Week 17 Preview

And so, here we are at Week 17, after a long and difficult journey. The past few weeks have been quite successful from this end, largely because we have a firm grasp on the haves and have-nots. Now, we’re at the end of line for most of the teams. The AFC teams heading to the tournament are all set. All that remains is the seeding of the top three teams (Houston, Denver and New England). There are still openings in the NFC t6o be decided, mainly in the NFC East.

So, for the final time in the 2012 regular season, here we go…

At Buffalo

-3.5

NY Jets

39.5

Despite their overall collapse in recent weeks, the Bills have a chance to close out the year on a high note. The incredibly inept Jets come to town looking to play 60 minutes of football before getting out of town as quickly as possible. In Week 1, the Jets hung 48 points on the board against Buffalo but that was a lifetime ago. Last week, the Bills put up a little bit of a fight in Miami before losing 23-7. The Jets were a complete disastuh last week as San Diego crushed them at home. Greg McElroy took over as the starting quarterback, and it didn’t take long to determine that he was in way over his head. But he suffered a concussion in last week’s game so it’s back to Sanchez. This may be Ryan Fitzpatrick’s last stand in Buffalo as there probably will be sweeping changes in Buffalo during the off-season.

Projected Final Score: Buffalo 24, NY Jets 14

At New England

-10

Miami

46

 The Patriots stunk last week and but for the fact that they were facing a doormat in Jacksonville, they probably would’ve lost. They deserved to lose, and were not in a good place heading into the playoffs. This week, the Pats return home and really need to bear down against the Dolphins. Miami had a decent bounce back year with Coach Philbin and Ryan Tannehill. Last week, the Dolphins had a big win over Buffalo. They’d love to close out the year on a high note and have a decent chance of doing so if the Patriots turn out another dud. If the Patriots are serious about their playoff hopes, they need to play a consistent 60 minutes on Sunday. The last time these teams met, the Pats won by seven. Why should this week be any different?

Projected Final Score: New England 24, Miami 17

At Cincinnati

-2.5

Ravens

41

Bungles No More! For the first time in 30 years, the Bengals are headed back to the tournament in consecutive years. Last week’s last-second win in Pittsburgh was a thriller. They knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs and now want to make a statement against the AFC North champs. The Ravens basically blew the G-Men off the field last week and look at this game as a tune-up heading into next week’s home game. So, this game has no practical meaning as both teams are in. But this is a divisional rivalry that has added meaning since both teams may face each other again.

Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 24, Ravens 21

At Pittsburgh

6*

Cleveland

Off

It’s hard to figure how this game will play out, as the Steelers’ playoff chances came to an end in heartbreaking fashion last week. There is no motivation for the Steelers to come out with their usual intensity and vigor beyond professional pride. Somehow, you’d have to figure that Coach Tomlin won’t allow for a letdown regardless of any circumstances. The Browns were trampled 34-12 in Denver last week and can’t wait for this season to end. Sure, they’ll show up and try to make things competitive but for the Steelers, there is grim determination to finish the season with their heads held high. The Browns are down to their third stringer at quarterback for this one, so don’t look for any offensive fireworks from the visitors.

Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 27, Cleveland 6

Houston

-7

At Indianapolis

46.5

Coach Pagano returns to the sidelines in Indy and the house will be rockin’ as the Texans come to town. Indy won their 10^th game of the season last week in KC but it wasn’t a dominant victory. This week will definitely have a playoff feel as Andrew Luck and his teammates will be sky high looking to knock off the AFC’s top seed. Houston has never won in Indy and desperately need a win here to preserve their first-round bye. This may be the Texans’ toughest test all year as Indy and they and their fans will be amped to the max for their Coach and for their Wild Card hopes. Houston lost at home to the Vikings last week and do not want to go into the tournament having lost two straight.

Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 24, Houston 21

At Tennessee

-4

Jacksonville

42

The 2012 Ugly Bowl is presented for the viewing pleasure of the contestants’ markets as no one else cares about this game. The Titans’ owner has promised a sit down with the GM and Coach at year’s end and there may be some big changes in Nashville. Where Jake Locker was considered a “safe” pick at the time, there are now considerable questions regarding whether he’s the guy moving forward. The Jaguars played their hearts out last week against New England, and that’s to their credit. They impressed with their hearts but simply lack the talent. Their new owner will act to correct this imbalance moving forward but for a 2-13 team it will be a long process to be competitive.

Projected Final Score: Tennessee 17, Jacksonville 10

At NY Giants

-7.5

Philadelphia

46

This will be Andy Reid’s last game as Coach of the Eagles, and that’s a shame. It was a rough year for Reid and his family and perhaps a new start in a faraway location (San Diego?) is for the best. Nick Foles suffered a broken hand last week and he’s done for the year, So Michael Vick will start this final game, and this will most like be Vick’s farewell in Philly. After the Giants’ shocking blowout loss to the Ravens, it’s down to one word: win. Even if the G-Men come out on top, they still need a mess of help to get into the tournament. After two bad losses, the Giants will be hitting on all cylinders for this game as Coach Coughlin will expect no less than total commitment on Sunday.

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 27, Philadelphia 17

At Washington

-3

Dallas

48.5

Win or go home. That’s all that matters this week to both teams. The Cowboys lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the Saints last week and basically need some help to get into the playoffs. RGIII sat out again last week as Kirk Cousins led the Redskins to the win over Philly. This week, Griffin is ready to go and, given the stakes, will put the ‘Skins in the driver’s seat. Making the playoffs will be a great feather in the cap of Coach Shanahan as (with RGIII’s help) he would’ve led the Redskins to a far better finish than the so-called experts predicted. But they have to win first.

Projected Final Score: Washington 27, Dallas 21

Chicago

-3

At Detroit

44.5

For the Lions, it’s one more show and they can go home. Last week, Calvin Johnson (Megatron) broke Jerry Rice’s single season record for most receiving yards. Padding the record is the only motivation in the season’s finale. The Bears stumbled down the stretch and need a win and extra help to secure a Wild Card shot. Cutler had a big day in Arizona last week and the team needs to continue their consistency if they hope to come through. But this is an NFC North rivalry game and it’s all up to Cutler. If he plays well, the Bears have a good shot. If he doesn’t, it’s “wait ‘til next year”…

Projected Final Score: Chicago 27, Detroit 21

Green Bay

-3

At Minnesota

46.5

The Vikes have an outside shot at a Wild Card slot and AP needs to have an astronomical day if he hopes to beat Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. But whether they get in or not, it’s been a pretty good season for Coach Frazier and the Purple Gang. The Pack has played very well heading down the stretch and demolished the Titans 55-7 last week. So what’s there to play for this week? The Packers have the pedal to the medal heading into the playoffs and will not let up just because they have the division locked up. After the ‘Niners lost last week, they’d really like a shot at a first-round bye with a win this week.

Projected Final Score: Green Bay 31, Minnesota 20

At Atlanta	-4*	Tampa Bay	Off

The Falcons have already clinched the top seed in the NFC, so there’s nothing at stake in this game. They may decide to rest some of the starters after a few reps as there is nothing to be gained here either way. Coach Smith will use this game as a tune up for the playoffs. What can you say about the Bucs? They stink and the season will be over in 60 minutes. Coach Schiano’s crew fell apart in the last six weeks of the season and the team allowed themselves to get hammered at home last week by the Rams. If there were any redeeming virtues about the Bucs we would’ve already mentioned them. All the Falcons have to do is get through this game in one piece. The score means absolutely nothing.

Projected Final Score: Atlanta 27, Tampa Bay 13

At New Orleans

-5

Carolina

54

The Saints have decided not to go into that good night quietly as evidenced by their thrilling upset win in Big D last week. The offense remains formidable but the defense actually made a few plays last week, though they are a poor unit. The Panthers turned in a credible, workmanlike effort in defeating Oakland last week and are looking forward to going out on a high note. In fact, the continued employment of the coach and many of his assistants may hinge on the outcome of this game. All the Panthers have to do is to withstand the offensive onslaught that Brees will bring and hope that Cam Newton can get the better of the Saints’ porous defense. Even though the game means nothing in the standings, both of these teams want to go out with a bang. It should be a fun way to end the season for both teams.

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 27, Carolina 21

At Denver

-16

Kansas City

42.5

Unfortunately, a quality football man is going to have to take the hit for this disaster of a year in Kansas City. This will be Coach Crennel’s final game at the helm. The only question is whether Pioli will also be shown the door. They travel to Denver for the final game with absolutely no chance of winning. Peyton Manning has the Broncos’ offense running like clockwork. It is a testament to his greatness as a quarterback to have overcome a terrible injury and worked his way back to this point. He’s playing like he did in his peak years in Indy and the Broncos have won 10 straight. But it’s not all on the offense. Von Miller has turned into an All-Pro stud at linebacker and is the leader of an aggressive and hungry defense. The Broncos will play well this week because they want that opening round bye. Once the game is safely out of reach they may call off the dogs but not until that ‘W’ is safely in the bag.

Projected Final Score: Denver 31, Kansas City 10

At San Diego

-7*

Oakland

Off

Must we? This will be Norv’s Last Stand as he and the GM will be “relieved of their duties” moments after the final gun sounds. The Chargers will play well on Sunday because they are facing an abomination of a football team in the Oakland Raiders, “Pride and Poise Boys” no more. Last week, Carson Palmer suffered bruised ribs, so Coach Allen announced that Terrelle Pryor will start in the finale. The Chargers traveled east last week and played very well in easily downing the Jets. That’s what is so frustrating about San Diego. If only they played with consistency, they would’ve been in the Wild Card hunt. But one week they play like worldbeaters and the next like they don’t care. That’s why there will be a housecleaning in Paradise. The Raiders you ask? Forgetaboutit…

Projected Final Score: S.D. 23, Oak. 16   At San Francisco

-16.5

Arizona

38.5

The ‘Niners incurred their first legitimate ass whippin’ in Seattle last week since Coach Harbaugh took over. Someone must pay for this. That “someone” is the Arizona Cardinals. The Bears smoked their one-time south side rivals last week and the Cards get to play cannon fodder one more time before this season comes to a merciful end. There’s no question that the 49’ers will win; they have to in order to clinch top spot in the NFC West. The only question is how much damage will they inflict in the process? It’s going to be a long and miserable afternoon for the home team.

Projected Final Score: San Francisco 27, Arizona 13

At Seattle

-10.5

St. Louis

40.5

 The Rams ended up having a decent first year under Coach Fisher. Unfortunately they have to close out the year at Century Link where the 12^th Man will be waiting to make their afternoon a veritable hell. Last week in a pouring rain storm, Coach Carroll’s Seahawks obliterated the ‘Niners and arguably stated their case that they’re the best team in the NFC. Between the rain, crowd noise and the ‘Hawks execution, the ‘Niners never had a chance. There’s no reason why Seattle should let up now. Over the last three weeks, the offense has put up over 100 points while the defense has been tighter than a snare drum. Right now, there is no team playing better on both sides of the ball. They’re peaking at the right time and heaven help the team that stands in their way.

Projected Final Score: Seattle 31, St. Louis 13