Saturday, December 28, 2013
NFL Week 17 Picks
Last week's picks were 2-3, -1.2 units. For the season, my record is 39-44, +6.5 units. It's all slipping away. Can I stop my slide? Week 17 is treacherous, with many unusual motivations to consider. Here we go!
Tennessee -7 vs. Houston: The Texans are playing out the string, with the further distraction of speculation about their next coach. The Titans should easily win by more than a touchdown.
Pittsburgh -6.5 vs. Cleveland: The Browns have been better than expected, but one thing that has not changed is that they are owned by the Steelers. Another easy touchdown-plus win here.
Washington +3.5 at New York Giants: Too many injuries have afflicted the Giants down the stretch. Though the Redskins lost their quarterback, his backup is competent, and he has all his weapons intact.
Jacksonville +450 at Indianapolis: Yes, I am picking the Jaguars to win outright here. The Colts will use this more or less meaningless game as their bye week before the playoffs. Since I'm getting 4.5 to 1, it's worth the risk.
New York Jets +6 at Miami: I seriously considered taking the Jets to win outright here as well, but the payoff for that was only 2.3 to 1. I'll just take the six-point head start in game they would love to win, in order to knock their division rivals out of the playoffs.
Tennessee -7 vs. Houston: The Texans are playing out the string, with the further distraction of speculation about their next coach. The Titans should easily win by more than a touchdown.
Pittsburgh -6.5 vs. Cleveland: The Browns have been better than expected, but one thing that has not changed is that they are owned by the Steelers. Another easy touchdown-plus win here.
Washington +3.5 at New York Giants: Too many injuries have afflicted the Giants down the stretch. Though the Redskins lost their quarterback, his backup is competent, and he has all his weapons intact.
Jacksonville +450 at Indianapolis: Yes, I am picking the Jaguars to win outright here. The Colts will use this more or less meaningless game as their bye week before the playoffs. Since I'm getting 4.5 to 1, it's worth the risk.
New York Jets +6 at Miami: I seriously considered taking the Jets to win outright here as well, but the payoff for that was only 2.3 to 1. I'll just take the six-point head start in game they would love to win, in order to knock their division rivals out of the playoffs.
