Week 17 Preview: Post Season Spots Still Up for Grabs

Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Hard to believe that the regular season is already about to come to an end, but there are still several teams fighting for a shot at the playoffs. Here are the final regular season picks for 2009.

Texans 28 Patriots 24

This game means a lot more to the Texans than it does to New England. Add it that the Patriots will likely rest a few guys, and the Texans get the nod.

Bills 16 Colts 10

Speaking of resting players, if the Colts were willing to lay down the way they did last week, why even make Peyton Manning and the rest of the starters fly to Buffalo this week? Bills get the win, as the Colts do not even try. Wouldn't it be great to see this back fire on the Colts and have them lose in their first playoff game? Could it be the Patriots and Colts in the divisional round?

Steelers 24 Dolphins 21

The Steelers continue to make a late season push towards the playoffs, but it will not be enough to get in. Too much has to happen for the Steelers to make it. There will be no back to back championships this year.

Cowboys 31 Eagles 28

So much for Tony Romo not getting the job done when it counts the most. Romo and the Cowboys get the division title, and likely set up a rematch against the Eagles in the first round of the playoffs.

Vikings 34 Giants 16

The Vikings will finally secure the second seed in the NFC. The Giants, who have nothing to play for, will not put up much of a fight.

Panthers 26 Saints 20

With Drew Brees getting a rest, and the top seed locked up, the Saints will be resting players. Make it 3 losses in a row for New Orleans.

Jaguars 38 Browns 7

The playoffs are a real long shot, but the Jags still have something to play for. The Browns are playing for a high draft pick.

Bears 28 Lions 21

Jay Cutler decided to finally show up this year, looking great last week against the Vikings. Now he will look great against the Lions. Too bad it means nothing.

Broncos 14 Chiefs 10

Brandon Marshall has been suspended, but the Broncos should still have enough to get past the hapless Chiefs. It may still not be enough to get Denver to the postseason however.

Packers 31 Cardinals 30

Much like the Philly and Dallas game, this could be a preview of a wild card weekend playoff game. The Cards have just been too inconsistent and prone to mistakes to think they can beat the Pack, even at home. Give Green Bay the win, and the chance to face the Cards again next week.

Ravens 21 Raiders 3

The Ravens let a golden opportunity slip away last week. It will not happen again. Baltimore will dominate from start to finish and punch a ticket to the playoffs.

Titans 22 Seahawks 6

The only drama in this one is if Chris Johnson can reach 2000 yards rushing for the year. He need 123 yards to get there.

49ers 31 Rams 10

It is in the best interest of the Rams to lose. With a loss, they will clinch the top pick in next years draft.

Falcons 26 Buccaneers 17

The Falcons will have back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. Too bad it won't mean a spot in the post season.

Chargers 38 Redskins 6

Even with most of their starters resting, the Chargers will still blow out the Redskins in Jim Zorn's final game as head coach.

Jets 17 Bengals 13

Rex Ryan and the Jets punch their ticket to the playoffs, and to a very interesting match up against the Patriots in the wild card weekend.