AC’s bottom line: NFL Predictions, Week 17

By Anthony Carroll | Friday, December 28, 2007 | ( 7 )

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Every Friday during the 2007 NFL regular season, RealFootball365.com senior writer Anthony Carroll brings you his weekly "bottom line" predictions. This is the final edition of the 2007 campaign.

New England Patriots (15-0) at New York Giants (10-5)

Does Bill Belichick look like the kind of man who would ease up for any reason? Absolutely not. Patriots reach perfection, win 38-17.

San Francisco 49ers (5-10) at Cleveland Browns (9-6)

49ers running back Frank Gore finally started to pick up the pace late in the season, when all his fantasy owners were already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Browns win and hope for a Titans loss, 27-16.

Detroit Lions (7-8) at Green Bay Packers (12-3)

Word is Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz will be gone after this season. If it's true, Jon Kitna should lower his 2008 guarantee to six wins. Packers win at home, 33-20.

New Orleans Saints (7-8) at Chicago Bears (6-9)

With a win and both Vikings and Redskins losses, the Saints are in the playoffs. The tough part will be the win. Bears take down Saints, 23-21.

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) at Houston Texans (7-8)

They may not have a perfect or even near-perfect record, but the Jags are one of the NFL's hottest teams. Jacksonville wins fourth straight, 28-10.

Carolina Panthers (6-9) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6)

Despite struggling as of late, Tampa Bay is still 6-1 at home this season, and it should have no trouble reaching double-digit wins. Gruden leads team to 10th victory, 26-16.

Buffalo Bills (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-8)

Combined record of the teams the Bills have beaten this season: 26-81. Don't get too excited, Western New York. Eagles win 31-17.

Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) at Miami Dolphins (1-14)

The Dolphins are the worst team in the NFL. OK, that's settled. Bengals 27, Dolphins 14.

Seattle Seahawks (10-5) at Atlanta Falcons (3-12)

The Falcons will be the worst team in the NFL next season. OK, that's settled, too. Seahawks 30, Falcons 16.

Minnesota Vikings (8-7) at Denver Broncos (6-9)

The Vikings need their own win and a Cowboys victory over the Redskins to reach the playoffs. Most importantly, they need to learn how to pass. Broncos end Vikings hopes, 27-17.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-11)

Both Willie Parker and Willis McGahee are out for the game, but the Steelers' Najeh Davenport should be able to get job done. Playoff-bound Steelers win 21-17.

Dallas Cowboys (13-2) at Washington Redskins (8-7)

The Redskins can make the playoffs with a win here, or by both Vikings and Saints losses. They'd better hope for the second scenario. Cowboys win, 31-23.

Kansas City Chiefs (4-11) at New York Jets (3-12)

I'm surprised this game wasn't flex scheduled to Monday morning. Jets win, 20-10.

San Diego Chargers (10-5) at Oakland Raiders (4-11)

JaMarcus Russell is finally starting a game. Luckily, he doesn't have to personally deal with LaDainian Tomlinson all day long. Chargers run through Oakland, 28-16.

St. Louis Rams (3-12) at Arizona Cardinals (7-8)

The Cardinals won't be in the '07 postseason, but first-year head coach Ken Whisenhunt has plenty to feel good about. Cardinals finish season at .500, win 31-24.

Tennessee Titans (9-6) at Indianapolis Colts (12-3)

A win, and the Titans are in. Manning or no Manning, it doesn't look likely on the road. Colts win seventh straight, 30-20.

Season Breakdown

Last week's record: 11-4
Last week's closest predicted score: Washington 24, Minnesota 21 (Actual: 32-21)

Best week: Week 14, 14-1
Worst week: Week 6, 6-7

SEASON RECORD (no Week 12 picks): 145-74 (66.2% correct)

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	About Anthony Carroll Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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	No.1 Andy	08:48 PM 12/28/2007

	Washington has everything to play for. Dallas only has team health to play for and has already picked up the receiver to phone...


	No.2 fr8ttrain	11:03 PM 12/28/2007

	I agree with Andy(what's up big guy?)and I am hoping for a Skins victory based on this logic. If not the Skins, then I am pulling...


	No.3 reissekag	03:39 AM 12/29/2007

	Seasons greetings to all from Praga. I wish you the best ever new year Regar ___________________ liberty reserve hyip