NFL 2008 Week 17 Picks

The last week of the 2008 regular season has arrived.

When the clock hits :00 at the end of the Chargers-Broncos game Sunday night, it will mark the end to one of the most intoxicating, bizarre, and delirious seasons ever.

We saw players rise from the grave and look young again. Obscure bench warmers and rookie projects rose to the occasion when called upon and looked like true veterans. There were teams that exceeded expectations while others destroyed them. Chemistries were toyed with due to injuries and off-field drama.

Let's take a look at the final slate of games for all 32 teams and what their status appears to be as the NFL approaches the door step of that crucial tour called The Playoffs.


- St. Louis Rams (2-13) at Atlanta Falcons (10-5): FOX, 1pm EST - The front office of the Rams is under construction which will more than likely include Jim Haslett being replaced. St. Louis needs serious upgrades on the field as well. The Falcons have been a fantastic story this season being led by a rookie QB in Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner. Atlanta is in the playoffs but needs a win plus a Carolina loss to win the NFC South.

- Detroit Lions (0-15) at Green Bay Packers (5-10): FOX, 1pm EST - Since the 1970 NFL merger, only one team has had a winless season: Tampa Bay (0-14). Detroit beat that mark last week and looks to extend it vs. a Green Bay team that struggled in its first season under Aaron Rodgers. Rod Marinelli will probably get the axe.

- NY Giants (12-3) at Minnesota Vikings (9-6): FOX, 1pm EST - A win at home or a Chicago loss gives Minnesota the NFC North crown. A loss plus a Bears win at Houston knocks the Vikes out of the playoffs. All-but-forgotten Gus Frerotte did a great job keeping Minnesota in the mix of things, but if QB Tarvaris Jackson can't get the job done, then look for Minnesota to find a new QB in 2009. I think Plaxico is in the Giants' rear view mirror.

- Carolina Panthers (11-4) at New Orleans Saints (8-7): FOX, 1pm EST - A win over the Saints or a Falcons loss will give Carolina the NFC South crown and a first-round bye. New Orleans is out of the playoffs, but will want to defend the home turf where they are 6-1 this season. This could be the last game for Deuce McAllister in a Saints uniform.

- Chicago Bears (9-6) at Houston Texans (7-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Both teams feature dynamic rookie RB's (Matt Forte and Steve Slaton respectively) who have contributed greatly. The Texans have had a strong second half and would love to win the last game at home. Chicago needs a win and Vikings loss to claim the division. If they win while Dallas and Tampa loses, then the Bears get the last wild card spot.

- New England Patriots (10-5) at Buffalo Bills (7-8): CBS, 1pm EST - When Tom Brady went out for the year in Week 1, the sky appeared to fall. But, a lowly wanderer named Matt Cassel learned the ways of an NFL QB from Yoda Belichick and now has the Pats on the brink of the playoffs. They must win plus get a loss by Miami to win the AFC East or get a win and a Ravens loss to grab a wild card. I expect Cassel will be in high demand next season. Buffalo's Dick Jauron is on very thin ice which is cracking.

- Kansas City Chiefs (2-13) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-11-1): CBS, 1pm EST - When Chiefs GM Carl Peterson "resigned" eleven days ago, that pretty much spelled doom for Herm Edwards. KC's new GM has their work cut out for them. Meanwhile, Cincy will probably keep Marvin Lewis and chalk this season up as a loss due to vast injuries and no Carson Palmer.

- Tennessee Titans (13-2) at Indianapolis Colts (11-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Most of the starters of both teams will see little playing which can only mean one thing: Vince Young. These two teams very well could meet again in the playoffs and are very solid for next year. Kerry Collins was looking at Medicare benefits when he got called into action early this season and has done an exceptional job. Look for him to get a new contract.

- Cleveland Browns (4-11) at Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Romeo Crennel will be fired Monday if not Sunday night. GM Phil Savage is probably gone too. Rebuilding is an understatement, but they do have a QB in place in Brady Quinn. The Steelers are a very dangerous contender in the playoffs and need to stay healthy.

- Oakland Raiders (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6): CBS, 1pm EST - It's quite simple for Tampa. They must beat Oakland and then Philly beat Dallas if they want to lock up the final wild card spot. The Raiders are bound to kick Tom Cable to the curb since they like doing that to head coaches.

- Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) at Baltimore Ravens (10-5): CBS, 4:15pm EST - What can you say about Baltimore? A rookie head coach and quarterback plus this black-n-blue defense have far exceeded expectations. A win at home vs. the disheartening Jags will lock up the final playoff spot in the AFC. Jacksonville should keep most of the team in tact but need to improve their defense and get some play makers at WR.

- Miami Dolphins (10-5) at NY Jets (9-6): CBS, 4:15pm EST - These two franchises have had remarkable years. The iconic Brett Favre comes out of retirement to lead the lowly Jets who jettisoned Chad Pennington paving the path for him to become Miami's QB. Coming off a 1-15 2007 season, Pennington has led the Dolphins to a possible division title and only Favre and the Jets stand in his way. A win by Miami nails the division. TheJets are in with a win and a New England loss. I expect Mangini and Favre to not be back next season if NY fails to make the playoffs.

- Washington Redskins (8-7) at San Francisco 49ers (6-9): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Not much to say here. The Skins started the year off very strong but faltered big time under rookie head coach Jim Zorn. In all fairness, Zorn will be back to prove that he needed a year to learn the position. San Fran head coach Mike Singletary is 4-4 since taking over for Mike Nolan and all reports are saying that he will become the permanent leader after Sunday.

- Dallas Cowboys (9-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Despite key injuries to star players, off-field distractions, and a humiliating loss last week in Texas Stadiums' finale, the Cowboys are close to making the playoffs. A win in Philly does it while the Eagles need a victory and a spirit of giving by other clubs to sneak in. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones swears that Wade Phillips isn't going anywhere regardless of Sunday's outcome. Andy Reid should be back but will be on a hot seat from Week 1if Philly loses.

- Seattle Seahawks (4-11) at Arizona Cardinals (8-7): FOX, 4:15pm EST - This is Mike Holmgren's last game as the head coach of the dismal Seahawks as Jim Mora Jr. will take over in 2009. It has been rumored that Holmgren may decide not to retire allowing him to be a free agent. The Cardinals have looked pretty bad the last two games (both losses) so expect Kurt Warner and Co. to treat this like a playoff game and look to build momentum leading into January.

- Denver Broncos (8-7) at San Diego Chargers (7-8): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Doesn't get much more plain that this. The winner wins the AFC West while the loser gets to watch the playoffs from home. Denver had a three game lead with three to play, but have lost their last two while San Diego won their last three in a row. Both coaches should be back next year as they look to upgrade the talent level especially on defense.

STANDINGS

Eddie Chinn: 10-6, 159-81

Chris Mortensen: 6-10, 158-82

Mark Schlereth: 9-7, 155-85

Mike Golic: 9-7, 144-95

Ron Jaworski: 8-7, 147-77

NFL 2008 Week 16 Picks

Observations from Week 15:

1. Patriots QB Matt Cassel played the game of his life vs. Oakland on the heels of his father dying the previous Monday. Sound familiar? I wonder if he got a call from Favre before deciding to play.

2. If New England and Miami wins the rest of their games and NY wins the AFC East, then Miami would win the wild card on tie-breakers. The Patriots could miss the playoffs at 11-5.

3. Giants RB Brandon Jacobs' injury woes have allowed the Plaxico mess to affect NY's chemistry. All Philly and Dallas had to do was stack the box and rush like hell and look what happened.

4. My choice for Coach of the Year is Miami's Tony Sparano.

5. Injuries to the Titan's DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and DT Albert Haynsworth along with the Giants' RB Brandon Jacobs and RT Kareem McKenzie could be a road hazard getting to the Super Bowl.

6. I get the feeling that Donovan McNabb laughed so hard that he literally turned red as he read the soap opera reports coming out of Dallas about T.O.

7. Coaches who I don't think can keep their jobs no matter how they finish is Cleveland's Romeo Crennel, KC's Herm Edwards, Buffalo's Dick Jauron, Detroit's Rod Marinelli, and St. Louis' Jim Haslett. For some reason, I think Marvin Lewis will stay in Cincy.

It's crunch time. The whole reason that NFL players show up for training camp in July is to be good enough to be able to play in January. Grasping momentum and shoving it in the coal stove of the team's steam engine is critical this time of year as teams look to hit their peak at just the right time.

This week is going to be very pivotal for several franchises. It's compiled of fierce divisional rivalries, excellent individual match-ups, and the end of an era. All together you get a week that will help shape up the playoff picture and begin to bring an end to one phenomenal 2008 regular season.

- Indianapolis Colts (10-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9): NFLN, 8:15pm EST, Thursday Night - Speaking of momentum, Indy has it and Jacksonville can't remember what it looks like.

- Baltimore Ravens (9-5) at Dallas Cowboys (9-5): NFLN, 8:15pm EST, Saturday Night - This battle is going to be as big as the hole in the Texas Stadium roof considering what's at stake in each club's playoff hunt. This will be the last regular season game in this hallowed dome so expect the crowd to be at its loudest. Dallas has never beaten the Ravens, and this will be Baltimore's first visit to The Temple...and last.

- Cincinnati Bengals (2-11) at Cleveland Browns (4-10): CBS, 1pm EST - A slapping contest between Ohio's finest.

- Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) at Tennessee Titans (12-2): CBS, 1pm EST - The mantle of domination is now resting on the shoulders of the Steelers. Tennessee is still a force, but injuries and a dormant offense have plagued the Titans. They will probably meet again.

- Miami Dolphins (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-12): CBS, 1pm EST - Arrowhead Stadium can no longer strike fear in visiting teams, and it will no longer house GM Carl Peterson who resigned this week.

- San Diego Chargers (6-8) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5): CBS, 1pm EST - Giving up 474 yards rushing and 5 TD's on 80 carries in the past two games makes it pretty easy for an opponent to put together their offensive game plan. San Diego and L.T. will look to extend their current win streak in December which is at 12.

- San Francisco 49ers (5-9) at St. Louis Rams (2-12): FOX, 1pm EST -It's going to be a heated and crazy finish to the season to see who will nail down the #2 spot in the 2009 NFL Draft. My pick is the Rams.

- New Orleans Saints (7-7) at Detroit Lions (0-16): FOX, 1pm EST - I think we all know who has sewn up #1.

- Arizona Cardinals (8-6) at New England Patriots (9-5): FOX, 1pm EST - The Cardinals have lost three of their last four games while the Pats have won 3 of their last 4. Arizona is also 0-4 this season on the East Coast while Matt Cassel is hot right now.

- Houston Texans (7-7) at Oakland Raiders (3-11): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Riding a four-game win streak for the first time in franchise history, Houston is turning heads as they streak towards a very strong 2008 finish. QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson are smoking, and the Texans defense is really coming together.

- Buffalo Bills (6-8) at Denver Broncos (8-6): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Last week, I know J.P. Losman looked like he had never played football before, but he won't need to rely on his arm that much vs. the Broncos' porous run defense.

- NY Jets (9-5) at Seattle Seahawks (3-11): CBS, 4:05pm EST - The forecast calls for freezing temps and a chance of snow -- perfect conditions for #4 to break NY's losing streak of 3 vs. West Coast teams this season.

- Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at Minnesota Vikings (9-5): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Despite the glory and praise heaped on Atlanta this year, this contest may not be that close. The Vikings are #1 vs. the run, and have a pretty good RB themselves who will be facing a run defense ranked 22nd. QB Tarvaris Jackson is stepping up his game and could be huge vs. Atlanta's 23rd-ranked pass defense.

- Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1) at Washington Redskins (7-7): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Philly has quietly snuck into the playoff race and will stroll into FedEx Field to face a Redskins team that is in turmoil. Coach Jim Zorn proclaimed himself "the worst coach in America" and said he will re-evaluate his approach to football games. So will Daniel Snyder.

- Carolina Panthers (11-3) at NY Giants (11-3): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Where do you start? Eli Manning got pummeled vs. Dallas last week and doesn't get much of a break vs. the 9th-ranked pass rush in the NFL. Both teams have dynamic running attacks and effective passing games. The winner clinches the #1 seed and claims home field advantage throughout the playoffs. This is going to be a war so cancel any plans you have.

- Green Bay Packers (5-9) at Chicago Bears (8-6): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - These two teams have met more than any other two teams in NFL history. This will be their 176th meeting. Look for the Bears to maul the Packers very weak run defense and ride the waves of the Soldier Field crowd as they surge forward in the playoff hunt.

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 8-8, 152-72

Eddie Chinn: 13-3, 149-75

Mark Schlereth: 8-8, 146-78

Mike Golic: 11-5, 135-88

Ron Jaworski: 11-4, 139-70

NFL 2008 Week 15 Picks

Observations from Week 14:

1. Cowboys fans have to remember that Tony Romo is still immature in some areas, and is going through growing pains. Let him grow. He'll be fine.

2. If I were assembling a defense, my first choice would be the Steeler's Troy Polamalu.

3. It's very conceivable that Miami could win the AFC East. What a story that would be.

4. Is it just me, or does it feel weird that Peyton Manning and the Colts aren't getting a lot of press this late in the season? They're 9-4 and have won 7 in a row.

5. If I had to pick T.O., Clinton Portis, or Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson to be on my team, I would pick T.O. any day of the week.

6. I think Mike Singletary will loose the "interim" label after the season and become the head coach of San Francisco.

7. John Harbaugh of Baltimore and Mike Smith of Atlanta should be the front-runners for Coach of the Year. They're rookie head coaches leading teams with rookie QB's and are currently poised to make the playoffs.

There is only one game this week that has zero playoff implications for both teams. Can you guess which one it is?

If you are craving excitement, an adrenaline rush, and/or a reason to stay home from church, then you have come to the right place. What a week!

• New Orleans Saints (7-6) at Chicago Bears (7-6): NFLN, 8:15pm EST, Thursday Night - Both teams desperately need a win to stay in the playoff hunt, and there are some great matchups in this contest: Brees vs. the Bears secondary which has 19 INT's this year, and the Bears' tackling machine vs. Reggie Bush and the Saints' athletic WR corps.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4) at Atlanta Falcons (8-5): FOX, 1pm EST - NFC South teams are 10-0 at home vs. divisional opponents. I believe that continues here as the Bucs will be facing the league's #2 rushing offense on the heels of getting plastered by Carolina last week.

• Washington Redskins (7-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-11-1): FOX, 1pm EST - This is a must-win game for the Redskins if they have a prayer playing beyond December. Their chemistry is bruised and bleeding right now which is not coming at a good time during this current swoon.

• Detroit Lions (0-13) at Indianapolis Colts (9-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Picture a steaming hot cup of water being poured on an ice cube.

• Seattle Seahawks (2-11) at St. Louis Rams (2-11): FOX, 1pm EST - Yep, you guessed it.

• San Francisco 49ers (5-8) at Miami Dolphins (8-5): FOX, 1pm EST - Winning is just too much fun, and I don't see the Niners disrupting that. Miami should be juiced in front of their home fans despite the much-improved play of the Niners lately.

• Green Bay Packers (5-8) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9): FOX, 1pm EST - Mathematically, the Packers are still in it, but that probably won't last long. Their running defense is horrible, they haven't played well on the road, and Jacksonville has nothing to lose.

• San Diego Chargers (5-8) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-11): CBS, 1pm EST - Both teams have just been dreadful this year, but the Chargers are hanging on by a prayer which won't be needed vs. the league's worst defense.

• Buffalo Bills (6-7) at NY Jets (8-5): CBS, 1pm EST - The Bills are in a nose dive, and the Jets are staring at a possible division title. Do the math.

• Tennessee Titans (12-1) at Houston Texans (6-7): CBS, 1pm EST - Needless to say, Houston has been eliminated from the playoffs, but they'd love to put a dent in the Titans armor. Tennessee wants home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

• Minnesota Vikings (8-5) at Arizona Cardinals (8-5): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Arizona has led the league this year with points scored per game at 28.6. You can attribute a majority of this to the fantastic year that Kurt Warner has had. This average should go up vs. the league's 20th-ranked secondary.

• Denver Broncos (8-5) at Carolina Panthers (10-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Denver has won 4 out of 5 games and is 3-0 vs. NFC South opponents this season. But, they are extra thin at RB, and haven't learned to stop one yet on defense.

• Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) at Baltimore Ravens (9-4): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Both teams have ironclad defenses and effective offenses. Also, they simply hate each other and shouldn't have a problem assembling a fantastic battle. Pittsburgh wins the division with a win.

• New England Patriots (8-5) at Oakland Raiders (3-10): CBS, 4:15pm EST - There is a cloud of uncertainty at the time of this article over who will be the Patriots QB. Matt Cassel's father died this week, and if he can't go Sunday then it will be rookie Kevin O'Connell will get the nod vs. this horrendous Raiders team.

• NY Giants (11-2) at Dallas Cowboys (8-5): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Due to the crushing loss last week vs. Pitt and the fact that this is the second-to-last home game in Texas Stadium, I expect that India will be able to hear the crowd Sunday night. The Cowboys are in need of more self-discipline and heart, but I expect that they'll find what it takes to shock the world champions.

• Cleveland Browns (4-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Romeo Crennel will probably be someone's defensive coordinator next season.

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 12-4, 144-64

Mark Schlereth: 12-4, 138-70

Eddie Chinn: 12-4, 136-72

Mike Golic: 12-4, 124-83

Ron Jaworski: 11-4, 128-66

NFL 2008 Week 14 Picks

Observations from Week 13:

1. Only five games were won by the home team.
   
2. Plaxico Burress' suspension is going to be very beneficial to the Giants which is not good news for the rest of the league.
   
3. Buccaneers DC Monte Kiffin looks to be headed to the University of Tennessee to be the DC under his son, Lane Kiffin. Tampa's defensive players view Kiffin as a father figure and will use this imminent departure as motivation to give him a ring before he goes. This year's Super Bowl is in Tampa.
   
4. I will be shocked if Romeo Crennel is coach of Cleveland next season.
   
5. I do believe that William Clay Ford will hire a GM which will also mean the end of the line for Rod Marinelli.
   
6. Is it really that surprising that Miami is exceeding expectations given that Bill Parcells is the architect?
   
7. The 2010 season just might include a 17 or 18-game schedule, the end of the Thanksgiving tradition including Dallas and Detroit, and playing the Pro Bowl the week before the Super Bowl.
   

Speaking of the Big Game, let's take a look at this week's games and see who might step forward and add some drama to the scintillating playoff race.

• Oakland Raiders (3-9) at San Diego Chargers (4-8): NFLN, 8:15pm EST, Thursday Night - Ten straight wins vs. Oakland and playing at home gives the Chargers the advantage in, what could be, a high-scoring affair.

• Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) at Chicago Bears (6-6): CBS, 1pm EST - The Jags have really turned into a bad football team, and things don't get much easier as they travel to Soldier Field to take on a Bears team that desperately needs a win to keep pace with Minnesota who plays Detroit.

• Houston Texans (5-7) at Green Bay Packers (5-7): CBS, 1pm EST -Something tells me that the frigid conditions aren't going to be very hospitable to a Texans team who is playing in Lambeau for its first time.

• Cleveland Browns (4-8) at Tennessee Titans (11-1): CBS, 1pm EST - Seriously...

• Cincinnati Bengals (1-10-1) at Indianapolis Colts (8-4): CBS, 1pm EST - The Colts have won five straight...this season and over the Bengals.

• Minnesota Vikings (7-5) at Detroit Lions (0-12): FOX, 1pm EST - QB Daunte Culpepper faces his old team, but RB Adrian Peterson is facing the league's 32nd-ranked run defense. The reunion will be ugly.

• Atlanta Falcons (8-4) at New Orleans Saints (6-6): FOX, 1pm EST - The Saints' playoff hopes are on the line as they welcome Matt Ryan and Co. who are winless on the road vs. divisional opponents. New Orleans has only lost one home game this season.

• Philadelphia Eagles (6-5-1) at NY Giants (11-1): FOX, 1pm EST - You wouldn't think the Giants would need motivation, but a win vs. Philly gives them the NFC East title. They'd also like to prove to the NFL that they aren't distracted by Plaxico Burress' lunacy which almost neutered him.

• Kansas City Chiefs (2-10) at Denver Broncos (7-5): CBS, 4:05pm EST - I'm guessing that a 31st-ranked run defense on the road facing a Broncos team that has a penchant for RB success is not a good matchup. All it will do is set up the passing attack by Jay Cutler who is having a career year.

• Miami Dolphins (7-5) at Buffalo Bills (6-6): CBS, 4:05pm EST - History will be made as the NFL plays its first regular season game in Canada. Look for Buffalo to roam this nearby countryside in complete bewilderment as they face a hot Miami team.

• NY Jets (8-4) at San Francisco 49ers (4-8): CBS, 4:05pm EST - The Jets have won four straight on the road, and Brett Favre is 7-0 vs. the Niners.

• New England Patriots (7-5) at Seattle Seahawks (2-10): CBS, 4:05pm EST - New England has won 13 straight vs. the NFC.

• St. Louis Rams (2-10) at Arizona Cardinals (7-5): FOX, 4:15pm EST - I can't think of a better way for Arizona to break out of their two-game losing slump than for Kurt Warner to face his old team at home.

• Dallas Cowboys (8-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3): FOX, 4:15pm EST - It's going to be overcast, snowy, and lip-sticking cold as Dallas' very talented offense faces the league's #1 rushing, passing, and overall defense. Add in the Steelers crowd registering on the Richter scale and you have a recipe for one exciting game.

• Washington Redskins (7-5) at Baltimore Ravens (8-4): NBC, 8:15pm EST - These teams have met three times with the Ravens winning two of them, but all three have each been decided by a TD or less. Each team has a stifling defense and offensive campaigns that don't turn the ball over a lot.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3) at Carolina Panthers (9-3): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - This Tampa defense is young, fast, and sprinkled with just enough veteran leadership to make it a lethal force vs. this Carolina offense.

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 12-4, 132-60

Mark Schlereth: 11-5, 126-66

Eddie Chinn: 10-6, 124-68

Mike Golic: 10-6, 112-79

Ron Jaworski: 9-6, 117-62