Week 17 Picks

Joe's Week 17 Picks
STL +14.5, NE -6.5, KC +3, GB -9.5, IND +3
MIN +6.5, NO -3, CLE +10.5, OAK +13, HOU -2.5
NYJ -3, DAL -1.5, ARI -6, SF -3.5, BAL -12.5, SD -8

Mike's Week 17 Picks
ATL -14.5, NE -6.5, KC +3, DET +9.5, TEN -3
NYG -6.5, CAR +3, PIT -10.5, TB -13, CHI +2.5
MIA +3, PHI -1.5, ARI -6, WAS +3.5, JAX +12.5, DEN +8.

Week 17 Results
Joe: 10-6
Mike: 7-9

2008 Final Standings
Joe: 101-90
Mike: 103-88


A Whopping 13 different picks for this week!

Current Standings
Joe: 1-13 last week (91-84 overall)
Mike: 5-9 last week (96-79 overall)


Thoughts on these games
5. DEN (+8) @ SD
If San Diego wins at home, they will finish the season 8-8 ... and WINNER of the AFC WEST. Way to go, Chargers! That is so pathetic. There should be a rule that teams without a winning record are ineligible for the postseason and a third wildcard team would be added. The entire AFC East is more deserving than any team from the AFC West.
The Chargers are perennial disappointments. Phil Rivers throws like a girl, LT is an average back and the defense is missing their juicer. For Denver, I think Jay Cutler has potential and even Joe could be their running back and survive with that line and running scheme. But they give up so many points. I think the game will be close and so I'll take the Broncos with the points.
Record aside, I do think it's awesome that a divisional crown is to be decided by a head-to-head finish -- and a replay of the season's earlier game where the refs robbed the Chargers.
Joe says, "I hate both teams so its a lose-lost situation. neither really deserves to go to the playoffs but at least san diego will have a better chance to do something. so long as phillip rivers keeps his mouth shut."

4. MIA (+3) @ NYJ
I'm getting totally ripped off on my NFL coverage today. Instead of seeing Brett Favre's final interceptions of his career, I get saddled with Jags at Ravens. Disgusting. There should be a rule that if the local NFL team is eliminated from the playoffs, then the secondary local channel that carried the preseason games will broadcast this game and then CBS or FOX can broadcast their featured game. Let these markets enjoy a game that matters. I might go to a sports bar to see the second half of these games.
Jets fans were so excited earlier this year but knew deep in their hearts that said hearts would somehow be ripped out. I'm rooting for Favre. I'd love to see one more playoff run. But my brain wins this argument. Dolphins in the upset.
Joe says, "I hate joey porter. love brett favre."

3. DAL (+1.5) @ PHI
See above. This game is also absent in my locale as the Redskins/49ers barnburner will be showcased instead. Yes, there should be a rule. I'm missing the two most interesting games of the week just so local TV can show their losers instead. Pah. A POX on YOU NFL!
Whew. Okay. I feel better now. I'm picking the Eagles in this game because it's at Philly. The good news for the Cowboys is that the weather is supposed to be great.
Joe says, "andy reid is horrible but then again so is wade phillips. dallas has more talent so therefore, they win."

2. DET (+9.5) @ GB
Having lived in Michigan, I know many Lion fans. I have a $100 lifetime bet with Brian Seymour if the Lions or the Browns ever win a Super Bowl. And if it's Lions vs Browns in a Super Bowl, it's upped to $500. I feel secure that we will never have to worry about that happening.
That said, I think this is the week. I mean, it HAS to be the week. Playing Green Bay only brings more hope to finding that elusive win. The Packers are terrible and their only motivation in this game is just to not lose to a winless team. I think Detroit will have motivation to avoid a lifetime of notoriety.
Joe says, "i feel bad for calvin johnson and kevin smith, they at least play hard and have been making plays all year. but they still have no chance of winning."

1. CLE (+10.5) @ PIT
The plight of the Browns has given me pause to reconsider my time spent watching grown men playing a child's game.
Joe says, "well depending on who we get as coach and gm we may still see cromeo on the sideline in his best role as D-Coordinator. other than that we are bad and getting worse. thinking about the draft, the only two players i would be considering as the browns first pick are Crabtree or Maualuga from usc. no one else will be satisfying for me."