Gridiron Blitz: Week 17 NFL Predictions

Time for my final set of NFL picks for the regular season

Music to listen to: Cicatriz pt. 3 from Scab Dates by the Mars Volta

On to the picks (home team in CAPS):

KANSAS CITY (-3.5) Oakland: Its tough to pick the games in the final week of the season because the motivation factor for teams is tough to read. You have a team like Oakland who isn’t going to make the playoffs but if the Raiders win, they reach 8-8, which would be a nice accomplishment. The Chiefs have secured their playoff position and will most likely not get a bye next week so may rest players, making it easier for the Raiders to win. I’m taking the home team to win by at least four points.

NEW ENGLAND (-4) Miami: The Patriots, however, always play hard and expect to see Tom Brady in the game at least until the fourth quarter, even if the Patriots are up by two scores.

INDIANAPOLIS (-9) Tennessee: The Colts need to win this game to earn a playoff spot so I’m taking the home team over the squad that’s counting down the days till the end of the season.

HOUSTON (-3) Jacksonville: David Gerrard is out for the season…no thanks Jaguars.

CLEVELAND (+5.5) Pittsburgh: The Steelers will probably win but I see a close contest

BALTIMORE (-9.5) Cincinnati: The Bengals have been spunky the past few weeks but I think the Ravens can put up a number if they feel inclined.

DETROIT (-3) Minnesota: This has the chance to be an entertaining contest and I’m on the Joe Webb movement but the quick turnaround for Minnesota, especially being on the road, will be too much for the Vikings to overcome.

NY Giants (-4) Washington: If the Giants can’t win this contest with everything on the line, it may be time to clean house and fire Tom Coughlin.

GREEN BAY (-10) Chicago: The Packers will be a dangerous team in the playoffs because they can score points and have just enough defense to not get blown out.

Dallas (+6.5) PHILADELPHIA: Same situation for Philly as Minnesota with the quick turn around.

NY JETS (-1.5) Buffalo: The Jets need to play this game full out to gain momentum for the playoffs so that’s why I’m picking them to win by a sizable margin.

Carolina (+14.5) ATLANTA: I know the Panthers are bad but that’s a lot of points, even if they’re on the road.

Tampa (+7.5) NEW ORLEANS: I like the Bucs and really want to pick them for the upset but will settle for taking the points in a Saints win.

St. Louis (-3) SEATTLE: What a sad year for the NFC West but if the Rams win, at least the division winner will have a .500 record.

SAN FRANCISCO (-6) Arizona: Don’t really care

DENVER (+3.5) San Diego: If you’ve read my stuff in the past, you know I’m not the biggest Tim Tebow fan but darn it, he makes it hard not to like him after his performance against Houston last week. I’m not ready to put him in Canton but I think he can be a solid starter in the NFL.

Those are my thoughts, what are yours?

Last week: 7-9-0

Season: 130-104-3