NFL Picks: Week 17

After going 12-4 last week my current two week record is 22-10. Hopefully I can do a lot better in the last week of the season. The final week on the schedule has some intriguing match-ups with playoff scenarios to be figured out. Let's take a look.

49ers (7-8) vs Rams (1-14)

Two teams just looking to carry over some momentum into next season. Steve Spagnola's first year in St. Louis has been an epic failure though they will probably have the first pick in the draft next year. The 49ers take this one. 49ers 24, Rams 7.

Steelers (8-7) vs Dolphins (7-8)

Pittsburgh needs to win and then get some help to make into the playoffs. The Dolphins blew their chances with a loss to Houston last week. I can't see the Steelers losing this game with a chance to make the postseason. Steelers 21, Dolphins 14.

Colts (14-1) vs Bills (5-10)

The starters may not even see the field tomorrow for the Colts and the second string barely put up an effort against the Jets last week. Buffalo is just looking for the season to end but I see them putting up a good effort at home against a bunch of scrubs. Bills 24, Colts 13.

Patriots (10-5) vs Texans (8-7)

The Patriots could use the game but I'm not sure they are going to go all out to win it. The Texans still have dreams of playing past this week and are going to give everything they have to get this one. Texans take it. Texans 27, Patriots 21.

Bengals (10-5) vs Jets (8-7)

The Jets win it and their in and the Bengals may already be locked into their seed depending what happens earlier in the day. The Jets will never live it down if they lose this game. With everything in the world pending on it's outcome I believe the Jets will win. Jets 24, Bengals 13.

Bears (6-9) vs Lions (2-13)

Another one of these throwaway games that really don't mean anything. The Lions are probably hoping they lose and keep their draft position. The Bears played a huge game last week against the Vikings and they'll carry it over this week. Bears 31, Lions 14.

Jaguars (7-8) vs Browns (4-11)

The Jaguars need hell to freeze over to get into the playoffs but they aren't eliminated yet so they'll bring everything. The Browns have had another miserable year and Mangini may be coaching his last game in Cleveland. Jaguars 24, Browns 3.

Giants (8-7) vs Vikings (11-4)

This is an impossible game to pick. These teams are playing worse than almost anyone in the league at this point. The Giants may be angry about last week and want to come out firing and the Vikings need the game and some help to hold on to that 2 seed. For some reason I see the Giants putting out a big effort. Giants 27, Vikings 24.

Falcons (8-7) vs Buccaneers (3-12)

The Falcons have played surprisingly well down the stretch as have the Buccaneers. Both teams will be playing for pride in this game looking to end the season on a high note. The Bucs had a big win over the Saints last week and I can see them pulling this one out. Bucs 17, Falcons 10.

Eagles (11-4) vs Cowboys (10-5)

One of the biggest games all year in the NFL. The winner of the game wins the NFC East and has a possible bye in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams have been on a roll lately. This is an insanely hard game to call. I'm taking Dallas. Cowboys 31, Eagles 27.

Saints (13-2) vs Panthers (7-8)

These teams are playing like each other about month ago. The Saints look bad and the Panthers are playing unbelievable right now. I see it continuing. Panthers 24, Saints 20.

Chiefs (3-12) vs Broncos (8-7)

Here's another team who needs a win and some help to make it to the playoffs. Looks like Brandon Marshall and coach Josh McDaniel are in the midst of another standoff with Marshall being benched this week. Still, it won't matter in this one. Broncos 21, Chiefs 10.

Ravens (8-7) vs Raiders (5-10)

The Raiders have played decently at home this year and have been beaten some good teams. The Ravens just need a win and they are in in the AFC playoffs. I can't see them losing a game with so much on the line. Ravens 27, Raiders 17.

Packers (10-5) vs Cardinals (10-5)

The result of this game has serious effect on the seedings in the NFC. With a Cardinals loss the Cowboys could sneak into the bye in the NFC and a Packers win would give them the 5 seed. Not sure how these teams will play the game knowing they could very well wind up playing each other again Wild Card Weekend. Packers 31, Cardinals 27.

Titans (7-8) vs Seahawks (5-10)

Expect to see a lot of carries out of Chris Johnson who is looking for 2,000 yards rushing on the year. The Seahawks have just quit on the year. Titans 24, Seahawks 13.

Redskins (4-11) vs Chargers (12-3)

The Redskins had played well for a couple of weeks but their last two games against the Giants and Cowboys have been duds. The Chargers are on another level right now, expect them to make a lot of noise come playoff time. Chargers 30, Redskins 20.