Jack’s Free NFL Picks & Predictions: Week 17

Written December 24, 2008 by Jack Jones

nfl-picks-week17 The Bucs need a win and a Dallas loss this week to be in the playoffs. I think they beat the Raiders in Tampa, but the 12.5 spread seems a little high for a team that has not been very productive on offense lately. Bucs 17, Raiders 7.

Detroit tries to avoid becoming the first 0-16 team in NFL history at the Packers this week. The Packers are 9.5 point favorites and I think they’ll easily defeat the Lions, 28-16.

The Cowboys are in a tough spot. They need to win at Philly this week in order to earn a playoff birth. The Eagles have been playing well enough to spoil Dallas’ playoff hopes. Eagles win, and cover the 1.5 point spread, 24-21.

Minnesota is a 6.5 point favorite over the New York Giants. It’s obvious here that oddsmakers are counting on the Giants to rest the majority of their starters, but I also think that Tom Coughlin understands the importance of momentum going into the playoffs. Minnesota comes up just short, 21-17, and will need to rely on a Bears’ loss to make the playoffs.

The Bears need to beat the Texans to keep their playoff dream alive, but Chicago’s luck is running out. Houston has played extremely well lately, especially at home. I think this one hits right around the number, with the Texans winning 24-19.

Drew Brees needs 403 yards to pass Dan Marino for the all-time single-season passing record. I don’t think he gets it done against the Panthers this week, even in New Orleans. There isn’t a lot to gain for either team, but the Panthers are a much better squad. Carolina wins 27-21 and covers the 3 point spread.

The Atlanta Falcons are in the playoffs, but they’d like to head into the playoffs on a high note by beating the lowly St. Louis Rams. The Rams are second only to the Lions in futility this year, I’ll take Atlanta and lay the 14 points. Predicted final score: 34-13.

The Chiefs are 3 point underdogs at Cincinnati this week, but Kansas City has looked like the better team over these past few weeks. Take the points and Kansas City. Chiefs pull out the road upset 27-24.

Baltimore just needs to win at home against the Jags this week, they don’t need to blow them out. Jacksonville has had plenty of problems this year, but the tempo of this game should keep the score closer than the 12.5 point spread. Ravens 21, Jags 14.

Neither the Colts nor Titans have much to gain this week as each will be in the playoffs and the Titans have already earned home field advantage and a first-round bye. With both teams likely resting players, I’ll take the home team to pull out another victory. Colts 21, Titans 20.

There’s little doubt the Steelers want to get back on track as they prepare for the playoffs. I see them using the Browns as a warm up for their offense, which needs to find some kind of consistency. Steelers win and cover, 35-14.

The Jets playoff chances aren’t very bright, they’ll need a win Sunday over the Dolphins and the Patriots to lose. The Dolphins just need a win and they are in. The Jets have looked disinterested lately and have lost 3 of their last 4. I think they manufacture some excitement and grab the home victory. Their playoff fate will be left to the Pats. Jets 27, Dolphins 23.

With a win and a Miami loss the Patriots will be in the playoffs, but they must first get past the Bills in Buffalo. I do think the Pats come away victorious, but the Bills keep it closer than you might think. Bills cover, Pats win 21-16.

The Seahawks bring their first two-game winning streak of the season into Arizona this Sunday. The Cardinals are in the playoffs, but have lost 4 of their last 5. I’ll take the visitor and the 6 points. Cardinals 23, Seahawks 20.

Winners of 3 of their last 4 games, the 49ers have looked like a different team lately. The Redskins are fresh off of a disappointing run that eliminated them from playoff consideration. San Fran gets the job done at home as 3 point favorites, 21-10.

I hope the Chargers sent the Buffalo Bills a nice Christmas present this year! By beating the Broncos last week, the Bill set up this showdown for the AFC West title. The winner goes to the playoffs, the loser goes home. The Chargers are on a mission, while the Broncos have done nothing but prove their defense is fatally-flawed. Chargers win big and get the cover. Final score: Chargers 38, Broncos 24.

Editor’s note: These are just my quick leans for this week’s games. I still have a lot of research to do before I upgrade any of them to premium plays for my clients. Many times I will end up on the other side of some games, so please treat these plays accordingly. Thanks! -Jack

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