NFL Week 17

[Gard]

Man, what a poor showing for me picking last week, but still at 159-81 for the season going into the final regular season games.

OK, here we go:

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San Francisco @ St. Louis - No playoff implications here, the NFC is set for teams, just some jockeying for position now, and neither of these teams have any dog in the fight. SF is just BETTER than SL. SF 24 SL 6

New England @ Houston - The AFC is CONFUSING. I'm not going to get too far into all the different ramifications. It'll give me a headache. This one matters for Houston, doesn't for NE, and it won't matter. NE is going to walk on this one. NE 31 Houston 13

Atlanta @ Tampa Bay - Tampa won their "Super Bowl" last week. Congrats. Atlanta can secure back to back winning seasons by winning this one for the FIRST TIME EVER in franchise history - heck, that's even worse than New Orleans! No game here folks... Atlanta 27 Tampa 10

Pittsburgh @ Miami - This one matters to both teams, if I have it right. Won't matter, Pittsburgh will win it. Pittsburgh 24 Miami 17

Jacksonville @ Cleveland - Jax has a VERY SMALL chance to make the playoffs. I think everyone, including the Pop Warner team in Statesville, GA has to lose for them to get in though. They do what they must, then watch someone else end their season anyhow. Jax 24 Cleveland 17

NY Giants @ Minnesota - Impossible to pick this game. Which Giants show up? Which Minnesota team shows up? Uh...er....I've picked both teams to win games they SHOULD have, and been wrong. Tie???? Unlikely. The game matters somewhat to Minnesota, trying to hang onto the #2 seed in the playoffs....but the Giants are probably pretty P!$$ED off at themselves for backing out of the playoffs with an EMBARRASSING loss at home to Carolina....blah blah blah...coin toss... NYG 24 Minn 21 (upset special)

Indianapolis @ Buffalo - Really? Who cares??? Indy is set, Buffalo is out. Nothing that happens will change in this one. However, Buffalo...beat Indy? Not likely. Indy 24 Buffalo 17

Chicago @ Detroit - Another "Who cares???" game. Chicago is playing OK football, Detroit is playing Detroit football. Chicago 31 Detroit 17

Washington @ San Diego - SD is the #2 seed in the AFC, can't change it. Washington...is...playing their last game under Jim Zorn. SD's scrubs will walk away with the win. Washington 13 SD 24

Tennessee @ Seattle - Titans still in? Can't remember, don't think they are, or if so, they are VERY much relying on all kinds of stuff to happen. Don't matter. Tennessee 27 Seattle 9

Baltimore @ Oakland - Baltimore is still in it with a good shot, if Pittsburgh somehow loses to Miami. Oakland is....yeah, Oakland. Baltimore 30 Oakland 10

Philadelphia @ Dallas - Tough game to call, it's for the NFC East title. Philly's defense is Swiss cheese, Dallas' offense is hit or miss; Philly's offense is not bad, but missing a few key players (center), Dallas' defense is their strength. Who wants it more? Dunno...going with my gut on this one, Dallas makes me eat my words about December/January ONE MORE TIME, wins, but barely. Philly 24 Dallas 27 (but if I'm wrong, I won't shed a tear )

Kansas City @ Denver - Does this one matter? Can't remember, not bothering to look. Why, because it doesn't matter! KC 10 Denver 24

Green Bay @ Arizona - Depends game. Depends on which of each team decides to show up. Impossible to KNOW, but a guess is in order....GB can't improve their position, AZ is unlikely to improve theirs (but could if all the other division leaders lose)... GB 20 AZ 17

SNF: Cincinnati @ NY Jets - Last game ever in the Meadowlands. End of an era. Jets NEED it, Cincy could use it. Tough call. Both teams will be playing for keeps in this one. Home team. Cincy 24 Jets 27

MY GAME:

New Orleans @ Carolina - Practice squad/"preseason" game for Saints, "hey, we can make it to .500!!!" game for Carolina. Much as I hate to say it, I don't CARE, as long as none of the starters are injured, how this one turns out. I don't think the Saints really do either - they have HFA sewn up, they have some banged up players, they won't want to lose anyone for the playoffs. Carolina's passing game is shot now (Steve Smith, broken arm, IR), but they can run the ball. Stewart will probably have a career day against the Saints 2nd & 3rd string defense. Still close, and could even be a sneaky win for the Saints. Unlikely though. NO 24 Carolina 27

[LilRay]

SAY WHAT?

YOU PICKED DALLAS?

YOU FEELIN' OK MAN?

God Bless, Ray

[modulusman]

Holy Crap! Gard picks his team to lose. What is the world coming too.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by LilRay

SAY WHAT?

YOU PICKED DALLAS?

YOU FEELIN' OK MAN?

God Bless, Ray

Feelin' "#1 seed in the NFC Playoffs, everyone is actually believing that the Saints have fallen back to old habits and are going to be so wrong in 3 weeks" fine.

Originally Posted by modulusman

Holy Crap! Gard picks his team to lose. What is the world coming too.

Actually, no I'm not picking "my team" to lose. I'm picking my team's bench to lose to Carolina's remaining starters.

[modulusman]

Yeah, going into the play-offs with 3 losses in a row should be great for team morale.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by modulusman

Yeah, going into the play-offs with 3 losses in a row should be great for team morale.

What if the team is aware of something that you and I are not (but I suspect very strongly)?



...as opposed to being a team that has dropped 3 of 4 when they were putting forth a serious effort to win?

[AverageWhiteBassist]

Being a long time Pats fan and having tix to the 1st playoff game I assure you they will lose this week. They lose, Cincy loses too, Pittsburgh is out of the playoffs. Brady will play a half + one series tops. They have NEVER done well in Reliant stadium (almost losing Superbowl 38 vs the Panthers) and our secondary will get torched. That being said, I'd love to see it shape up to play the Jets round one and hopefully Colts round 2 of the playoffs. That might mean playing San Diego in the AFC CHampionship if we are so lucky, which will definitely end our season. But, we can always dream. I'm calling a Philly-SD Superbowl with Samuel getting burnt for the Game winning touchdown and SD wins. No, I don't like that outcome, but that's how I see this season ending for all teams.

[darthkgrim]

I have 4 problems:

1. Tampa Bay players are fighting to show they deserve to be where they are ,as well as their coach. Atlanta is fighting for ???? I'm not saying they will win. But people do like to keep their jobs, y'know. Tampa's also riding a high.

2. Philly has a more surprising offense with the wildcats. Sorry guys. (Ray&Jazz)

3. It's possible Clevland will surprise us. But if they don't?

4. I think Cincy's got this one

Originally Posted by modulusman

Holy Crap! Gard picks his team to lose. What is the world coming too.

I think he may have finally come off of the undefeated high and started thinking more outside the NOLA box.

I have to say though that I'm not sure about his pick though. That's one I'd have to wait and see.


ONE LAST EDIT:

I told y'all I was gonna disguise myself as Jay Cutler and throw the ball better did'nt I? So whaddaya think? Other than my one interception I thought I did pretty good!
Watch out Lions, I'm #6 now.....

[Gard]

Originally Posted by darthkgrim

I have 4 problems:

1. Tampa Bay players are fighting to show they deserve to be where they are ,as well as their coach. Atlanta is fighting for ???? I'm not saying they will win. But people do like to keep their jobs, y'know. Tampa's also riding a high.

Atlanta is fighting for something: a franchise first back-to-back winning seasons. Tampa...got a gift last week, which will not help them this week.

2. Philly has a more surprising offense with the wildcats. Sorry guys. (Ray&Jazz)

I'm seriously concerned by the Philly defense. Don't see them stepping up. Mind you, if I'm wrong, I won't shed a tear.

3. It's possible Clevland will surprise us. But if they don't?

Cleveland surprise us? Really...like they will actually show up? News flash, the Jags have something to play for, and they're the better team (although you're right in saying they're not a GOOD team - Browns are just WORSE).

4. I think Cincy's got this one

Probably. Jets won't be playing against scrubs this week, although Cincy really can't improve their playoff position, with the #1 & #2 AFC slots set.

I think he may have finally come off of the undefeated high and started thinking more outside the NOLA box.

I have to say though that I'm not sure about his pick though. That's one I'd have to wait and see.

Well, what I am is realistic - the Saints have been playing "vanilla" on both sides the past few weeks, they will continue to now. Further, they will not be playing the starters for long, maybe a series or so, then the practice squad and bench will take over. The game means absolutely NOTHING to them, so why put a player of value out there to potentially be injured?

ONE LAST EDIT:

I told y'all I was gonna disguise myself as Jay Cutler and throw the ball better did'nt I? So whaddaya think? Other than my one interception I thought I did pretty good!

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by darthkgrim

I have 4 problems:

1. Tampa Bay players are fighting to show they deserve to be where they are ,as well as their coach. Atlanta is fighting for ???? I'm not saying they will win. But people do like to keep their jobs, y'know. Tampa's also riding a high.

2. Philly has a more surprising offense with the wildcats. Sorry guys. (Ray&Jazz)

3. It's possible Clevland will surprise us. But if they don't?

4. I think Cincy's got this one




I think he may have finally come off of the undefeated high and started thinking more outside the NOLA box.

I have to say though that I'm not sure about his pick though. That's one I'd have to wait and see.


ONE LAST EDIT:

I told y'all I was gonna disguise myself as Jay Cutler and throw the ball better did'nt I? So whaddaya think? Other than my one interception I thought I did pretty good!
Watch out Lions, I'm #6 now.....

I agree with Gard, Atlanta is fighting for two straight winning seasons. And with Uncles that are Falcons Fans I Hope they get it.

As far as Philly and the Wildcat w Vick? I ain't skeered of that I'm more concerned with Jackson and Philly's defensive play

If Dallas' defense can keep up their play, I like our chances of Winning. But I'm a realist, it SHOULD be a TOUGH game, either way.

There's a scenario where Dallas and Philly may play one another in consecutive weeks. Sunday and in the WC game.

NOW FOOTBALL GETS FUN!!!!



God Bless, Ray

For week 17 this IS the game to watch. Kinda like the Saints/Pats MNF Game.

[VroomVroom]

I find myself in an ugly situation...rooting for both the Bungles and the Rai-duhs. Of course, that's only half-right. I'd be rooting for the Raiders anyway. My two favorite teams? The Steelers....and whoever is playing the Dog Ass Ravens.

Lotta' stuff has to go right for my Steelers to make the postseason, but I'll root until the final whistle blows. It's definitely been an interesting year...and from the perspective of mystery, it's been a terrific season. Looking at a lot of team w/l records and division leaders, I certainly wouldn't have predicted things this way at the beginning of the year.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

I find myself in an ugly situation...rooting for both the Bungles and the Rai-duhs. Of course, that's only half-right. I'd be rooting for the Raiders anyway. My two favorite teams? The Steelers....and whoever is playing the Dog Ass Ravens.

Lotta' stuff has to go right for my Steelers to make the postseason, but I'll root until the final whistle blows. It's definitely been an interesting year...and from the perspective of mystery, it's been a terrific season. Looking at a lot of team w/l records and division leaders, I certainly wouldn't have predicted things this way at the beginning of the year.

I'll be right there with ya...my team is set ( ), but I've always liked the Steelers too, so I'm hoping they find a way into the playoffs.

As for the predictions, I was pretty off on quite a few, but somehow NAILED the Saints - 12-4! (I think they'll actually end up 13-3 now).

[darthkgrim]

Originally Posted by Gard

I'll be right there with ya...my team is set ( ), but I've always liked the Steelers too, so I'm hoping they find a way into the playoffs.

Never hurts to have a back up team to follow if you're a Saint's fan.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by darthkgrim

Never hurts to have a back up team to follow if you're a Saint's fan.

Hey, if you're a Bears fan, you probably need TWO.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

Hey, if you're a Bears fan, you probably need TWO.

If you're a Bears fan you yearn for '85. If you are a Cowboys/Saints fan you've got a chance this year.

God Bless, Ray

[darthkgrim]

Originally Posted by LilRay

If you're a Bears fan you yearn for '85. If you are a Cowboys/Saints fan you've got a chance this year.

God Bless, Ray

Fair enough Ray, I'm also sure YOU understand that teams with history and money don't have problems forever. Dallas and Chicago both have some great Hall of Famers and history. The Saints...eehh not so much.

[modulusman]

No Team that has lost the last three regular season games has gone on to win a superbowl. I am glad i'm not a Saints fan.

[LilRay]

Number 3 Seed in the NFC!

How Bout them Cowboys!



EDIT; Looks like you were right on the pick but WAAAAY OFF on the barely part


The team had the Blue Teletubby's back

Back to back shutouts for the first time in team history

Romo is the only Dallas QB to take every snap of the year

I'm hopin' for a Superdome rematch

Got to give the Eagles a knockout shot next week to make it happen though

God Bless, Ray

[CliffD]

San Diego Super Chargers!!!!!!!

[Gard]

Originally Posted by modulusman

No Team that has lost the last three regular season games has gone on to win a superbowl. I am glad i'm not a Saints fan.

You spend too much time listening to "pundits".

"Pundits" use "facts" like a drunk uses a lamp post: more for support than illumination.



Some other "facts" that were NOT mentioned:

No NFC team has EVER started their season by winning 13 straight games.

No team in NFL history has lost their last 3 games and had the #1 seed in their conference going into the playoffs. (Because with 13 games in the "W" column, no one could catch them - even though YOUR Vikings had every opportunity - gee, I'm glad I'm not a Vikings fan! )

The Saints were sitting almost half their starting defense the past 5 games, even though most of them were ready to go. They have been playing "soft" since the MNF win against NE. Do you expect to see the same defense in the playoffs?

The Saints were 5 games up on their division with 5 games left after the MNF win against NE, and were essentially assured both a playoff slot AND their division championship. Payton didn't give a rat's patootie about 16-0, the #1 seed, or any thing else, just getting IN the playoffs. Anything else was just gravy.

The last time that the 4 wide set was a staple part of the Saints offense was 11/30/09. Think about that, and fear it. That is the HEART of the Saints offense, they have not used it in any serious way since that MNF game. Do you expect to not see that in the playoffs?

Here's something else: "Never" means "hasn't happened yet" folks, doesn't mean that it won't or can't happen.

Hey, you've NEVER driven to work wearing a skirt, but I bet you could if you wanted to!

"Pundits" and "never". How cute.