NFL Predictions: Week 17

An identical (but solid) week of results  means I'm in a strong position going into the final week of the regular season. It's disappointing for the year's football to be almost over for most teams (and it really has flown by) but I'm excited for the post-season, which looks set to be a great one with so many strong teams competing. Most of the divisions are already locked up, but with a week of pure divisional games it should still be a fantastic close to a memorable regular season.

Week 16 = 11-5

Overall = 153-88

Sunday First Wave

Falcons @ Buccaneers

This should be an open and shut case with the Falcons continuing to fly high and the Buccs done. I wouldn’t put it past Tampa to make it competitive though.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Falcons by 7

Jets @ Bills

McElroy did not have an ideal start against the Chargers suffering 11 sacks, and I can't see him getting a much calmer ride in Buffalo. The Jets beat them convincingly very early in the season, but a lot has changed since then.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Bills by 10

Ravens @ Bengals

Tough one to call as both looked very good last Sunday, and the NFC North has already been decided.  Baltimore will have their foot off the gas a little so I like Cincy to grab a very narrow win.

DBL Coverage Prediction:  Bengals by 3

Bears @ Lions

Megatron has already broken Rice's receiving record so the Lions really have nothing to play for at this stage, whereas Chicago will be hungry to secure a post-season berth. Bears all day

DBL Coverage Prediction: Bears by 10

Texans @ Colts

Very interesting one with the Texans suffering a surprise loss to the Vikings last week. I still like them to win, but at Indy I'm very wary of this game.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Texans by 7

Panthers @ Saints 

Tricky one as both have been playing fairly well lately, I like the Saints to squeeze it at home though,  even if it’s just pride at stake.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Saints by 6

Eagles @ Giants

The Giants desperately need a win, but after burning me the last two weeks I'm reluctant to back them again. Against the Eagles though this really shouldn’t be in question.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Giants by 10

Browns @ Steelers

Both miss out on the playoffs, and the Browns have had by far the more encouraging year out of the two. Despite that, quality will rise to the top in this one.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Steelers by 7

Jaguars @ Titans

The Titans are surprisingly my most reliable team this year, and I feel fairly secure in picking them here.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Titans by 10

Sunday Second Wave

Packers @ Vikings

Tough one as the Vikings pulled the upset over the Texans, and AP will be rushing hard for the record books with a huge game needed. However Green Bay just blew out Tennessee so I think they can grab a close win here.

DBL Coverage Prediction:  Packers by 6

Dolphins @ Patriots

The Pats have been sub-par the last couple of weeks, but should bounce back here to blow Miami out and lift their spirits just before the start of the post-season.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Patriots by 10

Chiefs @ Broncos

No question whatsoever that the Broncos are going to win here, and win big.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Broncos by 14

Cardinals @ 49ers

The Niners need to win to stay top of the West, but I can see the Cardinal's elite defence keeping them closer than many might predict.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Niners by 10

Rams @ Seahawks

When you've been putting up the kind of numbers Seattle have I fancy them as more than capable of finishing the season very strongly, especially at home against a divisional opponent.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Seahawks by 14

Chargers @ Raiders

Nothing to play for here but pride, and whilst Turner is definitely a lame duck coach right now the Bolts will still comfortably beat their hated rivals.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Chargers by 10

Sunday Night

Dallas @ Washington

The biggest game of the weekend rightfully gets prime-time billing. This one could swing either way, but when a win for Washington guarantees them the division I can’t turn my back on them now. I can see this being a nail-biter throughout.

DBL Coverage Prediction: Redskins by 3