Seattle Seahawks Win NFC West and Other NFL Week 17 News, Notes and Predictions

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Week 17 in the NFL is often defined for contenders wrapping up the final playoff spots, a last hurrah for teams still in the hunt, diehard fans tasting the last drop of blood from the kill, practically playing on the field with their team, decrying, "Don't botch this game!" and elites like the New England Patriots preserving their key starters for the post-season. 

Historically, the final week of the season has been chock-full of pointless games, where both teams had nothing to play for.  But in the offseason, the league decided to toss out confetti in the form of upgrading those meaningless matchups into classic hated rivalries.

It's as clear as crystal the euphoria will elevate to a whole new level in the last week of the 2010 regular season!  Here are Ryan’s and my Week 17 Predictions for every NFL game.  Happy New Year’s, everyone!

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Last Week's Results and VOTP

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Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. Don’t use your mouth to tell lies; don’t ever say things that are not true.  Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good.” —Proverbs 4:23-25

 

Last Week's Results

Cook: 7-9

G-Man: 9-7 (Overall: 144-95)

 

(Note: Even if the article is published after one or more of the games have started, every prediction is always made before it’s in action.  The predictions are never changed, unless it’s a game that’s several hours before kickoff.  We expect everyone who competes to play with the same standards.  And just in case you were wondering, Ryan and I don't look at each other's picks.  When our score predictions are close, it's purely coincidental.  "Great minds..." or at least that's the story we're sticking with.) 

(All feedback is extremely welcome and appreciated.  If you possess some talent, experience, and skill in conducting predictions, you can make a request to join our crew!  Be sure to make your picks and compete against other members below in the comment section!)

Week 17 NFL Menu (Time, Location, Network, DirecTV Station)

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Miami (7-8) at New England (13-2)—1:00pm—CBS—704

Buffalo (4-11) at N.Y. Jets (10-5)—1:00pm—CBS—705

Cincinnati (4-11) at Baltimore (11-4)—1:00pm—CBS—706

Pittsburgh (11-4) at Cleveland (5-10) —1:00pm—CBS—707

Minnesota (6-9) at Detroit (5-10)—1:00pm—FOX—714

Oakland (7-8) at Kansas City (10-5)—1:00pm—CBS—710

Tampa Bay (9-6) at New Orleans (11-4)—1:00pm—FOX—716

Carolina (2-13) at Atlanta (12-3)—1:00pm—FOX—713

Jacksonville (8-7) at Houston (5-10)—4:15pm—CBS—708

Tennessee (6-9) at Indianapolis (9-6)—4:15pm—CBS—709

San Diego (8-7) at Denver (4-11)—4:15pm—CBS—717

Dallas (5-10) at Philadelphia (10-5)—4:15pm—FOX—711

N.Y. Giants (9-6) at Washington (6-9)—4:15pm—FOX—712

Chicago (11-4) at Green Bay (9-6)—4:15pm—FOX—715

Arizona (5-10) at San Francisco (5-10)—4:15pm—FOX—718

St. Louis (7-8) at Seattle (6-9)—8:20pm—NBC

Miami (7-8) at New England (13-2)

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Tom Brady and the red-hot Patriots are the crème de la crème in the NFL this season.  They’ve won four of their last five games by over 20 points and remain unbeaten at home. 

The Dolphins have been polar opposites, losing all but one game on their own turf and three of their last four overall. 

But nevertheless, Miami has excelled on the road, New England looks to rest many of its key playmakers, and a win could help resuscitate Tony Sparano’s coaching job. 

Prediction: Miami 28, New England 20

Ryan Cook: New England 28, Miami 17

Buffalo (4-11) at N.Y. Jets (10-5)

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Despite falling short in last week’s chilly 38-34 shootout at Chicago, Mark Sanchez and the high-powered Jets managed to clinch a Wildcard playoff spot for the second consecutive year. 

New York plays host to in-state rival Buffalo on Sunday, a team that’s well acquainted with playing the role of spoiler and also seeks revenge from last week’s 34-3 drubbing against New England and the 38-14 beatdown suffered from the Jets in Week 4. 

Prediction: N.Y. Jets 30, Buffalo 23

Ryan Cook: N.Y. Jets 20, Buffalo 3

Cincinnati (4-11) at Baltimore (11-4)

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After a solid 2-1 start to the season, which included a 15-10 win over Baltimore, the drama-riddled Cincinnati Bengals lost 10 straight, seven by seven points or less. 

But without T.O. and Ochocinco, the Bengals have won two in a row, topping the Browns and snapping the Chargers’ streak of four straight playoff appearances. 

Can Carson and the Bengals end the year on a three-game win streak and sweep a team fighting for the division title?  They can, but they won’t.  The Ravens seek possession of the AFC North crown. 

Prediction: Baltimore 24, Cincinnati 14

Ryan Cook: Baltimore 34, Cincinnati 31

Pittsburgh (11-4) at Cleveland (5-10)

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Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers had no trouble finding a “W” last Thursday night without super strong safety Troy Polamalu, as they rolled over Carolina, 27-3.  

Pittsburgh captures the second seed in the AFC with a victory over Cleveland. 

But as I’ve said before, the Browns are not your calorie-free, extra-light cupcake anymore.  They’ve lost their last three games, but a win on Sunday can protect Eric Mangini's position as Head Coach.

Furthermore, if you can beat the defending World Champions and Bill Belichek by 20 points in a three week span, beating the Steelers is certainly in the realm of possibility. 

Prediction: Cleveland 23, Pittsburgh 20

Ryan Cook: Pittsburgh 23, Cleveland 10

Minnesota (6-9) at Detroit (5-10)

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It was the first Tuesday night NFL game in six and half decades.  We expected to once again sit before the Michael Vick Show.  

That wasn’t the case.  But a quarterback was certainly playing well on the field.  His name was rookie Joe Webb, who made the Eagles star look washed up. 

It was inevitable—Michael Vick was eventually going to struggle.  Ironic it happens amidst all of the MVP discussion and a certain presidential comment. 

But on to this week's game.  The Lions have won two straight road games.  No seriously, they have.  The last two weeks I’ve picked against Detroit and to lose by four points. 

I have no problem admitting I’m a Lions fan, especially since they’re winning now.  If that’s what it takes for them to find ways to win, I’ll pick against them by four every time.  Webb and the Vikings prevail. 

Prediction: Minnesota 20, Detroit 16

Ryan Cook: Minnesota 20, Detroit 13

Oakland (7-8) at Kansas City (10-5)

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This game has little meaning on paper.  But that's okay, because on the field, you'll witness the inevitable street fight that happens every time these teams meet. 

A win for Todd Haley’s Chiefs automatically puts the team in the third seed in the AFC. 

A loss, which would be the first one at home all season, and Colts win (over Titans) places Kansas City as fourth seed. 

If the Raiders were to pull the upset, they would finish .500 (8-8) overall, undefeated in their division and Tom Cable would likely be given another chance to coach in the Bay Area. 

The Chiefs rank first in the NFL in the ground game and Raiders follow a close second.  Nnamdi Asomugha and the Raiders’ third-ranked pass defense won’t play that much of a factor. 

Prediction: Kansas City 30, Oakland 24

Ryan Cook: Oakland 27, Kansas City 23

Tampa Bay (9-6) at New Orleans (11-4)

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Under normal circumstances, Drew Brees and the high-flying near-flawless New Orleans Saints would dominate Josh Freeman and the NFL’s up-and-coming youngest team, especially in the Super Dome. 

But as of late, Freeman and Co. have been hitting on all cylinders and the Saints are looking to take it easy after sealing playoff berth.  The Bucs prevail in a close one.  (By the way, the projected identical scores are not a typo.)

Prediction: Tampa Bay 17, New Orleans 14

Ryan Cook: Tampa Bay 17, New Orleans 14 (OT)

Carolina (2-13) at Atlanta (12-3)

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It took a rare Sunday off for the Carolina Panthers to receive some good news worth celebrating—locking up the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. 

The worst-ranked scoring, passing and total offense won’t have much to say against Matty Ice and the Atlanta Falcons, who want the top seed in the NFC.

Prediction: Atlanta 31, Carolina 17

Ryan Cook: Atlanta 24, Carolina 0

Jacksonville (8-7) at Houston (5-10)

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The Houston Texans have lost eight of their last nine games, need to clean house with the coaching staff and could pick up a Top Five draft pick with a loss on Sunday. 

Nevertheless, the team still wants to end the Jaguars' playoff hopes and win on Fan Appreciation Day. 

The absence of David Garrard and Maurcie Jones-Drew helps the Texans find their holiday cheer.

Prediction: Houston 27, Jacksonville 24

Ryan Cook: Jacksonville 31, Houston 23

Tennessee (6-9) at Indianapolis (9-6)

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Peyton Manning and the Colts met with Kerry Collins and the struggling Titans three weeks ago in the Music City and left singing a sweet tune after winning the Thursday night thriller, 30-28. 

These teams have certainly traveled on different paths this season.

The high-spirited Titans who had annihilated N.Y. Giants, Jacksonville and Philadelphia by a combined score of 96-27 and gone 5-2 by mid October, have plummeted to losing seven of their last eight games, while the once-beleaguered Colts, who dropped to .500 in early December, have risen from adversity and are playing some of their best football all season.

Manning actually plays in Week 17 for a change and leads his team to their fourth straight victory by comfortable margin. 

Prediction: Indianapolis 35, Tennessee 17

Ryan Cook: Indianapolis 24, Tennessee 10

San Diego (8-7) at Denver (4-11)

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The Chargers finished the year fourth in scoring, second in yards and third in passing (offense), and on defense, second vs. run, first against the pass and first in total defense. 

But after four straight playoff appearances, Norv Turner and the high-powered Bolts will finally miss the postseason.  Need I remind you I projected San Diego to finish 8-8 back in the offseason? 

San Diego destroyed Denver 35-14 in a super performance in the Week 11 meeting, but it will be Tebow and the Broncos who charge this time.  

Prediction: Denver 28, San Diego 24

Ryan Cook: Denver 20, San Diego 17

Dallas (5-10) at Philadelphia (10-5)

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I must admit, back in the offseason, I never would have guessed Michael Vick and the Eagles would be atop the NFC East and the Cowboys would be left at the bottom heading into Week 17. 

The Eagles would like to redeem themselves from the bad showing against Minnesota, give Kevin Kolb some game time, but most importantly, sweep their hated division rivals. 

But will that outweigh the sense of urgency from Jason Garrett?  I doubt it.  Eagles rest up for the playoffs. 

Prediction: Dallas 37, Philadelphia 31

Ryan Cook: Philadelphia 20, Dallas 17

N.Y. Giants (9-6) at Washington (6-9)

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Tom Coughlin and the Giants are all too familiar with coughing up hair balls late in the season, going 5-8 in December dating back to 2008. 

After giving up 28 unanswered points in the final seven minutes of regulation in the 38-31 meltdown at the Meadowlands to Michael Vick and the Eagles, the G-Men inevitably followed with a loss at Green Bay, but by a 31-point margin, much wider than expected.

This week’s game in D.C. will be decided by whichever team wins the turnover margin, and if you’ve ever watched Rex Grossman and Eli Manning, you know that combined, it could slip into the double digits.  Will the bloody hangover for the Giants continue? 

Prediction: Washington 31, N.Y. Giants 24

Ryan Cook: Washington 28, N.Y. Giants 23

Chicago (11-4) at Green Bay (9-6)

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Two teams coming off their best games of the year go toe-to-toe in one of the NFL's most venerated rivalries with ground-breaking playoff implications on the line. 

Expect this to boil down to a battle of wits, leadership and aerial attack by the QBs, along with some big momentum shifts from both defenses and special teams units. 

Chicago clinched the second seed and a first-round bye after the Eagles loss to the Vikings, and can take the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win and Atlanta loss (or tie). 

If Aaron Rodgers and the Packers fall short to the Bears, they’ll need the Giants and Bucs to lose.  Green Bay guarantees playoff berth with a win. 

A healthy Rodgers at the helm leading the Pack at home means mission accomplished in thrilling fashion. 

Prediction: Green Bay 27, Chicago 23

Ryan Cook: Green Bay 28, Chicago 24

Arizona (5-10) at San Francisco (5-10)

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Like San Francisco, Arizona would love nothing more than to cap off the disappointing season on a high note with a well-earned victory.  The Cardinals are 1-6 on the road this season and the Niners are 4-3 at Candlestick Park.  Interim Coach Jim Tomsula hopes to take a page out of Jason Garrett’s and Leslie Frazier’s book. 

Prediction: San Francisco 20, Arizona 10

Ryan Cook: Arizona 31, San Francisco 21

St. Louis (7-8) at Seattle (6-9)

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Sam Bradford and the 7-8 Rams duke it out with Charlie Whitehurst and the 6-9 Seahawks for the NFC West division crown in the last game of the regular season in Sunday Night Football on NBC. 

I knew it all along!  I’m being facetious of course.  But I did believe, before the season, Seattle would have a great opportunity to win the division…just not with the St. Louis Rams, and at 6-9. 

Both of these playoff hopefuls have just two road wins and three losses on their own turf. 

In the quarterback matchup, I like Sam Bradford.  Back in April, I honestly thought he would be a bust, but Bradford has shown through his faith in Christ and great play on the field, he’s something special. However, a nice Cinderella story aside, home-field advantage will be the difference in this game. 

St. Louis has struggled immensely on the road (44-6 defeat at Detroit speaks for itself) and aside from a few bad games against the Saints and Giants, Seattle has excelled at home. 

Could one of these teams do the almost unimaginable like the 2008 Cardinals and make it to the big stage?  My jaw would drop if it did, but for now, I think  Pete Carroll and the Seahawks will win the West.

Prediction: Seattle 21, St. Louis 17

Ryan Cook: St. Louis 16, Seattle 10