Week 17 picks
Matt Barkley has made some beautiful throws for the Bears, but he has tried to force the ball. The Vikings are a different team than they were, but their defense still can play.
The Patriots haven't locked up the No. 1 seed, and they're not going to leave that to chance. Bill Belichick has seen enough of Matt Moore to draw a bead on his tendencies.
Mike Tomlin has hinted he might rest Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell and Maurkice Pouncey. Why gift-wrap the No. 1 pick for a division rival?
Always go with the team that has incentive to win in Week 17. Even though the Buccaneers have to thread the needle in an almost impossible way, they still have a playoff pulse.
The Cowboys might play Mark Sanchez at quarterback instead of Tony Romo. Give the edge to the Eagles, who want to finish strong with rookie Carson Wentz at the helm.
If you're the Texans, you need to get Tom Savage and your retooled offense more reps to get them ready for the playoffs. Matt Cassel will be respectable for the Titans.
Cold of the Bills to fire Rex Ryan before he gets to face his former team. Tyrod Taylor won't be playing for the Bills, and the Jets can get after the quarterback. Go with the home team.
The Ravens are a better organization and they're determined to finish strong after a devastating loss at Pittsburgh. The Bengals are shutting down A.J. Green early, and that matters.
If you're Andrew Luck, there's no taking your foot off the accelerator, whether your team has a chance to move forward or not. The Jaguars are young and talented on defense, but …
The Seahawks still have a chance for a first-round bye, and that's plenty of incentive. They're the better team, and Pete Carroll won't let them take their foot off the gas.
The Falcons have the No. 2 seed and a bye dangling in front of them. Can't trust the Saints defense to hold up in that situation, not against an offense that can score so many.
The Chiefs still have a chance to win the AFC West. They will take care of business against a banged-up Chargers team that has big changes in store this offseason.
The Cardinals are more solid at several key spots, and they've got some swagger after their win in Seattle. Tough to sweep a division opponent too.
The Broncos are a well-coached, veteran team that's going to finish strong at home. Raiders fill-in quarterback Matt McGloin hasn't started in three years, and the Broncos defense is stout.
The Giants are in, and the Redskins need to win. That favors Washington in terms of incentive. But the Giants' front four isn't going to roll over for a division rival.
Matthew Stafford has looked really good lately, and the Lions are at home. That said, Aaron Rodgers has been on fire, and the Packers have the experience to win in these situations.
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
