I'm 37-17 for the season, 6-1 on Thursday games, 1-1 on Saturday games, 23-13 on Sunday games and 7-2 on Monday games. Week 17 is usually a tough week to pick with many playoff teams resting some of their players, so besides the nationally televised games I tried to pick the games with playoff implications. Here are this week's picks;
1. New England vs. NY Giants (Sat.)
Both teams are already in the playoffs, but the Patriots are still playing for the undefeated season. If Belichick goes for it on 4th and long, instead of kicking FGs, I don't see him resting his players until the game is well in hand. The Giants on the other hand have nothing to gain in this game and will likely try to rest players and they have not played well at home this season. PICK: Patriots
2. Tennessee vs. Indianapolis
The Colts are set as the AFC #2 and we will likely see a lot more of Jim Sorgi then Peyton Manning in this one, although if Marvin Harrison actually plays, Manning may play a little longer to work on their timing. The Titans need to win to get into the playoffs, a loss will put the Browns in, so I expect Tenn. to play "balls to the wall" and pull it out. PICK: Titans
3. Dallas vs. Washington
Another game where one team (Dallas) is already set and the other team (Washington) must win to get in. Dallas has already said Owens and Newman will sit out, it is likely Romo (thumb) and Barber will not play long. Washington has looked hungry the last few games beating teams they were fighting for position with (Giants, Vikings.) After the Owens injury, I expect Dallas to be extra cautious, the Skins win and get in. PICK: Redskins
4. San Francisco vs. Cleveland
The Browns don't need to win to earn a wildcard spot, but they need the Titans to lose. The Niners will be starting their 4th QB, Chris Weinke who threw for 423 yards against the Giants last season, in a late season start for the Panthers. However this time around Weinke signed with the 49ers only a few weeks ago and will run a limited playbook. PICK: Browns
5. Minnesota vs. Denver
After the Vikings loss to the Skins last week, they now need a win and the Skins to lose to earn a wildcard spot. The Vikes running game should tear apart the Denver run D, one of the worst in the league. After watching Denver on Monday night, the Vikings should have no problem winning this one. PICK: Vikings
6. New Orleans vs. Chicago
After stumbling last week against the Eagles, the Saints need a win and both the Vikings and the Redskins to lose to earn a playoff spot. These two teams were matched up in last year's NFC title game. The Saints will get their revenge on the Bears, but will likely still miss the playoffs. PICK: Saints
Send Questions or Comments to Tony at: TTOHBLOG@hotmail.com
