Making the Cut NFL Week 17 picks
New York Jets (+1.5) at Buffalo Bills (O/U 36)
Pick: Buffalo Bills -1.5
Note: I wanted to take the Jets but they’re the type of team to screw up a game where the other team is just trying not to get hurt.
Cleveland Browns (-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (O/U 44.5)
Pick: Cleveland Browns -3
Note: The Browns are one of those teams playing hard in a no-nothing bowl because they want to kick off next season, this season. Plus you can’t punt against a franchise whose coach once said “you don’t live in Cleveland”.
Green Bay Packers (-12.5) at Detroit Lions (O/U 43)
Pick: Under 43
Note: Hard to figure out Green Bay. Can they beat anyone by 12.5? Well… it is the Lions.
Los Angeles Chargers (+9.5) at Kansas City Chiefs (O/U 45)
Pick: Los Angeles Chargers +9.5
Note: The Chiefs playing to stay the division winner with the best record but expect the Chargers to put up a massive fight.
Chicago Bears (+1) at Minnesota Vikings (O/U 36.5)
Pick: Minnesota Vikings -1
Note: Simply put. Vikings have Kirk Cousins and the game isn’t in prime time.
Miami Dolphins (+15.5) at New England Patriots (O/U 44.5)
Pick: Miami Dolphins +15.5
Note: The Patriots need to show more on offense before the playoffs start. That means run, run, run. Miami should be about that backdoor cover life.
Atlanta Falcons (+1.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (O/U 47.5)
Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -1.5
Note: Jameis Winston is due for a big game that you try to figure out how he could keep throwing for four touchdowns and two pick sixes.
New Orleans Saints (-13) at Carolina Panthers (O/U 46)
Pick: New Orleans Saints -13
Note: Panthers can’t wait to get the season over with. On the other hand, the Saints are playing for something.
Oakland Raiders (+3.5) at Denver Broncos (O/U 41)
Pick: Oakland Raiders +3.5
Note: The Raiders have a slim chance of making the playoffs. That’s enough for Jon Gruden to rally the troops to make this a competitive game on the road.
Washington (+11) at Dallas Cowboys (O/U 45.5)
Pick: Washington +11
Note: Dallas needs this one in the worst way but their inability to produce has Jason Garrett on the cusp of losing his job.
Arizona Cardinals (+7.5) at Los Angeles Rams (O/U 49)
Pick: Arizona Cardinals +7.5
Note: The Cardinals play hard week after week. They’ll make this close.
Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) at New York Giants (O/U 45)
Pick: New York Giants +4.5
Note: The Eagles are going to screw this up. They are.. and they are at the hands of a division rival.
Indianapolis Colts (-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (O/U 43)
Pick: Indianapolis Colts -4
Note: Jacksonville stinks. They stink.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-1.5) at Baltimore Ravens (O/U 37.5)
Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers -1.5
Note: Baltimore is cruising to stay healthy. No way they beat a desperate Steelers team with RG III.
Tennessee Titans (-3.5) at Houston Texans (O/U 45.5)
Pick: Houston Texans +3.5
Note: One would think with nothing the play for, the Texans would be an easy opponent. Won’t be that way.
San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) at Seattle Seahawks (O/U 47)
Pick: Seattle Seahawks +3.5
Note: There’s no way the Seahawks lose this game with Marshawn in the hizzy.
