Friday, December 29, 2006

NFL Week 17 Picks

Da... (sigh)... Raiders...
Oakland at N.Y. Jets (-13) - Finally, it's here! The merciful end to the most forgettable year in Oakland Raiders history. It takes a special group to be the worst at just about everything in the league. Bright spots this season: Kirk Morrison, Nnamdi Asomugha, Warren Sapp, Derrick Burgess (Pro Bowl), Ronald Curry, Shane Lechler. Everyone else? Well... you were terrible. Here's the sad truth about the Raiders: It doesn't matter if Art Shell is fired (because no one wants the job) or if Brady Quinn is taken with the #1 overall pick in the draft (because he's a decent QB who is the product of a media hype machine that wets themselves over anything that looks pretty and plays at Notre Dame -- quick, name a bg win in Quinn's college career!), the Raiders are doomed as an organization as long as Al Davis is micromanaging everything from upon high. It begins with him. You can lose Randy Moss for some draft picks, shore up the offensive line, whatever -- it won't matter. Davis is the problem and the proof is in the last few seasons since our last good coach, Jon Gruden, couldn't take it anymore.
Jets 31 Raiders 10

N.Y. Giants at Washington (+2.5) - You know, I just don't see it happening, Giants fans. It's going to take more than Kevin Gilbride taking over the play-calling on offense for the blue guys to win and salvage their season. I watched this offense roll over and die, last week. They've quit on the season. And hearing Antonio Pierce's comments today, I'd say the mood in the locker room is that even if they make the playoffs, they won't be proud to have done it at 8-8. So Gilbride will call the plays, but can Eli make them? Redskins 27 Giants 16

Seattle (+3.5) at Tampa Bay - Who are the Seattle Seahawks? This week, they look like a team that pushed San Diego to the limit, while putting forth just enough to get by the Yucs and head into the playoffs on a good note. Seahawks 24 Buccaneers 14

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (-6) - One extra point. Even with that hideous October, the Bengals were one extra point away, last week, from controlling their destiny. They clobber the Steelers and then have a lot of time on their hands to figure out how to keep out of jail while watching the playoffs at home. Bengals 34 Steelers 17

New England at Tennessee (-3) - The Titans won't make the playoffs, but no one should be betting against the VY Express. Not after the last six weeks. I'm eating crow on this one. I was pretty adament the Young would flop in the NFL. He's made a believer out of me. Good for him. Patriots are pretty much locked into that 4-seed and they seem content with that. Titans 28 Patriots 21

St. Louis at MINNESOTA (+3) - Rams win close and ugly. That's about as much as I'd like to dote on this one. Rams need a ton of help that they're probably not going to get on a whacky Sunday. Rams 15 Vikings 13

Carolina at New Orleans (+2.5) - Carolina's m.o. this season has been that when there is something at stake or momentum looks to be in their favor, they blow it. Welcome to Sunday. Jake Delhomme, thanks for hurrying back. Panthers are the league's biggest underachievers. Saints 20 Panthers 18

Cleveland at HOUSTON (-4) - You're not going to watch this game, are you? Browns totally fell apart down the stretch. They at least played with some fire for the first eight weeks of the season. Houston in a laugher. Texans 28 Browns 6

Detroit (+12.5) at Dallas - Even if it is the Lions and Dallas is still gunning for a division title, no way in hell do you spot them double digits over anyone. Honeymoon's over for Romo & Co. and I think they might run into a buzzsaw next week. Cowboys 21 Lions 17

Jacksonville at Kansas City (-2) - A nail-biter of a game between two teams kicking themselves for blown opportunities throughout the season. Too bad for them that this game will be ultimately meaningless. Chiefs 24 Jaguars 20

Atlanta at PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) - Two teams headed in very polar opposite directions. There'll be a lot of changes in the ATL this offseason. Eagles 37 Falcons 17

Miami (+9) at Indianapolis - After the Patriots blow their game earlier in the day, the Colts will opt to rest their starters, realizing there is nothing to be gained in this one. Dolphins 25 Colts 17

Buffalo at Baltimore (-9) - Folks, I'm going on record: The Baltimore Ravens are going to win the Superbowl. Ravens 26 Bills 12

San Francisco (+10.5) at Denver - Stupid Broncos getting stupid lucky against the stupid Bengals... Grr... But just as they have in about every win this season, Denver does just enough to win. Broncos 18 49ers 13

Arizona at San Diego (-13.5) - Homefield advantage is still at stake and Kurt Warner is starting for the Cardinals. You do the math. Chargers 41 Cardinals 22

Green Bay (+2) at Chicago - Did you ever think in your wildest dreams that the Green Bay Packers and the absolutely atrocious Brett Favre (have you seen him at all this year???) would be in the playoffs? What does Chicago care about this one? Don't even try telling me that it matters to Chicago because they're "rivals." The Bears could give a crap and are content to rest starters for the 60 minutes. Packers in the playoffs... Madness. Packers 16 Bears 14

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