NFL 2022 Week 17 picks

 We're getting close to the end of the regular season, and there are plenty of playoff spots still available.  These next two weeks are crucial for some teams.  Half of the playoff spots are still open: three in the AFC and four in the NFC.  Half of the division titles are still open, including the highly-competitive AFC North and NFC East.  Many of these games can affect playoff spots, including which teams want to play spoiler.

Thursday night

Dallas Cowboys at Tennessee Titans : This one is an easy pick.  The Titans defense is okay, but I don't think they can slow down Dallas enough.  The Cowboys are strong on both sides of the ball, with a devastating offense.  COWBOYS, 34-13

Sunday early games

Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons : Both teams are out of playoff contention, but that doesn't mean they don't play.  For Arizona, it's a matter of pride.  They have played many games close, so they want to prove to themselves that they can win games.  CARDS, 20-16

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buca : how's this for an interesting situation?  If the Panthers beat the Bucs, they jump over them in the division standings, taking the lead if New Orleans loses.  That's motivation.  Tom Brady will make that hard.  The Bucs are finally starting to find some rhythm, but it takes two and a half quarters to find it.  If the Panthers get too large a lead, the Bucs will not win, but the Bucs defense has kept things close recently.  This one will be close.  BUCS, 17-16

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions : The Bears defense is a bit disfunctional these days, which gives the Lions the edge.  LIONS, 31-20

Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders : The Commanders are playing for a playoff berth.  Taylor Heineke has breathed some life into that offense, and the defense has strength.  The Browns have been chronic underachievers after a decent start, so I think Washington's playoff hopes still exist.  COMMANDERS, 20-13

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs: As I write this, the Broncos don't have a head coach, not even an interim one.  With no direction, they will be easy pickings.  CHIEFS, 34-10

Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants : Who will play QB for the Colts?  Does it matter?  The Colts offense has dissolved.  Their defense still has life, and they will be looking to create some turnovers.  So long as Saquon holds onto the ball, the Giants should win.  GIANTS, 20-10

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans : I foresaw a Texans upset last week, but not this time.  The Jags offense is good, and the Texans defense has been off-center this season.  JAGUARS, 31-10

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots : Either team could win this game, and both teams are playing for a playoff spot.  For Miami, it's "win and in".  The Patriots have a harder row to hoe, but that won't diminish their effort.  Both teams lost last week, so it's a "bounce back" game for each team.  I think Miami has the better chance, but this game will go down to the last possession.  DOLPHINS, 27-24

Sunday late games

Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers : Despite a historic margin of victory for the Rams, the Battle of LA should go to the Chargers.  Their offense is kicking and their defense is stiff, and the Rams just haven't shown much offense all season (last week being an exception).  CHARGERS, 23-13

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers : The Packers are starting to show some life, but it's a bit too late.  A playoff spot is possible, but the Vikings are just good enough to hold them back.  VIKINGS, 27-17

New York Jets at Seattle Seahawks : The Jets are starting to fade.  The Seahawks haven't been stellar, but they get an extra boost at home.  SEAHAWKS, 20-16

San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders : Perhaps the hottest team in the league right now is the 49ers.  The Raiders can be a spoiler sometimes, but the 49ers will shut them down.  49ERS, 27-16

Sunday night

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens : Cody Pickett is slowly getting better, but he won't get past the stiff Ravens defense.  RAVENS, 17-10

Monday Night Football

Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals : This might be the most interesting game of the week.  If Cincinnati beats Buffalo, they assume the top spot in the AFC.  If Buffalo wins, they clinch the Number One seed and home field advantage/  I think the Bills can do it, but the Bengals will certainly make that difficult.  BILLS, 27-20