Joe Flacco and the Ravens are facing a win and you are in scenario today.
The final week of the regular season is upon us. There is still plenty to be decided as teams try to make the playoffs and secure seeding.
Here are my week 17 picks.
12/31 4:25 ET At Baltimore -9.5 Cincinnati 40: It’s a win and your in scenario for the Ravens. Baltimore will win this game but not by two scores. I’ll take Cincy as a home dog in what should be Marvin Lewis’ final game as coach.
12/31 1:00 ET At Detroit -6.5 Green Bay 43: This game was suppose to matter. It’s not. I’m taking the Lions at home. They are healthier and they haven’t bagged on the season like the Packers have.
12/31 4:25 ET Buffalo -2.5 At Miami 42.5: Buffalo needs to win this game and get some help. Something tells me the Dolphins will come to play and spoil the party. I’m taking the Dolphins as a home dog. They will spoil Buffalo’s playoff plans.
12/31 4:25 ET At Atlanta -3.5 Carolina 45: This is a huge game. The Falcons need to win to get in while the Panthers need to win in order to win the NFC South. Carolina has traditionally played the Falcons tough in the ATL and I don’t expect this game to be any different. Despite that, I think Matt Ryan and company come to play so I am putting my money on them in this one. They are the more desperate team. Carolina is already in the playoffs.
12/31 4:25 ET New Orleans -7 At Tampa Bay 50.5: It’s simple for the Saints. They win and they win the NFC South. Tampa Bay has mailed it in on this season. They will play the Saints tough for a half but in the end, New Orleans is better and has more to play for. I’m going with the Saints in a no brainer.
12/31 4:25 ET At Tennessee -3 Jacksonville 42: The Titans are currently the six seed in the AFC. All they need to do is win and they are in. Jacksonville is locked into the three seed in the AFC and may not play all of their starters. Tennessee should take care of business today and lock up the six seed. I’m going with the Titans at home.
12/31 1:00 ET At New England -15.5 NY Jets 43: I picked the Bills as a road dog last week in New England and they were looking good until the Patriots piled on the points in the fourth quarter. This week I’m taking the Jets as a road dog. The Patriots are banged up, especially at running back and may not play Tom Brady the entire game. I think New England wins but not by three scores.
12/31 1:00 ET At Indianapolis -5 Houston 40: The Colts send Chuck Pagano out a winner but only by a field goal. I’m taking the Texans as a road dog in what should be an ugly game.
12/31 1:00 ET At Pittsburgh -7 Cleveland 37: The Steelers are resting Big Ben and Lev Bell but it won’t matter. Pittsburgh will still win and cover with ease.
12/31 1:00 ET Washington -3 At NY Giants 39.5: I’ll take the Redskins in this meaningless NFC East tilt. Besides, several Giants starters have tapped out so it’s even more of a no brainer.
12/31 1:00 ET At Minnesota -12 Chicago 39.5: The Vikings need to win in order to secure the number two seed and a first round bye in the NFC. They’ll get it done but it won’t be easy. Minnesota wins but the Bears play them tough. Take Chicago at home. +12 is a good number if you are looking to take a home dog.
12/31 1:00 ET Dallas -3 At Philadelphia 39.5: Another meaningless NFC East game. I’m taking the Cowboys as a road dog in this one.
12/31 4:25 ET At LA Chargers -8 Oakland 42: The Chargers might be out of the playoffs by the time this game kicks off. However, they may also still have a shot at getting in if Baltimore or Tennessee loses. That’s why I am taking them in this game. The Raiders have a lot of pride but the Chargers are at home and have more to play for. Im going with the Bolts in what should be a good game.
12/31 4:25 ET At Seattle -9.5 Arizona 38.5: The Seahawks need to win and hope the Falcons lose in order to make the playoffs. Arizona has traditionally played the Seahawks tough at CenturyLink Field and something tells me they will play them tough again. I don’t know why Vegas loves the Seahawks at home so much? They are not the team they were two years ago. I think Seattle wins this game but only by a field goal. I’m taking the Cards as a road dog.
12/31 4:25 ET At Denver -3.5 Kansas City 38: Kansas City has nothing to play for, that’s why they are starting rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Give me Denver as a home favorite in this one. The Broncos finish up a miserable season with a win at home.
12/31 4:25 ET San Francisco -3.5 At LA Rams 43.5: The Rams are sitting several starters and Jimmy G is in town. Give me the Niners in this one. They should cover as a road favorite.