Week 17: Make it or Break it

Last week was a tough week for several of us. Indy falls to the Jets? Even worse - Saints fall to Tampa Bay?

Unfortunately, I went only 10-6 for my picks last week, which isn't too bad for Week 16 - especially since top teams pulled starters out, unexpected teams fell.

Anwayyy, for this week, here are my predictions:

Sunday, January 3rd:

Round 1 at 1pm:
Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
San Francisco 49ers vs St. Louis Rams
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins
New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans

Round 2 at 4pm:
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos
Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders
Green Bay Packers vs.Arizona Cardinals
Washington Redskins vs. San Diego Chargers
Tennessee Titans vs. Seattle Seahawks

Sunday Night Football:

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets

GAME OF THE WEEK

This week, I actually have three games to keep an eye on. Once again, my biased opinion of the Steelers vs. Dolphins game AND the Patriots vs. Texans game AND the Bengals vs. Jets. Now, I'm not saying the Steelers game JUST because I'm a huge Steelers fan, but because of the playoff implications once again. If the Steelers want any shot at the playoffs, they need to beat Miami. Since they beat the Broncos, they have the advantage over them, so the Broncos are out. Miami is out after the lost to Houston last week. So in my opinion, it's basically down to the Ravens, Jets, Steelers, and Texans. That's why the Patriots/Texans game will be good, the Texans need this win, along with the same situation with Bengals/Jets. What a race it is in the AFC! This week may just be one of the most intense weeks yet this season.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

Now, I know I often refer to the AFC, but what's going on the NFC? Let me draw up a picture...

In the NFC, expect to see New Orleans (NFC South, first-round bye and home-field advantage), Minnesota (NFC North), Arizona (NFC West), Philadelphia (playoff spot), Green Bay (playoff spot), Dallas (playoff spot)

Philadelphia can clinch the NFC East with just a win over Dallas.

It's pretty black and white, right?

However, you have the AFC, which will be determined in a mere 30 hours. Can you wait?
Here's the rundown:

Indianapolis (AFC South and home-field advantage), San Diego (AFC West, No. 2 seed and first-round bye), New England (AFC East), Cincinnati (AFC North)

That's just the division winners. You still have the playoff teams, which consist of either Ravens, Jets, Broncos, Steelers, Texans, Jaguars and Dolphins.

For the Jets and Ravens, a win will put them in the playoff picture, but for the other teams, its necessary for the other teams to lose in order to put them above that team.

That's it for now everyone, enjoy your Week 17.