We’re winding down the NFL’s regular season – it’s crazy that there’s only two weeks to go. Someone asked me today who I would bet in the Super Bowl and I’m absolutely clueless in the AFC.
I don’t trust Denver nor New England even though they’ll both have at least 1-2 home playoff games. I’m out on Pittsburgh, don’t buy into the Chargers, and don’t trust the Bills to win up to three road playoff games. So subject to change, I think Jacksonville might be on a roll of ages and Houston’s defense is arguably the best in the league. Give me one of those two teams against the Rams is how I’d bet them today.
On a separate note, not that anyone cares, but I’m trying to snap my 0-28 record in the ECFFL Fantasy Football finals. I’ve finished second 7x, could 2025 break that streak? Please root on Christian McCaffrey and Puka Nacua for me this week. I really want to get off the schneid already…
On to the Week 17 picks:
Last week: 11-5
2025-26 Regular Season: 161-78-1 (67%)
2024-25 Regular Season: 180-92 (66%)
2024-25 Overall: 190-95 (69%)
I’m assuming Josh Johnson starts this game, which isn’t saying much for Washington considering he’s on his 14th different NFL team. Hell of a career of sorts though, which includes him starting for the Los Angeles Wildcats of the defunct XFL. In 2020, I dragged my girlfriend at the time to a game in Carson, CA and Johnson’s team won me some money that day. He’ll win me some money on Christmas too, as I bet the other side.
Cowboys 30, Commanders 17
The Lions are toast after losing two straight games, but they won’t lose to Max Brosmer on Thursday, who will likely forever hold one of the NFL’s worst single-game QB performances (Week 12 in Seattle, 4 INTs, 0 points).
Lions 24, Vikings 16
The games on Christmas Day looked so promising when they were announced in May. Now we get to watch the likes of Chris Oladokun pilot the Chiefs at home against Denver. I’d be mildly surprised if his team scores a touchdown in their 2025 home finale.
Broncos 23, Chiefs 6
Huge game here for AFC playoff positioning. It’s a revenge spot of sorts for LA, as they got smoked by 20 points in last year’s Wild Card game. Houston has won 8 of 9 and Los Angeles 7 of 8 games so this one should be tight. But I’m rolling with the Texans’ defense to continue their impressive streak on the road.
Texans 23, Chargers 20
Will Jordan Love play? Will Lamar Jackson play? My hunch to both is no, though I very well could be wrong. Either way, Green Bay secures a playoff spot and my preseason Super Bowl pick of Baltimore is officially dead with a loss. By the way, just a heads up that Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Valentine’s Day 2027 in Los Angeles. Wouldn’t it be fitting to see (Jordan) Love play (Zay) Flowers in that game? Worth a bet when the odds come out.
Packers 20, Ravens 16
Seattle needs this one more than Carolina, though a Panthers win and Buccaneers loss would clinch the NFC South for the home team. Won’t happen though – Seattle will remain alive for the NFC’s top seed and a first round bye with a hard fought win across the country.
Seahawks 24, Panthers 19
What an embarrassment both of these teams have been this season. Rumor is that both coaches will be retained next season, but who will be playing QB for the Cardinals? Though there are trade rumors out there, it won’t be Joe Burrow, who will instead light up Arizona’s secondary for three scores in Week 17.
Bengals 33, Cardinals 24
This game will mean nothing to Pittsburgh after Baltimore loses on Saturday night. Don’t expect to see a lot of offense from either team in what should be an ugly, ugly game involving the newly crowned AFC North champs.
Steelers 19, Browns 14
The Jaguars are undefeated in their last six contests and have scored 25+ points in each of their last eight games. Indianapolis has nothing to play for, while Jacksonville has dreams of the top seed in the AFC. Most likely they’ll win the AFC South and host the conference’s #6 seeded team (Buffalo, LA, Houston). Trevor Lawrence continues to roll on the road.
Jaguars 34, Colts 21
If Tampa Bay’s collapse results in a Week 17 loss to Miami or Week 18 loss to Carolina, this has to be the end for Todd Bowles, right? Either way, it’s inexplicable as to how bad Baker Mayfield has looked of late. Good news for him and Bucs fans is – they aren’t losing to Quinn Ewers, especially after how badly he looked last week in his NFL starting debut.
Buccaneers 27, Dolphins 16
Do I really need to see much about this game? A 20 point blowout may be underselling what happens on Sunday. If the NFL had a mercy rule, this game might call for it.
Patriots 30, Jets 10
Unless you have Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, or maybe Juwan Johnson in your fantasy football championship games, there’s no reason you should be paying attention to this awful game.
Saints 24, Titans 18
A battle for the #1 pick is on the line! I think the Giants have a better chance to turn things around sooner than Las Vegas, so it’s only fitting that the Raiders will win this week to set themselves back further.
Raiders 23, Giants 20
The Game of the Week will live up to the hype. But with Josh Allen unlikely to be 100% for Buffalo, I lean Philly to pull the road upset. Unfortunately this game won’t mean much to either team in terms of playoff positioning but it could be a Super Bowl preview.
Eagles 24, Bills 22
Say what you want about their defense, the 49ers look dangerous offensively and could be a handful in the postseason with the chance to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium. While Chicago has been incredibly fortunate in one score games, including last week’s stunning comeback against the Packers, they won’t be able to rally in Santa Clara on Sunday night.
49ers 27, Bears 23
And finally, the Rams need to win out to capture at least the NFC’s #5 seed and likely a trip to Tampa Bay or Carolina, which seems a lot more preferable than Chicago or Philadelphia. Hopefully Puka Nacua posts another 200+ yard, two touchdown game and I can pop champagne bottles for my first fantasy title in my own league. Wishful thinking I know, but it’s fun to dream…
Rams 35, Falcons 20
Merry Christmas to all!
Cohen's Corner 