The End of the (Regular Season) Road

So, another NFL season is wrapping up, and as always, it has been filled with enough twists, turns, and surprises to keep its rabid fans glued to their sets every weekend. So, here are my picks for week 17:

Giants (2.5) @ Redskins = Even with their loss last week at home, the pitiful New York Giants basically control their own destiny with a win; the only way they don't make the postseason with a win is if the Packers crush the conference's best team in Chicago. Still, this team is in shambles, and a playoff birth would only be interesting for those of us who want to keep watching Tiki Barber play. This team is too inconsistent, but they'll pull it out on Saturday. Giants by 4.

Steelers @ Bengals (7) = Cincinnati is coming off a heartbreaking loss in Denver, and they now need help to enter the postseason. They'll get the win, but the help may be too much to ask for. Bengals by 10.

Lions @ Cowboys (12.5) = Dallas had everything in front of them for the taking, but blew their chance on Christmas Day with a stinker against the Eagles. But the first wild card spot is theirs, and a trip to Seattle along with it. Detroit can't do anything right; they should get points for showing up on time. Cowboys by 17.

Browns @ Texans (3.5) = Who cares? No, seriously, who? Texans by 10.

Jaguars @ Chiefs (2.5) = Both teams need a miracle to end all miracles to make the playoffs, but it all starts with a win on Sunday. Kansas City is virtually unbeatable at home, especially in December, but that didn't stop the Ravens. By the way, can I change my Super Bowl pick from the AFC? Jaguars by 3.

Rams (3) @ Vikings = The theory goes that the team with more to play for wins. But, often times, the team with nothing to lose plays their hearts out and wins the game. Too bad the Vikings don't have a quarterback, or else I'd go against the theory. Rams by 10.

Panthers (2.5) @ Saints = The Saints have nothing to play for, having clinched the #2 seed in the NFC. Carolina needs a win and help. This time, I'll go against the theory. Saints by 7.

Raiders @ Jets (12.5) = Who would have thought that the Jets would be going to the playoffs this season, over teams like Jacksonville, Kansas City, Miami, Buffalo, or Pittsburgh? Congrats to Eric Mangini and his entire team; they'll have no trouble against the hapless Raiders. Jets by 20.

Seahawks @ Bucanneers (3.5) = Seattle needs a big win in order to get their confidence back for the playoffs, otherwise Dallas, their likely opponent, with crush them. Seahawks by 14.

Patriots @ Titans (3.5) = Tennessee would be the best story of the season, if it wasn't for Hurricane Katrina and the New Orleans Saints. No one has stopped them yet, and the overrated Pats won't either. Titans by 10.

Bills @ Ravens (9.5) = If the Bills gained an extra five yards on their last drive last week, we would be talking about Buffalo's hot streak entering this last week. But, they didn't and now it's only the Ravens in this game who have something to play for. J.P. Losman is not there yet as an elite quarterback in the NFL, and the Ravens will expose that. Ravens by 14.

Dolphins @ Colts (8.5) = Miami has good weeks and bad, but last week they were kind of in the middle of that. Indy needs a wake up call after an embarrassing loss in Houston last week. As stated earlier this year, Indy is undefeated at home this year. Colts by 14.

Falcons @ Eagles (7.5) = Philadelphia is an amazing story as well. Jeff Garcia has taken this team and won THREE STRAIGHT ROAD DIVISION GAMES. This is unheard of, and Philly should be proud. The Falcons are up and down this year, and they'll be down on Sunday. Eagles by 17.

49ers @ Broncos (9.5) = The one thing San Francisco has going for it this year is their fantastic running game behind Frank Gore. If they can control the clock, they have a shot. But Denver, like Kansas City, is automatic at home in December. Take the Broncos. Denver by 10.

Cardinals @ Chargers (14) = You have to figure that San Diego will dominate this game. I'll go against the theory, but only for the points. Chargers by 7.

Packers @ Bears (2.5) = Possibly Brett Favre's last game. Sorry, Brett, you'll lose this one, and your longshot playoff chances. Bears by 10.

Record: 14-17-1. Better luck this week.