Happy new year everyone! The end of another NFL regular season is upon us; thus, this will be the season’s final edition of Wunkle’s Picks. Last week’s 10-6 record brought my season record to 128-76 and a 62.7 winning percentage. Not bad for my first year, but not spectacular either. With all the teams that have wrapped up a playoff spot, it’s tough to tell who will play how many of their regulars for how long. Hence, this will be the toughest week to predict. That said, here are this week’s picks . . .
New Orleans at Atlanta: The first of sixteen divisional games this week has neither team going anywhere in this postseason. What’s left for these guys to play for? The answer is personal pride and your job. This one could end up in a shootout because neither defense can consistently stop the other. Final score: Saints 34 – Falcons 31.
NY Jets at Buffalo: Rex Ryan would like nothing more than to spoil the playoff hopes of the team that let him go. Even though this one is at Buffalo, I still like the Jets’ chances in this one because they’re the better team. Final score: Jets 27 – Bills 23.
Detroit at Chicago: Call me crazy if you like, but I actually like ‘Da-Bears here. Final score: Bears 17 – Lions 16.
Baltimore at Cincinnati: The Ravens are still a walking M*A*S*H unit. If you don’t know what that means, then ask your parents. Final score: Bengals 31 – Ravens 16.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland: The Steelers are in need of a win at Cleveland and a Jets loss at Buffalo to get into the playoffs. The Browns are (once again) starting their third string QB in the season finale for the third straight year. The general manager and coaching staff will likely be let go after Sunday’s game as well. It doesn’t fare well for the home team. Final score: Steelers 31 – Browns 13.
Washington at Dallas: The Redskins have somehow found a way to get into the playoffs because of their divisions inconsistencies. Skins to get a road W in big D. Final score: Redskins 24 – Cowboys 17.
Jacksonville at Houston: The Texans can wrap up a playoff spot with a home win. That’ll be enough motivation to get them there. Final score: Texans 23 – Jaguars 20.
Tennessee at Indianapolis: Even with all their issues, the Colts are still the better team. final score: Colts 27 – Titans 23.
New England at Miami: With home field advantage on the line, I expect the Pats to come out with guns a blazing for a road win. Final score: Patriots 38 – Dolphins 23.
Philadelphia at NY Giants: With neither team headed for post season action, Chip Kelly already replaced by Pat (And I’m genuine right now) Shurmur on an interim basis and Tom Coughlin possibly retiring after the game; it seems the G-men have the most to play for. Final score: Giants 27 – Eagles 23.
Seattle at Arizona: I think the Cards want to send an early message to the Seahawks. Final score: Cards 31 Seahawks 24.
Tampa Bay at Carolina: This one should not even be close. Final score: Panthers 38 – Bucs 13.
San Diego at Denver: This one is not even a contest. Final score: Broncos 34 – Chargers 16.
Oakland at Kansas City: These two teams genuinely hate each other and have so for decades. Final score: Chiefs 31 – Raiders 27.
St. Louis at San Francisco: The Rams defense will stifle the 49ers offense. The only question is can the Rams offense score? I’m going to guess that they will. Final score: Rams 16 – 49ers 6.
Minnesota at Green Bay: With both teams in the playoffs, I’m guessing that bragging rights are about the only thing at stake. Final score: Packers 34 – Vikings 31.
That wraps up this week’s edition. Have a good night, everybody!