# NFL Predictions - Week 17 **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 21, 2000, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688 "2000-12-21T14:23:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gazoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce73a5/32.png) [@Gazoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazoo)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/1 "2000-12-21T14:23:31Z")
Ouch! Bad week again at 7-8 (and that includes getting the ‘Skins game _right_!). That puts me at 150-83 for the year. Sporting News is at , BTW. So, who’s still in the running in the company pool? I’ll do my best to improve on last week’s debacle. **Saturday** **Jacksonville 17 at Giants 24** (Somewhere, our pal **Satan** is smiling as his Giants work to clinch home field throughout the playoffs. Too bad for them. They have a 7-1 road record, but are only 4-3 at home.) **49ers 24 at Broncos 28** (The Broncos are one of those teams that truly can beat any other team on any given Sunday. Except the Chiefs apparently.) **Bills 31 at Seahawks 30** (I have an odd feeling that both defenses are thinking more about the golf course than the football field at this point.) **Sunday** **Cardinals 13 at Redskins 24** (Sure, _now_ they’ll beat the Cards!) **Bears 6 at Lions 17** (Okay, I admit it! I jumped on the McNown bandwagon at the start of the season. With Culpepper questionable, I’m paying for it in fantasy football.) **Buccaneers 13 at Packers 28** (If only the Bears could beat the Lions. The Packers are playing some of the best ball in the league right now and could have caused serious ripples in the playoffs. Too little, too late.) **Rams 27 at Saints 34** (Go Aaron! Go Terry! Go Willie! I have it figured out. The Rams offense is fine on grass. It’s the defense that can’t play on it.) **Bengals 7 at Eagles 24** (Now Dillon says he wants to stay in Cincy? They must put something in the water over there, it’s the only explanation.) **Chiefs 24 at Falcons 9** (The Falcons have absolutely nothing. How can you rebuild from that?) **Dolphins 17 at Patriots 9** (Just like last year, the Dolphins are again trying to back their way into the playoffs.) **Jets 20 at Ravens 13** (You see, sooner or later Dil-hole will bite you in the ass.) **Steelers 13 at Chargers 10** (I’m still not impressed with Kordell. Leaf, however, is showing signs of life.) **Vikings 20 at Colts 17** (Injuries, injuries, injuries. You heard it hear first – Vikings to win this one with defense!) **Panthers 16 at Raiders 17** (Raiders are getting a little banged up, bad timing for that. The Panthers have been banged up for weeks now, they’re getting used to it.) **Monday** **Cowboys 13 at Titans 30** (There are several college teams that could beat the team the Cowboys will field on Monday night.) Good luck to all, and of course, Merry Christmas! God Bless Us, Everyone! ---
**Author:** ![Bottle\_of\_Smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Bottle\_of\_Smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bottle_of_Smoke)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/2 "2000-12-21T15:12:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gazoo \* > **Buccaneers 13 at Packers 28** (If only the Bears could beat the Lions. The Packers are playing some of the best ball in the league right now and could have caused serious ripples in the playoffs. Too little, too late.) Yeah. Damn Packers. If they only could have one just **one** of those close games that they blew earlier in the season. They are getting hot at the right time…too bad they will probably be watching the playoffs on TV. ---
**Author:** ![Bottle\_of\_Smoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Bottle\_of\_Smoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bottle_of_Smoke)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/3 "2000-12-21T15:14:42Z")
Of course, that would be _won_ just one. Preview is my friend, preview is my friend… ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/4 "2000-12-21T15:15:56Z")
> [@](#): > > Jets 20 at Ravens 13 (You see, sooner or later Dil-hole will bite you in the ass.) Sorry, the Jets are in free fall, Martin won’t get much against our D, and Dilfer got his bad game out of his system last week. Couple that with the fact that Baltimore still has a shot at home field throughout, and I think you’re all wet here. Look for Vinnie to be out by the 2nd quarter. ---
**Author:** ![Gazoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce73a5/32.png) [@Gazoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazoo)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/5 "2000-12-21T15:31:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by weirddave \* > \*\*Sorry, the Jets are in free fall, Martin won’t get much against our D, and Dilfer got his bad game out of his system last week. Couple that with the fact that Baltimore still has a shot at home field throughout, and I think you’re all wet here. Look for Vinnie to be out by the 2nd quarter. \*\* You don’t actually believe that Dilfer only has one bad game in him do you? Look, I’ve got this bridge I’m selling… The Ravens only hope of improving their standing in the playoffs rests on the Titans losing to Dallas. They know that. They also know it _won’t_ happen. They really have nothing to play for. ---
**Author:** ![ReservoirDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8edcca/32.png) [@ReservoirDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReservoirDog)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/6 "2000-12-21T15:39:09Z")
I hate you, Gazoo. ---
**Author:** ![ReservoirDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8edcca/32.png) [@ReservoirDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReservoirDog)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/7 "2000-12-21T15:41:10Z")
Oh… sorry 'bout that. I love you, Gazoo. Except that I would really like the Bucs to smack the pack, and all that negative energy you just spread around has made me feel a little less confident. So, if they lose, I blame you. ---
**Author:** ![Modian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Modian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Modian)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/8 "2000-12-21T15:49:08Z")
> [@](#): > > Cardinals 13 at Redskins 24 (Sure, now they’ll beat the Cards!) And then we come to reality. Skins score on the first drive with a field goal, then wander around on the field the rest of the game wondering why 3 points wasn’t enough. Final score, Skins 3, Cardinals 57657321 f-ing skins. I was excited at the beginning, now I’m just bitter 😃 ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/9 "2000-12-21T16:14:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gazoo \* > \*\ ***Jets 20 at Ravens 13** (You see, sooner or later Dil-hole will bite you in the ass.) > > **Steelers 13 at Chargers 10** (I’m still not impressed with Kordell. Leaf, however, is showing signs of life.) > > **Vikings 20 at Colts 17** (Injuries, injuries, injuries. You heard it hear first – Vikings to win this one with defense!)\*\* I hope you’re wrong about the Ravens. God, I hope so. Me and my new best friend **weirddave** will be cheering the hell outta Baltimore on Sunday. The Chargers don’t worry me, but I gotta say that the Colts do. They looked tough last week, and the Vikes looked beatable. Go Steelers, Ravens and Vikes! ---
**Author:** ![Sledman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/839c29/32.png) [@Sledman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sledman)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/10 "2000-12-21T16:27:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by weirddave \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > Jets 20 at Ravens 13 (You see, sooner or later Dil-hole will bite you in the ass.) > > Sorry, the Jets are in free fall, Martin won’t get much against our D, and Dilfer got his bad game out of his system last week. \*\* No, no, no…He meant Trent Dilfer. I have no idea who this other guy your talking about is??? Hate to say it weirddave but until Art Modell dies I will not root for the Ravens. Other than that I have nothing against them. ---
**Author:** ![Stuffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/11 "2000-12-21T16:49:33Z")
Not bad, I’m not going to even argue that Denver pick, the Broncs need a win more than we do. I think the Panthers have a better than even chance of beating the Raiders, they’re defense is geared towards the raiders style of offesne( it’s why they kept beating us), but the Raiders need the game more. Coin toss? ---
**Author:** ![Montfort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Montfort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Montfort)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/12 "2000-12-21T17:14:16Z")
**Gazoo** , I think you’re nuts picking the Redskins. The Cards looked semi-inspired against the Ravens last week, and the Skins are really just riding this one out. I can’t wait to hear the “Bring Back Norv!” chant in Raljon. 😛 (p.s. Good call on the **Eagles**.) ---
**Author:** ![Gazoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce73a5/32.png) [@Gazoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazoo)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/13 "2000-12-21T17:24:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Montfort \* > \*\ ***Gazoo** , I think you’re nuts picking the Redskins. The Cards looked semi-inspired against the Ravens last week, and the Skins are really just riding this one out. > \*\* I didn’t see any of that game. I have no faith in either team, so might as well go with the home team. They have to win _one_ for Robiskie don’t they? ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/14 "2000-12-21T18:25:10Z")
**mouthbreather**! Welcome to the sunny side of the street! Too bad I know it’s just so the Steelers get in, but 1 week is nice…😃 **Sledman** , it’s O.K. I talked to Art Modell, and he says he won’t root for you either. As to Dilfer, time will tell. I remember people saying the same thing about Warner last year. Trent is no Warner, but you never know. And Baltimore is NOT taking the Jets lightly. Sure Dallas has little chance in Tennessee, but who would have thought the Bengals would beat Jacksonville? ---
**Author:** ![lno](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a8b319/32.png) [@lno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lno)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/15 "2000-12-21T18:37:21Z")
My heart’s broken, Culpepper’s ankle isn’t good, and I dropped like a stone in the office pool, so only a freak miracle will return me to first place. And it’s not like this is the season for miracles, anyway. So, LNO’s quick capsule picks, and because it doesn’t matter, I’m going to pick who I want to win, rather than who I think will win. That way, I can be totally ecstatic, rather than only halfway happy. Ranked in order of how confident I am that I’m right, same as before. 15: Minnesota over Indianapolis Gamble big, win big. 14: Detroit over Chicago I want this. I so want this. It eliminates the Rams. A hearty “go home” to those Bob-n-weave fools. 13: Green Bay over Tampa Bay I want this too. It clinches the NFC Central for the Vikes. 12: Jacksonville over New York Giants I really want this, since it has to happen if the Vikings want homefield. 11: New Orleans over St Louis Even though this game has no effect on St Louis making the playoffs, I just want to see them humiliated again. 10: Pittsburgh over San Diego The Steelers deserve to go to the playoffs. Won’t happen, though. And wouldn’t it just be somehow fitting if the Chargers get it all together in their last game, and end up denying the Steelers a playoff berth? 9: Oakland over Carolina I just like the Raiders. 8: Denver over San Francisco I feel like I owe Mike Anderson something for winning my fantasy Super Bowl. 7: Tennessee over Dallas Ditto for Eddie George as my other back. 6: Baltimore over New York Jets This far down I don’t care much for the picks. 5: Washington over Arizona Robiskie needs a win. 4: Philadelphia over Cincinnati McNabb got snubbed. McSnub. 3: Kansas City over Atlanta Eh. 2: Seattle over Buffalo Eh again. 1: Miami over New England I spent four years in Boston as a Patriots fan. Bledsoe, I was with you through thick and thin. I’m sorry, but I’m on the Culpepper bandwagon now. ---
**Author:** ![lno](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a8b319/32.png) [@lno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lno)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/16 "2000-12-21T18:39:04Z")
Er, not how confident I am that I am right, but how hopeful I am that I am right. ---
**Author:** ![Gazoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce73a5/32.png) [@Gazoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazoo)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/17 "2000-12-21T21:25:20Z")
Those cheaters at the Sporting News, _still_ haven’t posted their picks (which is why I don’t have their record in the OP). It must be nice to sit around and wait until you have more information on injuries! > [@](#): > > As to Dilfer, time will tell. I remember people saying the same thing about Warner last year. Trent is no Warner, but you never know. One difference - Warner has had one bad _game_, Dilfer has had several bad _seasons_! ---
**Author:** ![Crunchy\_Frog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ebca7d/32.png) [@Crunchy\_Frog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crunchy_Frog)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2000, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/18 "2000-12-21T23:10:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LNO \* > \*\*11: New Orleans over St Louis > Even though this game has no effect on St Louis making the playoffs, I just want to see them humiliated again. > \*\* It doesn’t affect the playoff hopes for the Rams? What papers are you reading? Last I heard, Rams need to win here to advance to the playoffs, along with a Detroit loss or tie. This game is most _definitely_ a must-win for the Rams. ---
**Author:** ![Montfort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Montfort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Montfort)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/19 "2000-12-22T00:26:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gazoo \* > \*\*I didn’t see any of that game. I have no faith in either team, so might as well go with the home team. They have to win _one_ for Robiskie don’t they? \*\* Actually, no, they don’t. He’s going to join that exclusive fraternity of NFL Head Coaches with a .000 winning percentage when he gets replaced by Danny Boy this winter. I read somewhere ([ESPN.com](http://ESPN.com)?) that since the Cards gave whatsisface the coaching job full-time, the Cards want to win to set them up for that improvement of a 5-11 season next year. BTW, and Bungles fans here want a new sig? 😛 p.s. You’re going to do this for the playoffs too, right? ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2000, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688/20 "2000-12-22T01:52:59Z")
The Vikes may have just about everything answered for them by the time they play. I just listened to an interview with Denny Green and, depending on the outcome of the earlier games, Culpepper may or may not start (Can you say “Bubby?” Without laughing? I thought not). So, Gazoo, if the Giants lose and the (gack) Packers win, Daunte might be riding the pine. (BTW, Daunte practiced today, and seemed to be getting around OK. Robert Smith is also good to go.) -and- Indy will already know if they have anything to play for or not. The early games will determine quite a bit. It’s kind of weird…the Vikes could win the Central and get a bye, or, if they lose, they could end up as wild cards. I can’t bring myself to cheer for those-despicable-bastards-from-some-dinky-ass-little-hole-in-the-wall-town-in-Wisconsin, but if they choose to maintain **Farv** ’s streak of cold-weather wins/Tampa’s cold-weather losses, that wouldn’t be entirely unacceptable. Oh yeah, Go Jacksonville! And now I have to post the obligatory sig… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-17/46688.md?page=2)