TULSA - As we reach week 17, the final week of the NFL regular season, two major things to consider. Both the NFC and AFC look as wide open as it looked at the start of the season. Are we really convinced Green Bay is that good, I mean 14-1 good? Are the 49er's for real? Can New Orleans stop anybody after they score on anybody? Will there be a wildcard. Giants of Cowboys? Can Atlanta be trusted? Will Detroit just be happy with making the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.
Who knows in the AFC? New England has been beatable. Steelers all banged up. Cincinnati in the playoffs? Oakland? Good grief. Baltimore is an in and out team.
On this last week, as much attention will be centered on what the Colts and Rams do? Do the Colts lose on purpose to get the #1 overall pick, and do the Rams lay down to give themselves a chance? Do we need a draft lottery in the NFL to avoid a conspiracy theory?
Those are the story lines for the last week.
By the way, your welcome for the second week in a row for another upset special of the century. Did I not pick the Colts to win again? I think I did. Will not happen for a 3rd week. Indy has had their fun, now get back to losing so you can get the number one pick, trade the pick to get more picks.
Washington at Philly. Coach Shanahan admitting this week, rebuilding the Redskins is a tougher challenge than he first thought. Really? And working for Daniel Snyder wasn't a clue. Eagles starting to soar when its way too late. Do NFL players really get an incentive to finish the year at 500? That is the Philly goal at this point. Eagles win in the "Lets get this season done with" bowl. Santa stays clear of this one. No sense getting booed again by Philly fan. No defense..47-45 Philly.
Jets at Miami-Rex still can't keep his mouth shut, even after Giants Brandon Jacobs told him it is about time to keep quiet. It was not as tame on the field. Ryan is so obsessed with being number one in New York, he has forgotten that Avis does just fine in renting cars as number 2. Go Miami here. I have been saying all year long...Dolphins not that bad. Next coach is going to get a decent team. Fish win, send Jets sleeping with the fish. 16-13. Don't let the score fool you. This will not be a defensive battle.
Carolina at New Orleans-Do the Saints play every game at home? Sure seems like it. In the battle to get second fiddle home field advantage, which is better than third fiddle home field advantage. Bye week could be ahead, but would still have to go the the frozen tundra if Packers stay in. Admit it, Cam Newton is better than you thought. He is better than I thought. Carolina may win this game. Brees has the record and all. To stay safe, Saints 34-31.
Detroit at Green Bay- Upset..Lions over the mid-season slump..and playing well again. Packers take a little breather to get people healthy. Lions 38-35.
San Fran at St. Louis-No upset. Rams about to fire coach. Jon Gruden the latest rumor. Sam still banged up. Go home Sam, recover and wait for new coach to be named. 49er's 27-23.
Indy at Jacksonville-After picking the Colts to win the last 2, I will stop right there. No sense extending the luck factor. Speaking of Luck...the prized QB out of Stanford is expected to be the first pick overall, but will not likely be in a Colts or a Rams uniform. Look for team who loses Sunday to trade number 1 to get better picks down the road. Listening Kansas City? Make the trade..make a splash, just once. Will this be the Jags last game in Jacksonville? Could be. Jax wins 26-21.
Buffalo at New England-Another upset. Buffalo wins a momentum builder for next season, going to New England and winning. 27-23. Tidbit of the week. Did you know Pats coach lost his first challenge of the year last week. 15 weeks without losing a challenge with the refs. Incredible.
Tennessee at Houston-Now that the Texans made the playoffs, next order of business is to act as if you've been there. Houston is 0-2 since the clinch. Need to pick it up. Texans have ailing Wade Phillips back to run the defense. Houston 23-10.
Chicago at Minnesota- I hope when we watch this game, we do not have to see more replays of the Peterson knee injury. Ugly. Both teams obviously done for the season. At least get to play indoors where the weather outside is very frightful. Why I picked Minny is beyond me, but would have thought the same thing had I picked the Bears. Vikes win to save Frazier job. 23-20.
Tampa at Atlanta-Bucs coach says there is bright future in Tampa. Losing 9 in a row under your guidance not quite the positive we were looking for, but hey, can't blame you for trying to snow the owners and fans with your job seriously on the line. When it is all said and done, Atlanta the most confusing team in the league. Talent is there, but something is missing. Still, how can any team lose to Tampa at this stage. Falcons 45-20.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland-Hey Ben take a break, already. Limping around the dog pound is not the way to get ready for the playoffs.
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