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We've come to the conclusion of the 2012 NFL Season, and just when the Predictor finally started firing on all cylinders. When I first started this venture four years ago, I imagined weeks like last week being the norm, rather than the exception, and some day I hope it comes true. For now, I'm going to enjoy a really good week, and some cash in hand. Last week the Predictor was 14-2 picking games, only missing the Vikings and Ravens, the best week of the entire season.
The Predictor was also an impressive 10-6 Against the Spread, a rare winning week, which brings that total up to 110-125-5. I just need to get every game this week correct to break even. Should be a piece of cake.
Week 17 presents its own challenges with picking games, as there will be several teams that decide not to play starters, not to show up, and some who just want to avoid injury in their last real contact situation for eight months. I can't take this stuff into consideration with the Predictor picks, but I can mention a few games where I think it'll play a big difference:
- Buccaneers at Falcons: Predictor says a 12 point win by the Falcons, but I'm betting the starters won't play much, as they have home field locked up. Tampa hasn't shown up in two weeks however, so we'll see.
- Ravens at Bengals: Even though the Ravens have announced Ray Rice isn't playing this week, don't let that fool you. The Bengals, one would think, want to avoid the Patriots in Round 1 next weekend, but if they beat Baltimore, the Ravens will be locked into the 4 seed, playing the Colts. Marvin Lewis has sat guys previously, so it won't shock me if the Ravens win quite handily today.
Here are all your Week 17 picks:
| Home | Score | Away | Score | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falcons | 30 | Buccaneers | 18 | 78.7% |
| Bills | 18 | Jets | 20 | 55.7% |
| Bengals | 20 | Ravens | 18 | 55.4% |
| Lions | 19 | Bears | 22 | 56.9% |
| Titans | 19 | Jaguars | 18 | 51.9% |
| Colts | 21 | Texans | 22 | 52.9% |
| Saints | 27 | Panthers | 26 | 51.1% |
| Giants | 24 | Eagles | 22 | 55.7% |
| Steelers | 20 | Browns | 19 | 52.7% |
| Vikings | 21 | Packers | 25 | 62.2% |
| Patriots | 27 | Dolphins | 22 | 62.2% |
| Chargers | 21 | Raiders | 20 | 54.7% |
| 49ers | 21 | Cardinals | 14 | 67.5% |
| Seahawks | 29 | Rams | 19 | 75.3% |
| Broncos | 29 | Chiefs | 13 | 87.0% |
| Redskins | 31 | Cowboys | 29 | 57.3% |
In the SuperContest I also had my best week, going 4-1, raising my season total to 33-43-1. Picks for Week 17:
- Colts +6.5 vs. Texans
- Vikings +3.5 vs. Packers
- Chiefs +16 at Broncos
- Cardinals +16.5 at 49ers
- Seahawks -10.5 vs. Rams