NFL Picks Week 17: Will the Colts Defeat the Titans and Capture the AFC South?
This week's games aren't exactly eye-catching.
What makes them interesting are the playoff implications. Five more teams clinched berths last week, but four of the eight divisions are still undecided entering the final week of the regular season. There are seven teams alive for playoff berths that still haven't clinched spots either.
One other angle this weekend will center around is coaches. There is speculation that Jack Del Rio, Gary Kubiak and Tom Coughlin could be on the hot seat, while others wonder if Jason Garrett will have the interim tag lifted off him in Dallas. It's still unknown whether owner Bud Adams will hang on to Jeff Fisher as the Tennessee Titans head coach.
Watch out for some more shocking upsets, too. There probably weren't many who thought Minnesota would knock off Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Time for this week's picks.
1. Carolina @ Atlanta, Sunday, 1:00 PM EST (Fox)
1 of 16
The lowdown: This NFC South showdown carries tremendous significance for the Falcons (12-3), which need a win over Carolina (3-12) to clinch the division title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It would be Atlanta's first division title since 2004.
Why Carolina Will Win: Maybe they have a chance. Just like I have a chance to go out with a Victoria's Secret model.
Why Atlanta Will Win: The Falcons are coming off a tough loss to New Orleans and won't have a letdown for two straight games. Atlanta is too balanced and should replicate what Pittsburgh did last week, when it held the Panthers to seven first downs and 119 total yards.
My pick: Atlanta, 35-7.
2. Pittsburgh @ Cleveland, Sunday, 1:00 PM EST (CBS)
2 of 16
The lowdown: This is another game with playoff implications for Pittsburgh, which has already secured a playoff berth. If the Steelers win, they win the AFC North. Lose, and the title will go to hated rival Baltimore instead. Pittsburgh lost last year at Cleveland, and players say they still remember that day vividly. I doubt motivation will be an issue here.
Why Pittsburgh Will Win: In their last four games, the Steelers' total yards were 408, 377, 354 and 288. The offense is there and the defense should frustrate Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy, who had three interceptions against Baltimore.
Why Cleveland Will Win: The Browns can play loose and play the spoiler. Peyton Hillis (ribs) hasn't practiced, but is expected to play.
My pick: Pittsburgh, 24-14.
3. Minnesota @ Detroit, Sunday, 1:00 PM EST (Fox)
3 of 16
The lowdown: Minnesota's miserable season finally comes to an end, and so does Brett Favre's career. Favre is expected to be fined by the NFL for allegations of improper behavior with former Jets reporter Jenn Sterger. This may also be the final game for interim coach Leslie Frazier. Detroit is coming off a stunning 34-27 win over Miami, in which the Lions allowed 425 total yards.
Why Minnesota Will Win: If I'm Leslie Frazier, I stick with Joe Webb and ride Adrian Peterson just like he did on Tuesday night. Minnesota actually out-gained the Eagles (337-331) and held Michael Vick to one touchdown pass.
Why Detroit Will Win: The Lions came back with a 17 point fourth quarter against Miami, and intercepted two Chad Henne passes, including a game-winning 30-yard return by DeAndre Levy. Detroit has played several top-tier teams close this year and should have a strong chance to win this.
My pick: Detroit, 27-24.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Oakland @ Kansas City, Sunday, 1:00 PM EST (CBS)
4 of 16
The lowdown: Kansas City clinched a playoff berth last week and could finish undefeated at home this season with a win over the Raiders, which won the first meeting 23-20 in overtime. A win here would give the Chiefs a three-game winning streak entering the playoffs and right now they would face the Jets in a wild-card game. With the way they've played lately, does anyone really think New York is a big favorite?
Why Oakland Will Win: Normally, I'd say the Raiders could make this close, since it's a rivalry game, but the Chiefs will be amped, not just to go undefeated at home, but also avenge their first loss.
Why Kansas City Will Win: The Chiefs lead the league in rushing at just over 167 yards per game and Matt Cassel is coming off a huge game against Tennessee. On the surface, Kansas City seems like a perfect sleeper team for the playoffs. Anyone else think so?
My pick: Kansas City, 30-17.
5. Miami @ New England, Sunday, 1:00 PM EST (CBS)
5 of 16
The lowdown: New England has clinched the division and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. In other words, it would be a miracle to win in Foxboro. Coach Bill Belichick hasn't said whether Tom Brady will play on Sunday or not, simply stating they'll do what's "in the best interests of the team." Miami enters the game coming off a humiliating loss to Detroit, and you have to wonder if Tony Sparano will be retained next season as head coach.
Why Miami Will Win: The Dolphins will have a chance if Belichick decides to rest Tom Brady and the offensive starters for the playoffs.
Why New England Will Win: Just a hunch, but I bet you'll see Brady and the starters play for a half. If they're up big, they get pulled to start the third quarter.
My pick: Starters are pulled, but New England still wins, 23-20.
6. Tampa Bay @ New Orleans, Sunday, 1:00 PM EST (Fox)
6 of 16
The lowdown: New Orleans must beat the Bucs and have Carolina pull off a shocking upset of Atlanta to win the division and get the NFC's No.1 seed. Tampa Bay gets in and grabs the final wild card with a win, plus losses by the Packers and Giants.
Why Tampa Bay Will Win: The Bucs will need to protect Josh Freeman and allow him to go off like he did last week against Seattle. The defense will also need to pressure Drew Brees, force him into careless turnovers and force New Orleans to have to run the ball.
Why New Orleans Will Win: The Saints are coming off an emotional Monday night victory over Atlanta and simply have too much to play for. They seem to be gaining momentum at just the right time.
My pick: New Orleans, 24-21.
7. Buffalo @ New York Jets, Sunday, 1:00 PM EST (CBS)
7 of 16
The lowdown: The Bills go from getting pounded by New England to New York, where they will face a Jets team that's needing some sort of momentum entering the playoffs. Rex Ryan said he now plans to start Mark Sanchez (smart move), and expect New York to rebound from their loss to Chicago. Ryan said they were going to win the Super Bowl before the season, and the Jets will get a chance to back that talk up starting next week.
Why Buffalo Will Win: If they can make big plays and get the critical stops, the Bills can give themselves at least a chance.
Why New York Will Win: They almost finished with 400 total yards against Chicago, but don't be surprised if they put the pedal down against Buffalo. This is a team in desperate need of some confidence right now.
My pick: New York, 27-3.
8. Cincinnati @ Baltimore, Sunday, 1:00 PM EST (CBS)
8 of 16
The lowdown: It will be interesting to see what happens with Cincinnati after the season, and how much of the team is dismantled. You have to figure Marvin Lewis will be gone, but are Carson Palmer's days numbered too? On a positive note, Cincinnati is coming off a shocking upset of San Diego, which makes you wonder if they could pull off another stunner this week. It will be tough, though, considering Baltimore's only home loss came to Pittsburgh.
Why Cincinnati Will Win: If the Bengals can follow the script from last week, which saw them finish with 371 total yards, they could make a game of this. Cincinnati already won the first meeting and certainly should be the looser of the two teams. All they're playing for is positioning for the lottery in next year's NFL Draft.
Why Baltimore Will Win: The Ravens certainly didn't have it easy with Cleveland last week and had a pedestrian 258 total yards. Baltimore could still win the division with a win Sunday, and a Pittsburgh loss to Cleveland.
My pick: Baltimore, 35-21.
9. Jacksonville @ Houston, Sunday, 4:15 PM EST (CBS)
9 of 16
The lowdown: You've got to figure the Gary Kubiak era is winding down, and now the question will be if this is the next stop for former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher. Jacksonville saw its playoff chances get complicated with a loss to Washington, but the Jaguars could still win the AFC South with a win on Sunday, plus an Indianapolis loss.
Why Jacksonville Will Win: The Jaguars are going to need divine intervention here. Quarterback David Garrard will be out with a finger injury, and running back Maurice Jones-Drew is also doubtful.
Why Houston Will Win: The Texans have the talent, and with Garrard out, why not play spoiler and knock Jacksonville out of the playoffs?
My pick: Houston, 24-7.
10. New York Giants @ Washington, Sunday, 4:15 PM EST (Fox)
10 of 16
The lowdown: If you're a New York Giants fan, you have to be in shock. You've watched your team go from being one of the elite teams in the NFL this season to now looking as if it will miss the playoffs all together. New York still has an outside shot, but need a win and a Packers loss to get in.
Why New York Will Win: If Eli Manning can cut down on interceptions and the team plays to its ability, then they should be fine. This team still has one of the top 10 best offenses in the NFL.
Why Washington Will Win: Despite what Donovan McNabb's agent says, his client hasn't been the solution, and Mike Shanahan made a great move to go with Rex Grossman, who almost led them to a win over Dallas and threw for 182 yards against Jacksonville.
My pick: Washington, 24-21.
11. Dallas @ Philadelphia, Sunday, 4:15 PM EST (Fox)
11 of 16
The lowdown: One of the most disappointing and disastrous seasons in Cowboys history concludes this weekend. Would a win here help Jason Garrett's case in becoming the team's permanent head coach? It will be fascinating to see what Jerry Jones decides. Philadelphia is coming off a shocking loss to Minnesota and it's questionable whether Michael Vick will play or not. Since the Eagles have clinched a playoff spot and won the division, it seems unlikely.
Why Dallas Will Win: If they cut down stupid mistakes and make key stops, the Cowboys have shown they can compete with anybody since Garrett took over.
Why Philadelphia Will Win: Even if Vick doesn't play, backup Kevin Kolb is still very reliable, and the Eagles should find plenty of opportunities to get big plays against Dallas' defense.
My pick: Dallas, 17-14.
12. Arizona @ San Francisco, Sunday, 4:15 PM EST (Fox)
12 of 16
The lowdown: Nothing really at stake here, though the loser will improve its chances of getting a better pick in next year's NFL Draft. Watch closely and see who gives San Francisco input, too, as it seeks to restore the reputation it once had as one of the NFL's top franchises.
Why Arizona Will Win: They'll need a lot more out of John Skelton and need to take advantage of San Francisco turnovers like they did last week, when they scored on two Jon Kitna interceptions.
Why San Francisco Will Win: The 49ers almost knocked off St. Louis last week, but fell short. A few changes and they should be fine against Arizona.
My pick: San Francisco, 27-17.
13. Chicago @ Green Bay, Sunday, 4:15 PM EST (Fox)
13 of 16
The lowdown: Chicago has already won the division and secured a first-round bye. Green Bay, however, needs a win here to wrap up the final wild-card in the NFC.
Why Chicago Will Win: There's nothing really at stake, but you've got to figure the Bears would enjoy sticking it to their rivals and knocking them out of the playoffs.
Why Green Bay Will Win: The Packers have plenty to play for and are 6-1 at home this season. Green Bay did lose the first game, but a win here should give them plenty of confidence, and they could quickly become a sleeper in the NFC playoffs. All the attention is on Philadelphia, New Orleans and Atlanta, but this Packers team almost knocked off New England without Aaron Rodgers, then throttled the Giants on Sunday.
My pick: Green Bay, 35-31.
14. Tennessee @ Indianapolis, Sunday, 4:15 PM EST (CBS)
14 of 16
The lowdown: All the Titans can really do here is play spoiler for the Colts, who are looking to lock up the AFC South with a win.
Why Tennessee Will Win: The Titans hung right with the Colts in their first meeting, but it's hard to imagine a repeat, especially at the dome in Indianapolis.
Why Indianapolis Will Win: Peyton Manning keeps putting up huge numbers, but now it seems the Colts have finally discovered a ground game. Can they build off last week's 191 yard outing against Oakland and keep it going into the playoffs?
My pick: Indianapolis, 31-13.
15. San Diego @ Denver, Sunday, 4:15 PM EST (CBS)
15 of 16
The lowdown: San Diego was eliminated from the playoffs last week and somehow coach Norv Turner will be returning next year. Is anyone else shocked by that? Denver, meanwhile, is closing out an awful season and appears to be in line for a high pick in next year's draft.
Why San Diego Will Win: Top to bottom, the Chargers are the more talented team, and Philip Rivers should have a big day against a pathetic Denver defense. In their first meeting, Rivers threw for 233 yards and four touchdowns.
Why Denver Will Win: It's good to see Tim Tebow get some quality playing time and that should continue here too. If the Bengals pulled off an upset last week, then Denver should have a shot too, I guess.
My pick: San Diego, 24-0.
16. St. Louis @ Seattle, Sunday, 8:20 PM EST (NBC)
16 of 16
The lowdown: Two teams with sub-.500 records play for the NFC West title and a chance to likely get thrashed by the Saints in the first round of next week's playoffs. Who's that lucky team?
Why St. Louis Will Win: The Rams have kept maturing throughout the year and have one of the league's bright young stars in Sam Bradford, who should win NFL Rookie of the Year honors.
Why Seattle Will Win: If they are going to have any shot, the secondary needs to improve dramatically. Josh Freeman lit them up last week in Tampa Bay, and Bradford could very well do the same.
My pick: St. Louis, 31-28.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")