Week 17 NFL Preview

Note: Doing the NFL Preview Monday as I will be on vacation the rest of the week. Regular postings will resume again next Monday (12/30)

 Panthers vs. Falcons

There was very little that was cleared up & clarified yesterday but one thing that was is the Panthers going to the playoffs and Cam Newton having a chance to show what he can do in the post-season. The Falcons are going to be coming off a short week and a season that has been excruciatingly long for them. I think they have one more disappointing performance in them for old times sake.

Panthers 17 Falcons 10

Packers vs. Bears

Well Sunday's game ended in a horrible fashion. The Packers couldn't go a measly 30 yards over the last minute, committed dumb penalty after dumb penalty and only managed to run TWO plays in FORTY THREE seconds with the game (and possibly the season) on the line. To top that off, after an excruciatingly dumb false start penalty that came with a 10-second run-off (HORRIBLE rule by the way) it took Matt Flynn SEVEN SECONDS to get a play off, he could have at least gotten the ball spiked and had in done in less than five seconds.

Anyways, the Bears not only lost but got humiliated 54-11 to the Eagles which basically made the outcome of the Packers-Steelers game basically not matter and lead to the conclusion that I was literally upset over nothing. One of these teams will successfully overcome the fact that they're not very good and somehow make it into the playoffs.

Packers 35 Bears 28

Texans vs. Titans

The Texans get a chance to extend their losing streak to 14 games and the Titans give Ryan Fitzpatrick another start before going into what is likely to be a long off-season for both teams.

Titans 27 Texans 24

Browns vs. Steelers

The Browns are biding time until they can get an elite quarterback to complement what is otherwise a team that could surprise in 2014. The Steelers need to win and get A LOT of help for this game to actually matter.

Steelers 38 Browns 14

Redskins vs. Giants

The Redskins had a chance to knock the Cowboys out of the playoffs and failed (what else is new) while the Giants had a chance to do the same to the Lions and were successful in doing so (thank you) and giving them a little sliver in pride in what has been an underwhelming season. Basically, the team with more pride and dignity wins this game which basically means the Redskins pick up their 13th loss.

Giants 23 Redskins 3

Ravens vs. Bengals

The Bengals are safely in the playoffs and looking to actually win a playoff game for the first time in several years while the Ravens are fighting for their playoff life. Playoff life fight trumps playing for seeding here.

Ravens 21 Bengals 10

Eagles vs. Cowboys

The battle that determines playoff representation for the NFC East. Right now, the Eagles offense is clicking on all cylinders as Nick Foles has quietly put up a very strong year. Coming off a 54-point showing versus the Bears and going in against an incompetent Cowboys defense, this could get very ugly for the Cowboys defense.

Eagles 49 Cowboys 34

Jaguars vs. Colts

Yes, Jacksonville is one of the worst teams at 4-11 but that does exceed expectations that everyone had for them. The Colts finally showed that they could do playoff damage by getting a nice win over the Chiefs and they have a chance to inch their way into the 3-spot and get an easier first round match up.

Colts 27 Jaguars 10

Jets vs Dolphins

Geno Smith had a nice game and win for the Jets so I guess he's elite for at least this week. The Dolphins were clearly uncomfortable playing in the horrible weather in Buffalo and it showed in their performance. With the season on the line and playing at home, I think the Dolphins get the win and back into the playoffs as a 6-seed.

Dolphins 14 Jets 10

Lions vs. Vikings

Basically a battle of coaches who are one game away from losing their jobs. In all honesty, the Lions should have ran away with the NFC North on talent alone but bad coaching and immature play (which I feel is a reflection on their coach) has cost them a playoff spot. If they do make a good coaching hire in the off-season, this is a team that could get scary good very quickly. The Vikings will likely be an after-though regardless of who their head coach is next year.

Vikings 27 Lions 21

Bills vs. Patriots

The Bills got a nice prideful win by either postponing or preventing the Dolphins from getting into the playoffs. The Patriots still have something to play for (#1) seed in the event that the Broncos lose. Don't expect Buffalo to finish the season with a victory.

Patriots 38 Bills 10

Buccaneers vs. Saints

Tampa's season may be a bust but they could end it on a high note by beating the Saints and possibly knocking them out of the playoffs but with the Saints playing at home, I just don't see it happening.

Saints 31 Buccaneers 10

Broncos vs. Raiders

The Broncos are in control of whether or not they get the #1 seed. Playing the Raiders, I don't imagine this is something that will be difficult for them to accomplish.

Broncos 49 Raiders 10

49ers vs. Cardinals

For the Cardinals, they are in must win territory. For the 49ers they should have a little bit of breathing room after taking care of business against the Falcons but they would be better off winning out and not leaving anything to chance. I think the Cardinals pull the upset here, they may not be the better team but they are peaking at the right time, their defense is very strong and they just pulled off a road win at Seattle. If they get into the playoffs they could surprise a lot of people.

Cardinals 14 49ers 7

Chiefs vs. Chargers

A battle of playing for seeding versus playing for their playoff lives, I think the Chargers win this game, whether it is a relevant or pointless win remains to be seen.

Chargers 38 Chiefs 28

Rams vs. Seahawks

The Rams have been quietly resilient and not terrible despite starting Kellen Clemens at QB for much of the year. The Seahawks are looking to have a strong bounce back game after losing at home for the first time in a couple of years.

Seahawks 35 Rams 10