The Office Pool: Week Seventeen

by Rick Rockwell

Here we are at the end of the regular season and this column is as beat up as any of the weak teams from the National Football Conference (NFC) headed to the playoffs. At least our record is better than the New York Giants. But like that aimless group of New York football stars, last week, we took it on the chin.

Last Week: .500
This Season: .588

Game of the Week: Giants at Washington, Saturday Night

The last few weeks, this column can't stay away from watching the Giants. No, it isn't because I like this gaggle of uncoachable egos. Tight end Jeremy Shockey just looks like a fool with all of his demonstrations when he isn't catching passes. He looks worse when he is dropping perfectly thrown balls. Even one of my favorite running backs Tiki Barber has copped an attitude this year. And will anyone admit that the Giants rushed Eli Manning into the starting quarterback job too soon three years ago? No, I like watching the Giants like some folks like watching a bad accident scene. This is the game of the week, because Washington has the best chance to derail the Giants and keep them from the playoffs. Not to curse the Giants, but I'm picking them again this week.

Dolphins at Colts

Running back Ronnie Brown of the Dolphins should be smacking his lips at the possibilities after Ron Dayne of the Texans revitalized his career against the Colts last week. Brown had 110 yards in a monsoon against the Jets. Meanwhile, the Colts are playing for a bye week in the playoffs. Miami's defense should keep this close, but not close enough. The Colts should win by less than a field goal.

Patriots at Titans

This is mostly a pride game. The Titans have a longshot chance at the playoffs, so they will be motivated. The Patriots have an outside chance at a bye in the playoffs but will likely be playing next week. Will they rest? Not likely. The philosophy of Coach Bill Belichick would seem to be to knock these guys out now because you don't want to see a dangerous team like the Titans in the playoffs. Vegas likes the Titans, but I say the Patriots win by a field goal.

Seahawks at Buccaneers

Here's another game with potential upset stamped on it. Quarterback Tim Rattay seems to have learned the Bucs' offense and can get it moving. The Seahawks put up a good fight last week but have been mostly listless. The Bucs are favored over a playoff-bound team! But that's because the Seahawks could be resting folks with no way to move up in the playoff seedings. The Seahawks should still win by a field goal.

Steelers at Bengals

The Bengals still have a tiny shot at the playoffs, and if the Jets stumble (not likely) they could be back in the hunt. So they will be playing with a desperate edge. The Steelers are pulling the curtain on a very disappointing year. These divisional rivals dislike each other, so look for a close one with the Bengals winning, but certainly by no more than a field goal.

Rams at Vikings

Believe it or not, the Rams are still technically alive in the playoff hunt. The Vikings have a tough defense against the run and that should keep this contest close. But the Rams should win to get back to 8-8.

Panthers at Saints

Incredibly, the Saints have locked up a playoff bye and have little to play for this week. The Panthers are still alive (barely) in the playoff hunt. Saints Coach Sean Payton knows he'll need to knock the Panthers out here to put them out of their misery. Vegas favors the Panthers, but even with substitutions, the Saints should win, but by less than a touchdown.

Browns at Texans

This game has no playoff implications and is truly a pride game. The Texans showed they have life though last week by upsetting the Colts. The Browns are in disarray. The Texans win.

Falcons at Eagles

The Eagles look sharp with quarterback Jeff Garcia at the helm. And the Eagles have plenty to play for here: the division championship and the chance to play the weakest of weak sister wild card teams next week instead of a rematch against Dallas. The Falcons are pointing fingers instead of gearing up for a playoff run. Vegas says the Eagles by a touchdown. That seems about right.

Jaguars at Chiefs

Both of these teams still have small possibilities at the playoffs, but likely neither will be playing next week. The Chiefs don't let many go in Arrowhead Stadium in December. Look for running back Larry Johnson to push the Chiefs to another win.

Raiders at Jets

The National Football League (NFL) may rank the Detroit Lions as worse than the Raiders, but on my board, the Raiders are the absolute worst. They quit playing hard weeks ago. The Jets need to win to get a wildcard playoff berth. Notch this one up for New York.

Bills at Ravens

The Bills play hard every week and will give the Ravens fits for awhile. However, Baltimore seems motivated to win because if they do they will be guaranteed a bye week in the playoffs. Look for the Ravens to blow this open in the second half.

49ers at Broncos

The Broncos must win this to get one of the two remaining American Football Conference (AFC) wildcard spots in the playoffs. Do you think they are not going to win and win big at Mile High at the end of December? Watch for quarterback Jay Cutler to light up the Niners.

Lions at Cowboys

The Cowboys are frustrated and angry. And the poor Lions really do need to lose to keep the inside track on the top draft choice. Look for the Cowboys to dismantle the Lions. Avert your eyes, as this will not be pretty.

New Years Eve Night: Packers at Bears

If the Giants continue their collapse, the unlikely Packers are standing in the wings with the best shot at an NFC wildcard spot. This is the oldest rivalry in the NFL. This could be Brett Favre's last game. And the Bears still need to work out offensive kinks, so it could be competitive and tight. No. The Bears will crush the Packers.

Cardinals at Chargers

If the Chargers win, they lock up home field advantage in the playoffs. The Cardinals may be playing to keep Coach Dennis Green's job. After an off week, look for San Diego to explode against Arizona.

Enjoy the viewing and usher out the year with a great game or two!

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