 of its past 3 home games and their only loss was against the Packers.  The Jets played the Dolphins close but have generally struggled playing away from home.  

Buffalo Bills (+9.5) @ Denver Broncos - The Bills defense could keep it close against a Broncos team that fluctuates from week to week.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Arizona Cardinals - Looks like it might be time to sell on the Cardinals who are without Carson Palmer and the Chiefs defense is certainly more than capable of containing Arizona's offense.

San Francisco 49ers (-8) @ Oakland Raiders - Both teams are coming off big losses.  Look for the 49ers to clamp down the Raiders offense which failed to score last week against the Rams.

Seattle Seahawks @ Philadelphia Eagles (-1) - Seattle had a good win against the 49ers but the Eagles offense is a different animal.

New England Patriots (-3.5) @ San Diego Chargers - The Patriots should be extra motivated after a close loss to the Packers.

Atlanta Falcons (+12.5) @ Green Bay Packers - The Falcons just beat the Cardinals and that's a lot of points for the Packers to cover who may have a let down after a good win against the Patriots.