2011 (2012) NFL Season, Week 17 predictions

So, I am going to squeeze in my last regular season predictions of the year 30 minutes before game-time.  It just so happens that the final week of the 2011 season falls over on the 2012 side of the boundary.  In years past, we'd already be deep in the playoffs by this point.

I don't have much time to analyze these choices, so I won't.  Suffice it to say that there are only four games I am interested in this time around.

1. Ravens v. Bengals is a good one with playoff implications.  This is a tough choice.  I like both teams.  I just think the veteran and slightly more talented Ravens will take this game.  They elevate for big games.
2. Lions v. Packers is very interesting now that the Packers have deactivated everybody.  The Lions want this game.  
3. Colts v. Jags is very, very import for purposes of determining the NFL Draft order in 2012.  The Colt management wants to lose this game.  Rumor has it that the players are not on board with that decision.  Rumor has it that the players chanting "Win one for Peyton!"  If they lose, Peyton's career in Indiana may be over.  If they win, the situation gets mighty damn complicated.  Effectively, the players can sabotage management's plans to replace Peyton by wining today.
4. Cowboys @ Giants is a one-game play-in bracket, just like those found in the NCAA basketball tournament.  Win and your in.  Loose and you are on the hot-seat.  Winner take all, baby.  Eli is more clutch than Romo, so I am picking the Giants.  This despite the fact that the Giants are a lousy home-team.

Week 16 results and Week 17 Predictions

Dread has come upon us all. The last week of the regular season. Not only does this mean the end of the regular football year, it is the most brutal week of the year for a football prognosticator. This is the week that sends cold chills through our prostates. This is the week when nothing follows the norm.

Who will start? Who will rest? Will the Bears or Patriots really try to win the game? Do the Raiders really want to spoil? Will the Bengals spoil the Ravens shot at the title?

All of this is maddening. If you can even go 8-8 in this week, you are genius. This is the most evil week of the year for the handicapper.