NFL week 17 picks

Loren made up some ground last week with a 4-2 record last week while I ended up with a 3-3 mark. This is the last week of the regular season games.

Standings
Derek 65-31
Loren 53-43

Tampa Bay at Atlanta

Loren – Tampa Bay. I’m hoping I get lucky with this one and Atlanta rests most of their starters for the majority of the game. Tampa Bay is a decent club, but they’ll need some help to pull this off.

Derek – Atlanta. I don’t think the Falcons will rest too many folks. Plus they’re at home and they’re they better team.

Chicago at Detroit

Loren – Chicago. Poor Detroit. Such big hopes, such a disappointing season. Chicago has a great shot at a wildcard spot with Minnesota playing Green Bay. As long the Bears don’t stumble, they should get the pleasure of playing SF in the first round, a very winnable game for them.

Derek – Chicago. Is Detroit the most disappointing team this season? Probably. The Bears are better and they have something to play for, they should when easily.

Houston at Indianapolis

Loren – Houston. The Texans need to win in order to hold on to the number one seed in the AFC, assuming the Broncos don’t pull a disappearing act against the Chiefs. I really wanted to take Indy here, but Houston will be coming out strong with the intent of locking up home field advantage.

Derek – Houston. The Colts are a good story but I think the Texans are the better team and have something to play for. Expect them to run the ball at the Colts all day long, keeping the ball out of Luck’s hands.

Baltimore at Cincinnati

Loren – Baltimore. There is nothing the Bengals can do to change their fate. Whether they, or any other team, win or lose, the Bengals are the sixth seed. A smart team would give the starters some first quarter reps to keep them fresh, then rest the remainder of the game to assure a healthy squad for the playoffs. Yes, I know I just accused the Bengals of being smart. I’m probably hosed here.

Derek – Cincinnati. Baltimore is on my poo list. They just haven’t been the team they were supposed to be. I think the Bengals can score against the Ravens.

Green Bay at Minnesota

Loren – Minnesota. Home team playing well. AP back to monster form. Chance to make the playoffs. A suspect Packers D. Momentum.

Derek – Green Bay. Packers know that you have to be playing well going into the playoffs. Two years ago they fought to the end to make the playoffs and continued into the playoffs and won a Super Bowl. Last year they had everything locked up and rested their starters, and got Matt Flynn a bunch of money, how did that work for them?

Cowboys at Redskins

Loren – Washington. You think I’m going to pass up a chance to side with the team that could keep the Cowboys from making the playoffs and winning the NFC East?

Derek – Washington. Home team playing well against a perennial FUBAR team.