Week 17 Predictions

Well, it's nearly the end. There comes a time when all good things must come to an end. And Sunday will be the last games of the regular season. In recent years, the NFL has designed the schedule to end with as much drama as possible...generally scheduling inter-conference games for the last week of the season. Why is this important? Because a lot of these games will decide who gets into the playoffs and which don't. In short, win, or go home. So, who's winning and getting in? Let's get to the gridiron:

Browns v. Steelers: Steelers. Last week, the Steelers needed the Ravens to lose, and the Dolphins to lose, along with the Chargers to lose at least one game. Plus, they need to win their game against the Packers and the Jets to win. And for good measure, they needed it to be at least 65 degrees in Philadelphia. Well, the Steelers got a Christmas miracle last year, because the Dolphins and the Ravens both lost, It was 70 degrees in Philly during the Eagles' slaughter of the Bears, and the Steelers beat the Packers in Green Bay. That said, I can't imagine that they'll waste this miracle. They'll win against the Browns.

Washington v. Giants: Giants. With RGIII sitting out the rest of the season, Washington has little to play for. Meanwhile, the Giants may see their coach retire -- no better way send-off than with a win.

Ravens v. Bengals: Bengals.

Texans v. Titans: Titans.

Jaguars v. Colts: Colts.

Jets v. Dolphins: Dolphins. The Jets and the Dolphins have already met, and the Dolphins dominated in New York. No reason why they can't maintain that domination at home.

Lions v. Vikings: Vikings. I get the sense that the Lions have given up. And the Vikings have been spoilers for a lot of teams. Plus, I just heard that this is the final game in the Metrodome. Yup, the Vikings could pull this off.

Panthers v. Falcons: Panthers. As much as I'd like Tony Gonzalez to go out on a win, I'm not sure that the Panthers will let that happen. This isn't to say that it will be an easy game -- despite the Falcons' abysmal record, the Georgia Dome is still a tough place to play.

Buccaneers v. Saints: Saints.

Bills v. Patriots: Patriots.

Rams v. Seahawks: Seahawks. The Seahawks are at home, after all.

Packers v. Bears: Packers. The winner of this game goes to the playoffs to represent the NFC North. For these two teams, the playoffs start on Sunday.

49ers v. Cardinals: Cardinals. Tough call, but I think the 49ers could win...assuming they're throwing and Vernon Davis is on his game (and all the starters are IN the game, for that matter). But, the Cardinals do have the #1 ranked run defense, after all. Plus, the 49ers are already in the playoffs, and the Cardinals can get in if the Saints lose and they win. The Cardinals have a lot more to play for.

Broncos v. Raiders: Broncos.

Chiefs v. Chargers: Chargers.

Eagles v. Cowboys: Eagles. In another win or go home scenario, this game will decide who wins the NFC East. Buuuut, both teams are playing with backup QBs. The difference is, Nick Foles has been on fire, throwing with laser precision (and no INTs). This isn't Kyle Orton's first time to the rodeo in the league, but the Eagles' defense is pretty likely to stop him cold.