UTTQ Predictions: Week 17

And so another NFL season ends in both excitement and disappointment. Week 17 could arguably be the toughest week to predict, with many teams opting to lay down rather than step up, and vice versa. And so, with a one game separation between myself and Insider Access, here is my attempt at prediction the final half of the final slate of NFL games (until the playoffs, that is).

SAN FRANCISCO 31, ST. LOUIS 3
The Niners have become one of the most dominant teams in football, thanks to a stout defense and tough running game. On the other end of the NFC West spectrum, the Rams have continued their losing ways, forcing the removal of yet another coach and a reshuffling of the organization. The scenario for this game is simple: a 49ers win gives them a first round bye in the playoffs, and a loss by the Rams gives them a chance at the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft (assuming the Colts beat the Jaguars). An Indy win may prevent a shutout.

SEATTLE 24, ARIZONA 20
These two teams started to get hot as the season went on, but unfortunately could not keep that momentum going long enough. The Hawks and Cards could certainly be contenders in the future, and a threeway logjam for the NFC West title could be the outlook for next year. For now, however, these two franchises will have to duke it out in an old-fashioned rivalry game.

TAMPA BAY 17, ATLANTA 31
Atlanta lost the NFC South to New Orleans on Monday in historic fashion, and will now have to await the fate of who they will face in the playoffs. A lot of Atlanta fans will be rooting for Green Bay to beat Detroit on Sunday, which would mean that a win by Atlanta is all that is needed to avoid facing the Saints a third time this season and instead face a struggling Cowboys/Giants team. If Green Bay lays down and loses to Detroit, Atlanta will have to face Drew Brees and company regardless. Look for Atlanta to win either way, and try to keep that momentum going into the playoffs. A loss by Tampa could certainly seal the fate of Raheem Morris as well.

BALTIMORE 26, CINCINNATI 27
This will certainly be an interesting one, with a win-and-in scenario playing out in Cincinnati. Unfortunately for the upstart Bengals, the Ravens look to fulfill plans of their own: shoring up a first round playoff bye with a win. The Ravens have been the definition of inconsistent all year, so a win is not guaranteed. Both of these teams have a lot to play for, but with the Bengals playing at home, I'll give this one to them.

PITTSBURGH 30, CLEVELAND 14
The Steelers will have to play their final game tough to try and assert their dominance of the AFC North. Unfortunately, the Baltimore Ravens have the upper hand here, needing only a Pittsburgh loss to clinch the division. The Steelers won't let that happen, especially against the lowly Browns. Perhaps both teams will play their backup quarterbacks in this one.

KANSAS CITY 14, DENVER 24
The Denver Tebows have taken a step backwards as of late, due partly to their quarterback, but also to their once stifling defense disappearing during games. The Broncos get home-field with a tough game against Kansas City and a playoff berth on the line. The Chiefs have been no slouches either, recently ending the Packers' perfect season hopes. Kansas City can certainly play tough against teams like Denver, but the Broncos won't let their season die so easily. Plus, I'm sure Elway and co. would hate to see Kyle Orton beat them at home.

SAN DIEGO 20, OAKLAND 23
The Raiders find themselves in the position to make the playoffs, but they must first beat the Chargers. San Diego was a hot team only a few weeks ago, but dropped one against the Lions. The Raiders may be under divine intervention, but they will need to play the Chargers hard in order to win this one. No one would have thought this game would mean more for the Raiders and nothing for the Chargers at the beginning of the season.

DALLAS 23, NEW YORK GIANTS 24
Ah, nothing like ending the regular season with a win-and-in playoff matchup. Back in the beginning of the season, I picked the Cowboys to sneak into the playoffs (with the forlorn Eagles winning the division). The Cowboys have been pretty sloppy as of recent, but in typical Cowboys fashion they find themselves on a teeter-totter of late season anticipation as to whether or not they'll make the playoffs or stay on the outside looking in. The Giants have been just as inconsistent, but seem to have a better formula at winning football games. The Giants are thus slight favorites in this one. I like them too. As much as I should stick with the Cowboys for picking them in the first place, I should go with the Giants in order to preserve my imperfect preseason predictions (plus, I have a picture of a Giants player in each of my last three posts).