4th and Goal

Thought the title is fitting. This is it. The end of 2011. Whether you dun goofed earlier a lot this year or really made it a memorable one, it's almost time for 2012. Time to look back, reflect for a bit, and look forward to the promise land. 2012 brings new hope, new chances, and new dreams. Kinda corny, but I really don't give a sh--.
As we move into 2012, dreams will be made and lost on Day 1/365. The NFL regular season comes to an end, there will be a few playoff spots open and the playoffs won't be set in stone until the final game, and arguably the biggest of the day, between the Cowboys @ Giants is played. So here are my picks for Week 17. Last week I got 2 picks wrong, so let's see if we can keep this going. All the bottom you'll see the teams that I have going into the playoffs. And here's to 2012. Cheers \_/

LIONS vs Packers
The Packers are still wondering whether or not to even play Aaron Rodgers and who can blame em? The Lions have one of the best defensive lines and Suh will likely get to the quarterback more than once. With the first round bye and home field advantage locked up for the playoffs, along with a perfect season gone, no reason for the Packers to play with a purpose. I say Lions take it by less that 10.
Titans vs TEXANS
The Texans are a bit banged up offensively, with their 1st and 2nd string quarterbacks out, and Andre just coming back from injury this week. There should be limited action for Foster this week, so look for Tate to take most of the load in the running game. Meanwhile, CJ2K is nowhere to be found. Sucks to be you if you drafted him. Texans win at home.
Colts vs JAGUARS
The Colts will lock up the number one pick in next years draft with a loss, and that's exactly what will happen. The Colts have one of the worst rushing defenses in the league, and the Jaguars have the NFL rushing leader in MJD. Look for multiple scores from MJD in this rout.
JETS vs Dolphins
Jets need a win and more in order to get into the playoffs. I see them winning this game, with a big game from Mark Sanchez. The Dolphins have nothing to play for, and now with their star RB Reggie Bush out, either Matt Moore goes off for 300 yards and 3 scores, or the Jets win. Yeah no, Jets win this one.
BEARS vs Vikings
Da Bears. The Bears had their playoff dreams gone when they lost RB Forte to injury, and with shaky quarterbacks on the roster, the Bears still have a silver lining in pleasant RB Khalil Bell. Bell has had double digit fantasy point performances his last 2 games, and will probably carry the team to a victory over the AP-less Vikings. Jared Allen will get a few hits on the QB, so you have that to look forward to Vikings fans.
Bills vs PATRIOTS
Take Drew Brees out of the equation, and Brady would be needing less than 200 yards in order to break Dan Marino's record. He's having a great season, but is looking at limited action this week. Look for him to sit perhaps after the second half, but still I have the Patriots winning at home.
Panthers vs SAINTS
Coach Payton has said that the Saints will go about business as usual for this game. So I'm calling it right now, all out shoot out. You have the ROY in Cam Newton going up against the should be MVP in Drew Brees in the Big Easy. Look for double digits on both sides, and expect big gains from these players fantasy wise. The biggest toss up for me this week, I have the Saints by 7.
Redskins vs EAGLES
The Eagles had nothing to play for last week, but they played their hearts out. The awesome tandem of Vick and McCoy proves for a lot of Sportscenter Top 10 moments, and look for even more as the Eagles play at home for week 17. The Redskins have nothing going for them this year, and with bad defense against an explosive offense, Eagles are taking this. What a season, dream team!
49ERS vs Rams
With this win, the 49ers could clinch the first round bye, and that's probably what will happen. Their awesome rushing defense goes up against a tough Action Jackson. After that, the Rams have no QB with Bradford out, and a bad defense overall. While the 49ers starters sitting towards the end, they should have enough to lock up the first round bye. Welcome back 49ers football.
Seahawks vs CARDINALS
This not so thrilling matchup provides some star players playing for nothing, except bragging rights. Anyone hear a Cardinals fan? Didn't think so, but they will win this week. Last week I called Larry Fitz for a big game, and it didn't happen. Hopefully that changes this week. My fantasy league is counting on it!
Buccaneers vs FALCONS
The Falcons are hosting the Bucs in what could determine whether the Falcons finish 5th or 6th. While Ryan and Turner should be benched after 30 or so plays, the Falcons have enough depth to hold on to the win. While the Bucs had a promising year coming with an exciting QB/RB duo, look for them to get a few scores this week, but the inevitable loss.
RAVENS vs Bengals
Ravens have said to be treating this like a playoff game, and why not. They can finish anywhere from 2nd, 5th, or 6th in the seeding and determine whether the Bengals get into the playoffs or not. Flacco will need to have a decent game, and the defense will have to contain the Bengals passing game. While the Bengals won't just move over, it should be a defensive game that I have the Ravens winning 20-14.
STEELERS vs Browns
QB Ben Roethlisberger has been listed as probable for this game, but has been said to be limited to 25-30 snaps this game. With a win, the Steelers would also win the AFC North crown and a first round bye. The defense should be coming out and hitting hard against a poor Browns offense, and while Peyton Hillis has been looking good lately, it will probably will not be enough. Steelers win on the road.
Chiefs vs BRONCOS
TEEEBOOOOW. The mile-high city is riding high on the QB out of Florida, riding him all the way to an AFC West title. The Broncos have the control of their own destiny in this matchup, but it will provide to be an interesting one as you have former Broncos QB Orton on the other side of the field. Both quarterbacks will play aggressive, but the Broncos seem to have a slight edge. Given the Broncos have given up back-to-back 40 point games, one was against the Patriots and the other was from 2 pick-6's via Tim Tebow. I don't believe in God. I do believe in Tim Tebow. Broncos win in Denver.
CHARGERS vs Raiders
A interesting AFC matchup that has pro-bowl QB Rivers at one side and start RB's in McFadden and Bush on the other side. The Raiders can still make the playoffs, but I don't see that happening. Rivers should find Gates and Floyd in the endzone in this week 17 win.
Cowboys vs GIANTS
Thank god for flex scheduling, amirite!? The grand daddy of em all, well at least week 17, has the NFC East title, playoff implication, and a nasty rivalry all in one game. You win, you're in is what coaches will be telling players this week. Great matchups all around, from Romo vs. Manning to Ware vs. Pierre-Paul. With Romo playing with a bad hand and the Giants defense getting better every game, including a huge win last week, Giants should edge out the Cowboys, not without a few punches being thrown in the mix.
With these wins holding up, you have the AFC with the Patriots and Ravens getting first round byes. The Jets would be at Texans and Steelers at Broncos during Wildcard weekend. On the NFC side, the Packers and 49ers would have first round byes. Falcons would take on the Saints in New Orleans, and the Giants would host the Lions. Happy New Year, and let's go GIANTS!!!!