Weekend Blitz: Week 17 NFL picks

By Jimmy Traina
Published

Welcome to the final edition of the "Weekend Blitz." Our quest to finish over .500 took a big hit last week when we went 1-4. The season record now stands at 34-35-1. Week 17 is the most dangerous week of the season to wager. You don't know which teams will try, while other teams try to rest players. We're going with a six-pack of games to close out the year, but proceed with heavy caution. And thanks for reading all season.

THE PICKS

JETS -3 AT BILLS: Rex Ryan got his win over the Jets earlier this season. It won't happen again. Buffalo has a ton of injury issues and the owner had to release a statement this week saying the coach and GM would be back after one season. Meanwhile, New York is riding high thanks to strong play by former Bills quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick. You want to believe this is the Same Old Jets, who will blow a game they need to make the playoffs, but it's not. Believe in Todd Bowles.

BENGALS -9 VS. RAVENS: The Bengals are still alive to clinch a first-round bye. Ryan Mallett and the Ravens got their lucky home win last week against the Steelers. It won't happen on the road, two weeks in a row. Nine is a ton of points to give, especially with AJ McCarron starting at quarterback. We think, though, that Cincy's defense, does a number on Mallett.

RAIDERS +7 AT CHIEFS: We just have a hunch that Oakland will go all out to prevent Kansas City from getting a better seed and possibly winning the AFC West, depending on what Denver does against Oakland.

REDSKINS +3.5 AT COWBOYS: Washington won't be playing its starters for long, but it won't matter. If you watched Kellen Moore play quarterback last week, you know that he is absolutely out of his league starting an NFL game right now. Take the points.

EAGLES +3 AT GIANTS: Both teams are done, but Philly players will be celebrating their freedom from Chip Kelly. It will be a big party for Eagles, who will want to show their old coach was the problem.

RAMS -3 AT 49ERS: We're going to take a chance here and ignore the fact that St. Louis could have a letdown after winning in Seattle last week. If the Rams give 100-percent effort in this game, they will win easily. Better team, better talent, very tough defense.