NFL Week 17 Picks: Predictions for Every Major Showdown on the Schedule

With 16 weeks in the rear-view mirror, Week 17 of the NFL season is needed to determine several playoff spots and three division winners. That means there will be some very, very important games this weekend.

Let's run down some predictions for a few of those big showdowns in Week 17:

Dallas Cowboys (8-7) at New York Giants (8-7)

Does it get any better than Giants-Cowboys to finish the season? This is the kind of win-and-you're-in, lose-and-you're-out game that makes the final week of the regular season so enthralling.

There isn't much to separate these two teams on paper, with each of them showing flashes of brilliance but also a frustrating side of inconsistency. Which team from each sideline shows up?

I think it's the Giants. They are healthier overall and playing at home. If they can't get it done, heads are going to roll in New York. Tom Coughlin could get run out of town if Dallas leaves East Rutherford wearing NFC East champions gear. 

Detroit Lions (10-5) at Green Bay Packers (14-1)

How long will the Packers' starters play? There's nothing left for them to accomplish in the regular season, but coach Mike McCarthy hinted yesterday that Green Bay might go after this game more than people think. I still wouldn't expect any of the Packers' important players to play anywhere near 60 minutes.

The Lions know that a win on Sunday guarantees them the No. 5 seed and a trip to play the NFC East winner. It would also be the first time they've won a game in Wisconsin since 1991.

In a season with plenty of "first-time-since" moments, the Lions are more than capable of winning on Sunday to get to 11 victories. Playing the Packers' second-stringers in the second half (most likely), means the Lions pull this off at Lambeau Field.  

Tennessee Titans (8-7) at Houston Texans (10-5)

The Titans need a win and a lot of help to get a spot in the AFC playoffs. Meanwhile, the Texans just want to get back on track before they host the franchise's first playoff game next week. They've lost a couple of games in a row that they had no business dropping.

Which means more? I think Houston's slide continues as the Titans give themselves a chance to make the postseason. The Texans are skating on thin ice.

Baltimore Ravens (11-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

Both teams have something to play for on Sunday. The Ravens need a win to lock up a first-round bye and the Bengals can clinch a playoff spot. A loss from either team likely ends the chance at their respective goals in Week 17.

The Bengals are the team playing well right now, however, and I think they may finally be ready to beat an elite AFC team at home. I'm taking Cincinnati in a close finish.