The San Diego Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers held true last week. The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins proved disappointing. The Giants completely tanked and will miss the playoffs. I went 3-2 for the week. The season mark runs to 44-34. Selections for Week 17 are based on games in which both teams have something to play for (as best we can assess).

Jacksonville Jaguars (very slight playoff shot) versus the Cleveland Browns (who have won three games in a row): cold weather is expected in Cleveland, so go with the Browns.

Pittsburgh (slight playoff shot) versus the Miami Dolphins (very slight playoff shot): defending Super Bowl champs’ pride should kick in and take this game, but they still need many teams to lose to get into the Wild Card round.

Baltimore Ravens (playoff shot) versus the Oakland Raiders (put a topper on a better than expected season): unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski will play, but I still see upset all the way in this one. Raiders over cross-country traveling Ravens.

Cincinnati Bengals (Chad Ochocinco wants it badly) versus the New York Jets (need to hold on to their Wild Card slot). Marvin Lewis has been coy on how much he’ll play his starters. I think he’ll rest them.  Jets are at home and know there’s no room for error. Take the Jets. Lewis better pray Ochocinco scores in the first half.

Philadelphia (looking for NFC #2 seed and a bye in first round of playoffs) versus the Dallas Cowboys (slight chance for the NFC bye spot): Eagles will turn it on, get revenge for earlier season loss to Cowboys, and get the extra week off.

Happy New Year and bring on the playoffs!