Weekly NFL Picks: Week 17

The final week of the 2008 NFL season is an all-or-nothing week. In some games, there is nothing on the line—the winner is essentially irrelevant with both teams left with nothing more to play for.

On the other hand, some games couldn't have more importance. Playoff spots are on the line in Baltimore, San Diego and New York. History is on the line in Green Bay.

Regardless of the consequence of Sunday's games, the lines are incredibly high for the second time in the last few weeks. Only five games have lines inside of four points. The Rams are giving 10.5 at Atlanta and the Browns are giving 9.5 in Pittsburgh.

Since the season ends Sunday night, I'm including some postseason award predictions after the games.

Let's get to the picks.

Atlanta (10-5) over St. Louis (2-13)

St. Louis is 28th in the league against the run. Michael Turner won't pass Minnesota's Adrian Peterson for the league rushing title, but he'll come close.

New England (10-5) over Buffalo (7-8)

Buffalo is 3-4 at home. The Patriots are better away from Gillette Stadium (5-2) than they are at it.

Kansas City (2-13) over Cincinnati (3-11-1)

Cincy looked good last week. Too bad they were playing the worst team in the NFL right now.

Detroit (0-15) over Green Bay (5-10)

Green Bay has been flat all month. Detroit has come close to getting win No. 1. The Lions don't want to be the ones to make history...and they won't be.

Tennessee (13-2) over Indianapolis (11-4)

The Titans returned to form last week by punishing the Steelers. Tennessee takes momentum into the playoffs.

Minnesota (9-6) over New York Giants (12-3)

The Giants' defense is banged up and the team has nothing to gain. Look for the starters to rest as the Vikings lock up the NFC North title.

Carolina (11-4) over New Orleans (8-7)

Drew Brees and the Saints offense are looking to be the most passing-proficient team in NFL history. They may get there Sunday but the Panthers will lock up the NFC's second seed.

Pittsburgh (11-4) over Cleveland (4-11)

The Browns are the worst team in the league right now. No way they go into Pittsburgh and win.

Tampa Bay (9-6) over Oakland (4-11)

Tampa Bay has looked terrible in the last couple games. Luckily the Bucs return home—where they are 6-1—to play the floundering Raiders.

Houston (7-8) over Chicago (8-7)

Houston is a different team at home. The Bears won't know it, but their performance in this game won't matter. Even if the Vikings lose, Chicago will fumble away the NFC North crown.

San Francisco (6-9) over Washington (8-7)

The fact that this line is even says everything you need to know about Washington's season. Let the Daniel Snyder-led courting of Bill Cowher begin.

Baltimore (10-5) over Jacksonville (5-10)

These teams reversed fortunes in 2008. The Jags were expected to compete for the AFC South title while the Ravens were written off. Baltimore wins to clinch the final AFC playoff spot.

Miami (10-5) over New York Jets (9-6)

All you need to know about the Jets' December play played out in last week's abysmal showing in Seattle. Miami is a much better team than the Seahawks and will clinch the AFC East.

Dallas (9-6) over Philadelphia (8-6-1)

I said it last week, but I'll repeat this for emphasis purposes: The Eagles, despite their recent hot streak, cannot beat a good team. The Cowboys aren't as good as expected but good enough to beat the Eagles.

Arizona (8-7) over Seattle (4-11)

The Cardinals don't want to be on a losing streak heading into next week's wildcard match-up. They won't.

San Diego (7-8) over Denver (8-7)

The stats give the slight edge to Denver. But this game is about location and momentum, and both of those favor the Bolts. Norv Turner's job may be saved with this victory.

Last week: 8-8
Overall record: 151-86-1

Postseason Awards
NFL MVP
Adrian Peterson

Peterson has been the driving force behind Minnesota's successful season. Despite continuous tumult at quarterback, it appears as though the Vikings will win the NFC North and could be a threat to make a run in the playoffs. If Minnesota misses the playoffs, look for Drew Brees or, possibly, Philip Rivers to walk away with the award.

Offensive Player of the Year
Drew Brees

It's clear Brees has been the most successful quarterback in the league. Through 16 games, Brees has thrown for 4,683 yards and 30 TDs. He'll need 402 yards against the Panthers to break Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record against a tough Panthers defense, but falling short of the record won't matter much.

Defensive Player of the Year
Ed Reed

DeMarcus Ware is Reed's main competition, especially if he tallies three sacks against the Eagles and breaks Michael Strahan's single-season sack record. Reed has made big play after big play all year and goes into Sunday's game with the Jaguars tied for the NFL lead in interceptions. Reed has scored three touchdowns, including his NFL-record 107-yard interception return against the Eagles.

Coach of the Year
Tony Sparano

It is clearly a two-horse race between Sparano and Atlanta's Mike Smith. Both coaches took over after absymal seasons in 2007 with a bare-bones roster, and both have flourished.

After a 1-15 season last year, the Dolphins are in position to finish 11-5 and win the AFC East over perennial division champion New England. That turn-around gives Sparano the slight edge. If the 'Fins miss the playoffs, the award goes to Smith.

Comeback Player of the Year
Chad Pennington

Pennington was left for dead professionally after the Jets acquired Brett Favre. His subsequent release led him to sign with the Dolphins, where Pennington has thrown for 17 TDs and only seven interceptions. His 96.4 quarterback rating heading into Week 17 is second only to San Diego's Philip Rivers.