NFL Week 17 Predictions

SUNDAY (EARLY GAMES)

VIKES 24, bears 17

Jared Allen is a man on a mission. The Vikings' fiery defensive end is determined to dominate against the Bears today for two key reasons – a shot at the all-time NFL single-season sack record and the prevention of his team tying Minnesota’s franchise-worst 3-13 record. Allen anchors the defense and Percy Harvin has a big day on offense and special teams as the Vikes prevail at home.

lions 27, PACK 23

These past two weeks Matthew Stafford has passed for a combined 764 yards and 7 touchdowns with zero interceptions. The Detroit QB continues his hot play at Lambeau today as the Lions defeat Green Bay.

niners 24, RAMS 3

San Francisco’s stock continues to rise as St. Louis’ continues to plummet. The Niners roll past the Rams and into the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 2 seed.

Jets 21, FINS 14

Coming off a pair of disappointing losses, the Jets still have playoff hope. Reggie Bush has rushed for more than 500 yards in Miami’s last four games. With Bush out with a knee injury today, his team will sorely miss him. The Dolphins’ loss is New York’s gain as the Jets get the win in South Beach.

PATS 27, bills 17

Tom Brady leads New England to a three-touchdown lead at halftime as the Patriots cruise past Buffalo to claim home field advantage in the AFC playoffs.

SAINTS 34, panthers 27

Drew Brees continues his MVP-worthy season today against Carolina. The Saints quarterback tacks on another 300 yards to his single-season NFL record passing total and New Orleans defeats Cam Newton’s Panthers in an offensive showdown in the Bayou.

EAGLES 30, skins 17

Philadelphia gives its fans an appetizing preview for next season as the Eagles blow by the Redskins to end its season on a high note with four straight wins.

JAGS 20, colts 16

In an otherwise disappointing season in Jacksonville, Maurice Jones-Drew carries home the NFL rushing crown today as the Jags top the Colts at home.

TEXANS 17, titans 14

In preparation for its first playoff appearance, Houston’s defense picks off Matt Hasselbeck and stymies Chris Johnson to end its regular season with a win.

SUNDAY (LATE GAMES)

FALCONS 38, bucs 17

The bumbling Buccaneers end its despicable season on a 10-game losing streak as the team is crushed by its division foe Falcons in Atlanta today.

BENGALS 20, ravens 17 (in OT)

In a nip-and-tuck defensive battle at Cincinnati, the Bengals secure a playoff spot by edging Baltimore in overtime.

steel 16, BROWNS 6

The Browns finish their season with a spirited effort at home today. But Pittsburgh’s defense is just too strong for Cleveland’s feeble offense to overcome. The Steelers get the win and nail down the AFC’s No. 2 seed.

chiefs 21, BRONCOS 17

Kyle Orton returns to Denver today and capitalizes on his chance to exact revenge on his former team. Orton’s Chiefs beat the Broncos, dampening its division foe’s playoff hopes.

chargers 24, RAIDERS 20

San Diego bounces back from a disappointing effort in Detroit last week as the Chargers defeat the Raiders in Oakland today.

Hawks 23, CARDS 20

Similar teams square off in Arizona this afternoon as the Seahawks face the Cardinals. Both teams had been hot down the stretch, but both teams were officially knocked out of playoff contention last week. In an evenly matched game, I’m giving the edge to Marshawn Lynch and the Hawks.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

GIANTS 34, boys 30

It should be an exciting NFL regular season finale in New York tonight, where the Giants face the Cowboys. In this installment of a heated division rivalry, the winner goes to the playoffs and the loser goes home. The Outcome? Eli Manning outduels Tony Romo as the Giants discard Dallas and earn the NFC East crown.