Week 17 NFL Picks: Predicting the Worst Games of the Week

The 2011 NFL season has been crazy, no one can argue that. And while nothing has been certain this year, I can safely predict that two games in Week 17 will be absolutely unwatchable. 

Indianapolis Colts (2-13) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11)

The only suspense in this one will be whether or not the Colts actually manage to snag the top pick in the 2012 NFL draft by losing, or will they play their way out of it and let the St. Louis Rams grab that prize.

Other than that—and the final chance to watch the incredible Maurice Jones-Drew play this year—there is nothing about this game that is remotely appealing.

The Colts have been horrendous all season and even after back-to-back wins against the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, that hasn't changed. Meanwhile, the Jaguars have had the NFL's worst offense all year. 

Indianapolis ranks 30th in the league in total offense (286.1 yards per game) and 27th in total defense (allowing 378.3 yards per game). That's about as bad as it gets and it has been incredibly hard to watch all season long.

The Jaguars currently rank dead-last in the NFL in total offense (259.2 yards per game), and also occupy the basement in passing yards (averaging 140.5 yards per game). Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been terrible, and the Jags have suffered as a result.

So if you're in the market for an insomnia cure, DVR-ing this game should help.

Chicago Bears (7-8) at Minnesota Vikings (3-12)

Two teams in the NFC North with nothing to play for. Two teams with backups at running back and likely at quarterback as well, on the last week of the season playing in a dome. You'd have a hard time convincing me there is a more "blah" game on the schedule this season.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte are both on injured reserve, while Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's career is in jeopardy, and while rookie quarterback Christian Ponder is expected to start, he may not finish the game. Backup Joe Webb has been far better than Ponder of late and in a meaningless game why risk Ponder's health coming off of a game where he suffered a concussion?

Unless you're excited to see a team that has lost five in a row (the Bears) face a team that has lost six of its last seven (the Vikings), then this is your game. Otherwise, you'd do well to avoid watching it.