NFL Week 17: Picks, predictions and more

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks downfield during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys on December 16, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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The final week of the NFL season is always tough to call, but we take our best shot with three playoff spots still up for grabs.

As always, all lines are courtesy of OddsShark.

Atlanta Falcons (-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers (5-10) are trying to win their final home game of the season before firing Dirk Koetter. The Falcons (6-9) are looking to stay away from double-digit defeats. It won’t happen.

Pick: Tampa Bay 30, Atlanta 28

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-7.5)

The Saints (13-2) are resting everybody and they are still going to beat the Panthers (6-9), who have lost seven straight and are basically starting some neighbor of yours at quarterback.

Pick: New Orleans 20, Carolina 13

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (-6)

The Giants (5-10) have been playing much better the last six weeks. The Cowboys (9-6) say they are playing everybody, but both myself and Vegas believe they are liars.

Pick: New York 26, Dallas 16

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-8)

The Lions (5-10) are terrible. They are going to have a top-five pick. Hopefully Matt Patricia shows up on time so he can watch the Packers (6-8-1) deal his team another loss.

Pick: Green Bay 31, Detroit 20

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-6.5)

The Texans (10-5) aren’t going to blow this division by losing at home to the Jaguars (5-10). Houston will handle business and get into the playoffs as the third seed in the AFC.

Pick: Houston 23, Jacksonville 10

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (-4.5)

Two teams playing for nothing, but at least the Bills (5-10) are showing heart. The Dolphins (7-8) are showing nothing down the stretch save for one miracle play. Enjoy the Ryan Tannehill swan song.

Pick: Buffalo 22, Miami 20

New York Jets at New England Patriots (-13.5)

The Patriots (10-5) clinch a first-round bye with a win over the Jets (4-11). There’s no way New York goes into Gillette Stadium and hands New England it’s first home loss of the year.

Pick: New England 31, New York 21