Predictions Week 17

Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two or more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!

The crystal ball was mediocre last week, posting a 2-2 record. Not great, but we will take it! The crystal ball assures me it will rebound this week with a better performance. The crystal ball is now 31-24-1 for the season; which is seven games over .500 (.563 to be exact). This week is going to be a challenge for the crystal ball, with many key match-ups that have playoff implications. Let’s see what’s in store for us this weekend.

Last Week: 2-2

Overall: 31-24-1

St. Louis @ Atlanta: The Atlanta Falcons have gone from a franchise in complete disarray to a playoff team in one season. The Falcons have assured themselves of a playoff spot already. A win against the Rams, coupled with a Carolina loss against the Saints, would catapult them to the No. 2 seed, with a 1st round bye. That’s absolutely incredible! Rookie QB Matt Ryan has played well all season, and he looks like a franchise QB for many years to come. Atlanta wins big here with much at stake! Atlanta 27, St. Louis 13.

Miami @ New York Jets: The Miami Dolphins must win this game to capture the AFC East, because if they lose they are out of the playoffs completely. The Dolphins have done an excellent job in putting together a competitive team in one season. I’m not surprised though, as Parcells raided the Cowboys front office, coaching staff, and their roster, to get them in position for the playoffs! The Jets must win as well, but that won’t guarantee anything, as they need some help (Patriots OR Ravens need to lose). I like the Jets to win this game, but it will be close. New York Jets 24, Miami 19.

Denver @ San Diego: This game has been moved to Sunday night as part of the NFL flexible scheduling. It is a do or die game for both teams. It’s simple my friends, win and your in…lose and go home! That’s right…winner take all! The Broncos had a huge lead over the Bolts a few weeks ago, but now it’s put up or shut up for both teams. The winner takes the AFC West division title and the No. 4 seed in the playoffs with a home game in the 1st round. I like the Chargers in this one, as Rivers should be able to exploit the Denver defense. And don’t forget about LT, he has been playing better as of late, as he is starting to heal up from his nagging injuries. San Diego 34, Denver 30.

Dallas @ Philadelphia: And now, for the game we all have been anticipating. For the Cowboys, it’s simple. If the ‘Boys win, they are in the tournament, if they lose, they are out! As for the Birds, they need to win and pray for some help. The Eagles would also need a Tampa Bay AND a Chicago loss to qualify for the playoffs! This should be a great game for many reasons. The history between these teams goes back decades. Do you remember the Bounty Bowls? Need I say more…I didn’t think so! Both of these teams have been on a roller coaster ride all season. One week they look like Super Bowl contenders, the next week they look like the Detroit Lions (ouch)! I like the Cowboys in this contest simply because they are my favorite team. In a very hard fought game that will go into OT (and yes, D-Mac…it can end in a tie, but it won’t this time), the Cowboys kick a 52-yard FG with :01 left in OT to silence the crowd! Dallas 27, Philadelphia 24.


Short Shots:

The Carolina Panthers blew a golden opportunity for home field advantage by losing to the G-Men last week. This week, if they lose to New Orleans and Atlanta wins against St. Louis, the Panthers will fall from the No. 2 seed to the 5th seed. Wow!

Whether the Dolphins make the playoffs or not, what they have accomplished in one season is a tremendous feat. They only won one game last year! They have won 10 games this season, but they need one more to make the tournament. Even though I picked the Jets, I will be rooting for the Cowboys Southeast (Miami)!


From The Mail Room:


Doug F., Santa Fe, New Mexico: Do you think Wade Philips is going to be fired after the season?

Utopia1dc: Doug, that’s an excellent question! I like Wade because he is a nice guy and a good coach. He isn’t a great coach, but not many are. He is a good fit with the Cowboys, because he has Texas roots and the players like and respect him. He is a very funny guy if you watch his press conferences as well. He has done a good job in my opinion this year. The ‘Boys have been battling key injuries all season, but that shouldn’t be an excuse. If the ‘Boys win in Philly and win a playoff game, his job should be safe. You never know with Jerry though…he did fire a coach after he won back-to-back Super Bowls?

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