For Week 17, I’ll only be recommending plays on games that have some meaning beyond just rivalries and playing for pride.

Let’s start by covering what games actually have some meaning.

In the AFC there are 4 games with some meaning:

Patriots @ Giants
What’s on the line?: New England going 16-0 on the season.

Steelers @ Ravens
Chargers @ Raiders

What’s on the line?: The #3 seed in the AFC bracket. If San Diego wins they get the 3 seed. If both teams lose San Diego also gets the 3 seed. There is about a 14% chance Pittsburg gets the 3 seed which would require a win plus a Chargers loss (unlikely).

Both these games are at 4:15 so there is no real angle that we can use for this one.

Titans @ Colts
What’s on the line?: If Titans win they make the playoffs as the 6th seed. If they lose the Browns make the playoffs as the 6th seed.
Note: The Browns game is meaningless as far as the playoffs are concerned

So basically in the AFC there are 3 teams with all the motivation in the world to win: Patriots, Chargers and Titans.

In the NFC there are few games with much meaning as the first 5 playoffs seeds have been clinched.

Here are the 3 games with playoff implications

Cowboys @ Redskins @ 4:15
Vikings @ Broncos @ 4:15
Saints @ Bears @ 1:00

The Redskins control their own destiny; if they win they get the #6 seed in the playoffs.
The Vikings can get in with a win plus a Redskins loss.
The Saints are a long shot they need a win and both the Redskins and Vikings to lose.

My week 17 Picks:

3 team 6.5 point teaser @ TheGreek : Pays +160
Redskins teased from -9 to -2.5
Chargers teased for -7.5 to -1
Titans teased from -6.5 to Pick

Risk 1.25 units to win 2 units

New England Patriots -13.5 -115
I’m getting this line @ Skybook. They have the line listed as Patriots -14 -115 but they offer a free ½ point on all football games. I would pay up to -120 for Pats -13.5 or better but other than that I’ll suggest laying off this game. I expect it will be close to a Pats by 14 victory.
If you don’t have a Skybook account this is a really great time to get one because they offers a 50% free play bonus on sign ups which makes this line even better. Visit Skybook

I’m still considering if I’ll touch the Saints, Steelers or Vikings this week. It’s a possibility but beyond those 3 teams I doubt I’ll make any other add on plays later in the week.

The 2007 NFL Season YTD record on posted free picks is 42-24 for +16.1 units of profit.

**Please Leave Comments**
If you would like to discuss games, or even disagree with or suggest another pick, do so in the box below, I’ll be happy to respond and discuss games.