Tommy the Dago Presents-NFL Week 17

Finally, it's here. The last week in what has been a long, agonizing process for me. Only sixteen games left to flail at wildly before the records are wiped clean, and I can start anew with the playoffs.

I cannot stress enough how freeing this is. I don't care if I go 0-16, and really, it's not impossible. Week 17 is one of the hardest to pick cuz you never know who's going to play whom, and for how long. I mean, the Panthers are three point favorites on the road at New Orleans. That's how insane Week 17 is.

But I'm going to try anyway, and who knows? Maybe the fact I couldn't care less about the results right now we'll be exactly what I need in search of that perfect week.

Best Bets in CAPS

Redskins (+3) vs. Giants
The Giants aren't going to make the playoffs. This team is on the brink of exploding, and not in a productive way.

Bengals vs. STEELERS (+6)
Aside from games against Baltimore, the Steelers are actually playing pretty well. Not sure they'll beat Cincy, who's playing for the postseason, but I don't think they're gonna get blown out.

Cowboys (-13) vs. Lions
Not even the combination of Carrie Underwood distracting Tony Romo, and T.O.'s dropped passes will affect the Cowboys enough to have any trouble with the Lions. The Lions are so bad, even their fans can't do anything right. Sunday against the Bears, all the fans were supposed to stand up and leave at the same time in protest of GM Matt Millen. Only 100 did.

Texans (-4) vs. Browns
What else would you rather do on New Year's Eve than watch these two heavyweights battle it out?

Chiefs vs. Jaguars (+3)
I don't know what to expect from either of these teams. I just figure it'll be close.

Vikings vs. RAMS (-3)
Ya, I don't feel right picking the Rams on the road as a dog either, but they're playing for a playoff berth, and the Vikings are starting Travares Jackson, so I'll go with it.

Saints (+3) vs. Panthers
Not sure if Delhomme is going to play, and who's gonna play for the Saints, but I'll take New Orleans at home getting points based on principle alone.

Jets vs. Raiders (+13)
I'm supposed to trust the Jets to score 13 points? Don't hate on the Raiders defense, they're doing their job, it's the offense that's hideous.

Buccaneers vs. Seahawks (+3.5)
I know Seattle has nothing to play for, but I don't think they're playing well enough to afford resting all their key players. They got a ton of things they need to fix first.

Titans (-3) vs. Patriots
Vince Young is my hero.

RAVENS (-9.5) vs. Bills
So much for that "Bills always cover" theory. Ravens have a chance at home field, so they won't take it easy on Buffalo.

Colts (-9) vs. Dolphins
I trust the Colts can perform at home. If this was on the road I'd take Miami, Cleo Lemon or no Cleo Lemon.

Eagles vs. Falcons (+8)
I'm not saying Atlanta will win, but this just seems like the type of game I talked about a few weeks ago. A team wins a few games in a row pretty convincingly, then they're declared big favorites and don't cover. Atlanta will at least keep it close.

Broncos (-10.5) vs. 49ers
Jay Cutler is starting to relax, and it's showing.

Chargers (-13.5) vs. Cardinals
Since LaDainian didn't score any TD's last week, I figure that means he's due for 4 or 5 this week.

Bears (-3) vs. Packers
Listen, I don't care if the Bears are using nothing but third stringers. If I don't pick them against the Packers I'll be used as target practice in Tank Johnson's backyard.