New England at N.Y. Giants: This one is for the record books. I expect
New Enlgand to go with their key personnel until there is no doubt about the
outcome, but at some point look for the Giants to sit key starters in
preparation for next week's wildcard battle. Pick: New England
Buffalo at Philadelphia: Both teams are essentially playing for pride,
but in what might well be his swan song with the Eagles, look for Donovan McNabb
to lead his club to it's third straight victory. Both defenses will need to be
re-tooled in the offseason. Pick: Philadelphia
Carolina at Tampa Bay: This one really doesn't mean much for the Bucs
as they look ahead to their playoff opener. Injuries have essentially decided
the Panthers' fate for the past two seasons, so better depth, particularly at
the quarterback position, is essential. Pick: Tampa Bay
Cincinnati at Miami: If the Bengals show up with their "A"
game, this one will be a cakewalk, but as the 2007 season has clearly shown,
when the other Bengals squad shows up, they are capable of getting licked by
anyone. Pick: Cincinnati
Dallas at Washington: In a Week 17 key matchup, the Skins need this
one desperately to qualify for the postseason. The Cowboys would like nothing
better than to end their archrival's season while also avoiding losing two of
it's last three games entering the postseason. Pick: Washington
Detroit at Green Bay: Although the Packers have earned a first-round
bye, my feeling is that they do not want to enter the postseason sporting a
two-game losing streak. A non-losing season would give the Lions a psychological
boost entering the offseason. Pick: Green Bay
Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
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Jacksonville at Houston: Like the Lions, the Texans would like to
avoid a losing season with a win in their season finale. But the Jaguars are a
very driven bunch and will take care of business on the road on Sunday. Pick:
Jacksonville
New Orleans at Chicago: Amazingly heading into Week 17 the Saints —
despite their inconsistent play — have not been officially eliminated from the
playoff picture. Look for them to triumph in the finale, but to subsequently be
eliminated from postseason consideration. Pick: New Orleans
Pittsburgh at Baltimore: A total makeover is in store for the Ravens
this offseason. Most importantly, a seasoned quarterback must be found. The Steelers
will also need to upgrade in several areas, but for now have far too many weapons
compared to their division rivals. Pick: Pittsburgh
Seattle at Atlanta: I'm actually rooting for interim head coach Emmitt Thomas and the
Falcons this week, but I'm sorry to say I just don't see it happening. With the
exception of assistant general manager Billy Devaney, the Falcons' front office personnel is
totally overmatched. Pick: Seattle
San Francisco at Cleveland: A victory over the surging 49ers is a
distinct probability, but the Browns are no longer in a position to control
their ultimate destiny. The 49ers — behind little known free agent QB
Shaun Hill — are playing
their best football of the season. Pick: Cleveland
Tennessee at Indianapolis: It all depends on how the Colts approach
this season-ending contest, but make no mistake about it, the Titans are a game-ready, blood-thirsty bunch who will lay it on the line this weekend in the
RCA Dome. Pick: Tennessee
Minnesota at Denver: On Monday night the Broncos appeared to have
packed it in — which is great news for a Vikings club that is very much alive for
the final NFC wildcard spot. QB Tarvaris Jackson has been inconsistent of late,
but has a ton of talent. Pick: Minnesota
San Diego at Oakland: The Chargers are just far too talented for their
longtime division rivals. JaMarcus Russell (7-23-3 INT), the first
person selected in the 2007 draft was pitiful in his first
extended action of the season last week. Pick: San Diego
St Louis at Arizona: This battle between division rivals features two
clubs who have had a very difficult time winning on the road. Simply put, the
disappointing Cardinals mercifully put an end to another horrendous Rams season.
Pick: Arizona
Kansas City at N.Y. Jets: In a perfect world this epic battle would
somehow end in a scoreless tie. Both club have proven numerous times this season
that we live in a far from perfect sphere, so let's go with the home team in this
year's "Who Cares Bowl." Pick: N.Y. Jets