Week 17 NFL Preview

Last week's top games definitely delivered some close games and impressive performances. The Steelers and the Ravens were locked in another close battle with the playoffs on the line for both. This time the Steelers came through with the win with a key stops and enough good play in the fourth quarter. Both now sit at 8-7 with a lot on the line this week. The Ravens, though, control their own fate unlike the Steelers. The Broncos fought back in the second half against the Eagles, but fell a little short at the end. Now a team that started 6-0 does not control their playoff fate heading into the last weekend. The Eagles, on the other hand, are in position for possibly the 2nd seed in the NFC along with the NFC East. A big game looms with a suddenly hot Dallas team.

Speaking of the Cowboys, they gave the Redskins their second bad loss in a row and shut them out. They have had two impressive performances and things are looking pretty good in Big D. Can they avenge last season's finale against the Eagles with a NFC East title? And on Monday Night, the Vikings' problems continued as they rallied late only to lose in overtime to the Bears on a quick strike touchdown. They have kissed the home field advantage goodbye and now with another loss will kiss a first round bye goodbye. A lot on the line this week against the Giants.

In other action, the Chargers won their tenth and row and finished the Titans off after their rally from 0-6. The once undefeated Saints dropped their second in a row with a late collapse. They sealed home field advantage, though, with the Vikings loss. The Giants fall from 5-0 is complete as they closed out their last home game in Giants Stadium with one of their worst losses. And the Colts' perfect season is over and they are mostly the ones who ended it. They had a five point lead in the third quarter and pulled their starters and watched as the backups gave the game and the perfect season away. It is tough to argue against making sure guys are healthy for the postseason, but part of me wanted them to go for it.

All and all, I went 11-5 last week and brings my total to 180-60 after sixteen weeks.

Now for Week 17:

Games of the Week:
Patriots at Texans: The Patriots have sealed their playoff destiny, but the Texans still are fighting for theirs. They are at 8-7 and are the first team on the outside looking in hoping either the Jets or Ravens or both falter this week. They also are one win away from their first winning season. If they do that, then they will still have a chance at their first postseason. The Patriots enter the playoffs this year more vulnerable than usual so expect them to use this as a warm up game along with resting players. That might make this one close to the end. Pick: Patriots

Packers at Cardinals: These two look to face off in the Wildcard round, but we will probably not get full efforts from both teams as they look to be at 100% for the postseason. I do expect them to bring a lot of effort as they don't want to enter their rematch when it really counts and not play confident or be rusty. Both have really good offenses and the Packers have been one of the hottest teams down the stretch. Pick: Packers

Eagles at Cowboys: Its the last game of the season and these two teams are matched up again. Last year, Philadelphia sent Dallas home as they routed them and eliminated them from playoff contention. This year the NFC East is on the line and a very likely rematch next week with the winner having home field. Expect some big hits and a few big plays on either offense or defense could shape the game. Both have played especially well of late. Pick: Eagles

Bengals at Jets: The last regular season game this year and the last one to be played at Giants Stadium. The Jets win and they are in. This one very likely could be played next week if the Jets were to win so it makes the game a little more interesting. The Bengals aren't at 100% and probably won't play all their regular starters. The Jets caught a break a week ago and might get another one this week. Pick: Bengals

Rest of the pack:
Colts at Bills: Probably won't see much of QB Peyton Manning and many of the other starters again this week. For that reason, the Bills have a great chance to win. Pick: Bills

Jaguars at Browns: The Jaguars need a win to possibly have a chance to make the postseason. The Browns have now won 3 straight and look fairly good. Pick: Jaguars

49ers at Rams: WR Isaac Bruce returns to St. Louis, where he spent most of his career. This might be his last game and could be the biggest reason to watch for fans of either team. Might be close as both look to finish strong and build on a win for next year. Pick: 49ers

Steelers at Dolphins: Another big game for the Steelers and the Dolphins. The Steelers won last week unlike the Dolphins and have a slightly better position if they were to win. Expect a close battle as both want to keep their postseason hopes alive if teams in front of them stumble. Pick: Steelers

Giants at Vikings: How will the Giants play now that their season is over? More importantly, how will the Vikings play knowing the #2 seed and a bye are on the line? The Vikings need a big game to build up their confidence as they enter the postseason. Pick: Vikings

Falcons at Buccaneers: The Falcons are 8-7 and need one more win to have back-to-back winning seasons. Something they have never accomplished. This is a weak enough team to aid them in that effort. Pick: Falcons

Saints at Panthers: What Saints' team will show? How many starters will play? The Saints would probably love a win to enter their bye week and the postseason, but having everyone healthy is more important. We might see a lot of HB Jonathan Stewart again this week after his performance against the Giants. Pick: Panthers

Bears at Lions: The Bears should be able to close out a disappointing season with a big win. Big as in a blowout of sorts. Pick: Bears

Ravens at Raiders: The Ravens control their own fate this week. They win, they are in the playoffs. The Raiders have surprised a few good teams this year and this is no gimme for the Ravens. But the Raiders are probably shutting it down so that will help them. Pick: Ravens

Redskins at Chargers: The tumultuous season for the Redskins will finally come to an end in San Diego. Expect some fight, but it probably won't be enough to stop the Chargers from closing out the season with their 11th straight win. Pick: Chargers

Titans at Seahawks: The Titans' HB Chris Johnson's pursuit of 2,000 rushing yards will be the main focus in this game. He also can set the all-purpose yards record as well with another big game. Pick: Titans

Chiefs at Broncos: The Broncos started 6-0 and even with a win against the Chiefs they aren't guaranteed the playoffs. Another disappointing end to a promising start looks likely. They will do everything necessary to hopefully keep themselves alive. Pick: Broncos

This is it. Which two AFC teams will get those final two spots? There are half a dozen teams all scrambling. How will other playoff teams finish? Which team gets the #2 seed and a bye in the AFC? Will Chris Johnson break 2,000 yards? All will finally be answered as the 2009 regular season ends.