NFL Expert Picks for Week 17

13-3 last week!! That puts me at 159-81 (.663) for the season and I’m still in third versus the ESPN Experts and I’m expecting to have another big week. Picking winners for week 17 is very tricky because it is hard to determine which teams are motivated to win and which have a lack of motivation. Some teams that have clinched a playoff birth are more concerned about resting key players and limiting injuries. Some teams that have clinched a playoff birth are playing for home field advantage. Some teams cannot make the playoffs but are still relevant because they have an opportunity to be a spoiler. Some teams are fighting to finish at .500. Some teams are above .500, didn’t make the playoffs, and have given up on the season. Let’s try to make some sense of week 17.

Buccaneers @ Falcons I like the Falcons. The Falcons have won the NFC South division title and they’ve secured home field advantage for the playoffs. This means they could slack of this game with no consequences. I believe they’ll still show up to play for the home fans and defeat the Buccaneers who have currently lost five games in a row.

Jets @ Bills I like the Bills. Both teams have struggled this season but the Jets are a three-ring circus and in the center ring this week is QB Mark Sanchez. He was benched for the third-string QB last week and now finds himself starting for a team that will most likely trade him in the off season. I think the Bills will work hard to end the season on a high note at home.

Bengals @ Ravens I like the Bengals because they’re really hot right now. They’ve won two in row and six of the last seven games. The Ravens had a real nice win over the Giants last week but they lost the previous three games in a row.

Bears @ Lions I like the Bears. The Bears are 9-6 and to get to the playoffs they need a win today and a Minnesota Vikings loss. The Lions are 4-11 and just 2-5 at home.

Jaguars @ Titans I like the Titans at home. The Jaguars are tied for the worst record in the league at 2-13 and I’m certain that the Titans would like to finish the season with a win after going 5-10 thus far.

Texans @ Colts The Colts win at home. The Texans have struggled a bit over the last three games winning just one game. The win was at home against the Colts but I feel like the Texans are coasting into the playoffs unlike the highly-motivated Colts who have won four of the last five games.

Panthers @ Saints The Saints will win. They are 4-3 at home and are looking for a win to get them to .500. The Panthers are 3-4 on the road.

Eagles @ Giants I like the Giants to win. The Eagles narrowly defeated the Giants 19-17 in week four and they won’t pull that off again this season. The Eagles have been a disaster all season and they are 2-5 on the road. The Giants have fallen apart at the end of the season and have won just 2 of the last seven games. The upside for the Giants is they are 5-2 at home and if they win today they can make the playoffs if the Redskins, Bears, and Vikings lose. Good luck with that, Giants.

Browns @ Steelers Steelers will win. The Steelers are 4-3 at home. The Browns are 1-6 on the road.

Chiefs @ Broncos Broncos win. The Broncos have won ten in a row and the Chiefs are 1-6 on the road.

Packers @ Vikings I like the Packers. This a tough pick because the Vikings clinch a playoff spot with a win and the Packers have already clinched a playoff spot but will secure a bye next week if they win today. I like the Packers because they held the Vikings to 14 points and three scoreless quarters just four weeks ago.

Dolphins @ Patriots I like the Patriots. They are 11-4, they have won the AFC East, they are 5-2 at home, and they always play strong until the last whistle of their regular season is blown. Dolphins are 2-5 on the road.

Raiders @ San Diego Both teams have really struggled this year. The Raiders have chosen to give QB Terrelle Pryor his first NFL start since the Sugar Bowl in 2011. This is a good move for the Raiders but I still like the Chargers to put together a win at home.

Cardinals @ Niners The Niners will win. If the Niners win and Seattle loses then they will be the NFC West Champs. Cardinals are 1-6 on the road and 5-10 overall.

Rams @ Seahawks The Seahawks are 7-0 at home and will win the NFC West today with a win and a Niners’ loss.

Cowboys @ Redskins The Redskins will win. The winner of this game will be the NFC Champion. The Redskins have won six in a row and defeated the Cowboys 38-31 in week 11. The Cowboys are notorious for losing in big games.