WEEK 16: 12-4
SEASON: 157-83

NFL WEEK 17
SUNDAY'S GAMES
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles 1 p.m.
Even though they are officially eliminated from the playoffs, the Eagles have been playing inspired football lately. Michael Vick and company are determined to finish the season strong. I think that both Vick and Lasean McCoy will have over 100 yards on the ground in this game.
Eagles 27, Redskins 17

N.Y. Jets at Miami Dolphins

1 p.m.
The Fins would love nothing more than to officially end the Jets' playoff hopes. Even with a win, the Jets wouldn't be guaranteed of a playoff spot. I think they'll struggle in South Beach on Sunday though. Led by Reggie Bush, the Fins are productive on the offensive end, and ever since week nine, their defense has been consistently shutting down teams.
Dolphins 30, Jets 23

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints 1 p.m.
The Saints are still alive for a first-round bye so I think that they won't ease up on the Panthers this week. Cam Newton and the Panthers have proven over the past two weeks that they don't intend to go quietly but the Saints are on a different level right now, especially in the Superdome. I think that Brees will go over 100 yards again, and the Saints will continue to roll.
Saints 34, Panthers 30

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers 1 p.m.
Now that they have that one loss out of their system, the Packers will continue to cruise into the playoffs. Despite a few minor injuries, the Pack is ready for the post-season and ready to defend their title. The Lions have already wrapped up a playoff spot as well, so I don't expect them to lay it all out on the line this Sunday.
Packers 37, Lions 27

San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams 1 p.m.
Led by their defense, the Niners are surging at the right time of the year. They are still battling the Saints for a first-round bye heading into the final game of the season. Meanwhile, the Rams are battling the Colts for the first overall pick. Both will have things work in their favor on Sunday.
49ers 20, Rams 6

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars 1 p.m.
Don't look now, but the Colts are on a two-game winning streak. Will they make it three in a row... only time will tell. I believe the Colts will play hard this Sunday though, and go into Jacksonville and leave with a victory.
Colts 20, Jaguars 17

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots 1 p.m.
The Bills got a big win over the Broncos last week, but they'll have to deal with the AFC East division leaders this week. Not to mention, the Pats are still looking for revenge after falling to the Bills early in the season. Tom Brady and company will have a field day this Sunday.
Patriots 42, Bills 20

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans 1 p.m.
This game will feature two of the better running backs in the league. Whoever has the better day will probably lead his team to victory. I think that Chris Johnson and the Titans will get the job done. The Titans is the more desperate team and the Texans have struggled in their past two games.
Titans 20, Texans 19

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings 1 p.m.
Despite not recording much wins, Christian Ponder is proving that he is the right man for the job in Minnesota. He should be their starting quarterback next season, and hopefully they'll have a healthy Adrian Peterson in the backfield. The Vikings always play the Bears tough, and this game will be no different.
Vikings 28, Bears 20

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns 4:15 p.m.
The Steelers are still trying to win the AFC North, so I don't expect them to come out and roll over against the Browns. There's no doubt that the Browns will try to end their season strong, but they're simply not on the same level as the Steelers right now. The 'Steel Curtain' defense will dictate the pace of this game.
Steelers 23, Browns 6

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos 4:15 p.m.
Will Tebow mania rise again? The Broncos have cooled down a bit after that six-game winning streak but they are still very much alive in the playoff race. A win this Sunday will lock down the AFC West and the number four seed in the playoffs for them. The Chiefs won't just give the game to the Broncos, but I think that Tebow will rise again and lead his team to victory.
Broncos 16, Chiefs 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons 4:15 p.m.
The Falcons are trying to fine tune themselves going into the playoffs while the Bucs have pretty much packed it in and are calling it a season. I think that these teams will continue to go in opposite directions on Sunday.
Falcons 27, Buccaneers 13

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals 4:15 p.m.
This game could be a preview of what's to come in the playoffs. They could very well meet again. The Ravens play great at home but are subpar on the road. The Bengals, who along with the Niners, are the surprise of the league this year, will be looking to prove that they can compete with the Ravens. I think that it will be a physical, grueling contest, and the Bengals will have just enough to come out on top.
Bengals 23, Ravens 20

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals 4:15 p.m.
Both of these teams turned it on in the second half of the season, but it was too little too late for both of them. They were both eliminated from the playoffs last week. I think that Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks will come out on top this Sunday though. They came within an eyelash of knocking off the Niners last week, and will have enough in the tank to get past the Cards this week.
Seahawks 24, Cardinals 20

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders 4:15 p.m.
The Raiders have a division title within sight but will have to get through the Chargers this Sunday. I don't think they'll be able to get into the playoffs, but I think they'll get past the Chargers this week. The Chargers have been sporadic all season. They'll play hard on Sunday against their division rivals but they'll be hard pressed to stop the Raiders.
Raiders 27, Chargers 24

Dallas Cowboys at N.Y. Giants 8:20 p.m.
Game of the Week! The Cowboys and G-men meet in 'The Big Apple' on Sunday with the AFC East title and a playoff spot on the line. The last time these two teams got together, Tony Romo and the 'Boys blew a 15-point lead in the final quarter. They won't have that leverage this week, as the Giants will take control of this game early. Eli Manning and company will book their tickers for the playoffs and it will be another disappointing end to a season for the Cowboys.
Giants 30, Cowboys 17

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