NFL picks and predictions for Week 17

Finishing Out Strong: The Ravens suffered a crushing loss to the Steelers last week, eliminating them from the playoffs. Both of these teams will want to finish the season on a positive note, and I see the Ravens' solid defense shutting down a Cincinnati offense lacking their top two playmakers. Steve Smith also goes out on top with a touchdown. Ravens 20, Bengals 13

Run It: Ugh, Week 17 is often like picking preseason games. The Bills fired Rex Ryan, but interim coach Anthony Lynn has a running game background. The Bills feature the top rushing attack in the NFL, so it won't matter that E.J. Manuel is starting. Bills 27, Jets 17

More Disappointing Finishes: Two weeks ago, the Buccaneers had won five in a row and were on the road to a wildcard spot. Now, they're virtually eliminated, and the Panthers definitely aren't headed to another Super Bowl. With the disappointment just setting in and Doug Martin suspended, I'll take Carolina to finish the year on a high note. Panthers 23, Buccaneers 17

Regret: How many Vikings fans regret giving up a first-round pick for Sam Bradford? Surely there are other guys in the NFL who could've managed the offense better? Neither team has won much lately, so I'll just take the Vikings as the home team. Vikings 20, Bears 10

Two in a Row: I’m going to regret having to talk about the Browns having the No. 2 overall pick when this one is all said and done. I do think Pittsburgh’s backups will make a game of this, but I saw enough progress from the offense last week to believe they’ll have a few good drives this week. I don’t have a lot of faith in Landry Jones for the Steelers, and while the backups will be pumped up to win, Cleveland’s group is also fired up after tasting victory a week ago. Browns 24, Steelers 16

One Final Dagger: I'd love to see Tony Romo make his debut and light the Eagles up, helping to improve the Browns' draft position. However, Dallas already has the No. 1 seed locked up, so all of their big guns will be rested, and the Eagles will still be trying to mature the growth of rookie Carson Wentz. That gives Philly the edge to stick a mini-dagger at the Browns. Eagles 24, Cowboys 20

QB Chaos: All year, I kept predicting the Texans would eventually relinquish hold of the AFC South lead. Yet, here we are, with the Titans having picked up the much more impressive wins, but Houston has already clinched the No. 4 spot. Marcus Mariota's injury last week gives them less hope in this one, and I think Houston will fight for this one to ensure Tom Savage has more reps under his belt before a postseason game. Texans 21, Titans 20

More AFC South Fun: The Jaguars aren't a threat to pass up the Browns in draft position after their win last week, so that's at least one benefit. The Colts are out of the playoffs, but should take care of this one. Colts 27, Jaguars 14

Fighting for it All: This will be an interesting match-up. The Patriots are the No. 1 seed and the Dolphins are the No. 6 seed. Miami can improve to No. 5, changing their first-round playoff match to a much-easier opponent in the Texans (but that is only if the Chiefs lose). The Patriots can drop to No. 2 with a loss and an Oakland win. I think both teams will go at it, but New England's talent triumphs. Patriots 28, Dolphins 22

No Wins for Goff: We asked for awhile why Jared Goff wasn't starting for the Rams. He's 0-6 since taking over, and the club hasn't looked very good in general. The Cardinals will use David Johnson for one more big game en route to victory, as Carson Palmer's future looms large. Cardinals 27, Rams 10

Reason to Fight: After having just lost to the Browns and their offensive line banged up, the Chargers are done for. The Chiefs want to ensure they keep the No. 5 seed so they can face the Texans instead of the Steelers in the first round of the playoffs. Chiefs 35, Chargers 10

Securing a First-Round Bye: The Falcons need a win to secure a first-round bye, but it won't come easy against a red hot Saints offense. With Julio Jones' return and the offense being more complete, I like Atlanta to lock things up. Falcons 31, Saints 28

Win-and-In: If the Redskins win, they are in. Sadly for the Giants, they are stuck at the No. 5 seed because of Dallas being locked in at No. 1. They can afford to take this one easy, but that'll allow the Redskins into the postseason as a result. The Redskins have a "win-and-in" situation here, which would eliminate the loser of the Packers/Lions game. Redskins 27, Giants 20

Rough Times: We don't know what to expect from Matt McGloin, and it could drop them all the way to the No. 5 seed instead of having a first-round bye. Talk about devastating. The Broncos will miss the playoffs, but their defense can take advantage of the Raiders' quarterback situation. Broncos 23, Raiders 20

Another Off Day? The Seahawks had another field goal issue against the Cardinals last week, and it's really about the fifth time this season they've just been way off. They'll be going all out in this one in case they can get a first-round bye (if Atlanta loses), and San Francisco shouldn't match up with them in the talent department. Seahawks 30, 49ers 6

Final Game of the Season: The Lions looked like a playoff lock when they were 9-4. They lost to the Giants and Cowboys the past two weeks, two of the toughest teams in the NFC. Now, if Washington wins earlier in the day, they'll be eliminated with a loss! This game will definitely decide the division. Depending on what the Redskins do, it could also be an elimination game for both teams. Looking at momentum, Aaron Rodgers cannot be stopped right now. Packers 34, Lions 27