NFL Picks Week 17: 5 Bold Predictions for the Week Ahead

Can you believe it is already Week 17 in the NFL season?

It seems like just yesterday that America was up in arms about the possibility of the NFL being locked out. Now, we're about to see the end of the season for 20 NFL teams. Crazy how time flies when you're having fun, right?

But let's focus in on Week 17 before we start getting ahead of ourselves. Here are five bold predictions for the last regular season week of the 2011 NFL season.  

The Bengals Get into the Playoffs

The Bengals can sneak into the playoffs without a win on Sunday, as losses from both the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders can still clinch the No. 6 seed for the Bengals if they lose to the Baltimore Ravens. 

Here's my catch: I think the Bengals will win their way in without help. 

Andy Dalton and the Bengals have won two straight games, and I think they are ready to knock off an elite AFC team. Pittsburgh Steelers fans are certainly hoping they are.

Lions Win in Wisconsin

The Detroit Lions haven't won in the state of Wisconsin since 1991. That's not a typo; it's been that long. 

And yes, the Lions are going to break that streak of 20 years this Sunday when they head to Green Bay for the season finale. 

The Packers, who at 14-1 have nothing to play for, won't likely push the envelope with several key players. The Lions can clinch the No. 5 seed in the NFC (meaning no return trip to the Superdome) with a win. 

With a lot to play for against a team playing it safe, I'm taking the Lions. 

Jets Come Crashing Down in Miami

The New York Jets' playoff hopes hit some turbulence last Sunday against the Giants, and they are about to come crashing down in Week 17.

Despite needing a win to have a chance at sneaking back in, the Jets could very well struggle against a team that has looked nothing like the squad that started the season 0-7. Miami has won five of eight games and went into the half last week up 17 on the AFC East leading Patriots. 

If the Dolphins can get out to a similar cushion against the Jets, Miami will end New York's loud but disappointing 2011 season. 

Oakland Raiders, Champions?

Things looked awfully bleak for the Oakland Raiders after blowout losses to the Dolphins (34-14) and Packers (46-16) in consecutive weeks and then a meltdown against the Lions (up 13 with under eight minutes to go, lost 28-27) the next Sunday. 

Oh, how one week can change everything in the NFL. 

A win over the Kansas City Chiefs pumped new life into Oakland, and a win against the San Diego Chargers in Week 17, coupled with a Denver Broncos loss to the Chiefs, gives the Raiders the AFC West. 

I'm calling it here now: The Raiders will be your 2011 AFC West champions. 

Sunday Is the Last Head Coaching Day For...

Raheem Morris, Jim Caldwell, Norv Turner and Steve Spagnuolo. I expect all four head coaches to be gone the next Monday or shortly thereafter. 

The Buccaneers under Morris have been downright embarrassing at times this season, Caldwell was a lame duck after the Colts started 0-13, Turner has had disappointing season after disappointing season in San Diego and Spags won just 10 games in three years in St. Louis.

Start spinning the coaching carousel! And this doesn't even include the interim coaches who may not be back...