by Nick Stasiak – Wannamakeabet Staff Writer
Last week was a tough one, going 0-3. But let’s try to finish the regular season on a high note. Week 17 could be hard to predict since you don’t know how teams who have nothing to play for will perform, but let’s go.
Washington Redskins (-3) @ New York Giants
This is a matchup between two teams who have nothing to play for and two teams who have a lot of questions heading into next season. The Redskins will finish around where many predicted them, between 7 and 9 wins. But the Giants have had a train wreck of a season. They went from hoping to be Super Bowl contenders to currently being 2-13. The first meeting between these two was on Thanksgiving and the Redskins won 20-10. The Giants rank last in the league in total defense and will be without Landon Collins, who was placed on IR, and Eli Apple, who was suspended. They also rank 23rd in total offense. But as previously mentioned, when these two met on Thanksgiving it was a close game. With the Giants being home and this possibly being the last time Eli Manning plays for the Giants, I just have a feeling that the Giants show up for this one and play good.
The Pick: Giants +3
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
This game is meaningful for both teams but a lot more meaningful for the Falcons. The Panthers are already in the playoffs but would win the division with a win and a Saints loss. As for the Falcons, they need to win to make the playoffs. Win and they’re in but if they lose and the Seahawks win, the Falcons would be eliminated. When these two met back in Week 9 in Carolina, the Panthers won 20-17. However, Julio Jones dropped a wide open touchdown in the end zone in that game and could have won the game had he caught it. Where the Falcons struggled in this game was rushing, on both sides of the ball. As a team they rushed for 53 yards and they gave up 201 rushing yards to the Panthers, including 86 to Cam Newton. With a team with so much talent, it’s surprising that the Falcons are still fighting for their playoff lives. They rank top 10 in both offense and defense. With this game being in Atlanta and with it meaning much more for the Falcons, I wouldn’t expect them to fall short.
The Pick: Falcons -3.5
Dallas Cowboys (-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles
This is one of those games that might not be easy to predict because you don’t know how each will play with nothing to play for. But this game is very similar to last years Week 17 matchup between these two but the roles are reversed. Last season the Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs and the Cowboys had locked up home field advantage and the Eagles won 27-13. This year it’s the Cowboys who are eliminated from the playoffs and the Eagles who have locked up home field advantage. The Cowboys will be looking to finish this disappointing season strong while the Eagles are looking to just get to the playoffs as healthy as possibly. Don’t be surprised if Nick Foles doesn’t play the entire game. And don’t be surprised if Ezekiel Elliott has a big game.
The Pick: Cowboys -3
nice bounceback Nick