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Kyle Lutz’s Pro Picks

KYLE LUTZ

As disappointing as it has been for my team (New York Giants) this year, I can honestly say I can’t believe its already Week 15. It seems like every year, the NFL season just goes by faster and faster. As for the 2017 season, it has had some surprises. From the nice (Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars making some noise) to the not-so-nice (a certain team benching their two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback). But fans that are in my shoes are either looking forward to the offseason or making the most of the next three weeks to see their team one final time until next August.

With that said, the playoffs are quickly approaching and the state of Pennsylvania has bragging rights as the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers are the only teams that have clinched a playoff spot. As for the postseason itself, everybody seems to have the same mindset when it comes to the two teams that will play in the AFC championship game.

As for the NFC, that door is wide open and one can make the argument that any of the six teams that make it to the postseason have a shot to represent the conference in the Super Bowl. One thing is for sure: its going to be a fun ride. But let’s not look too far ahead.

Thursday

Broncos 17, Colts 10

When I said there was some nice surprises this season, I could also mention that there were actually some quality games on Thursday Night Football. This one, however, is not one of them. After an eight-game losing streak, the Broncos finally were able to get back in the win column with a shut out over the Jets. I guess if you want to put together a winning streak, one of the next teams you would want to face is the Colts, who sit at the bottom of the AFC South. They haven’t won since Nov. 5 at Houston.

Saturday

Lions 24, Bears 10

Once again, the Lions have disappointed me. All the talent in the world and it looks like they are going to miss out on the playoffs again. While there’s a slim chance, history shows that they never finish. They have two straight winnable games before they face Green Bay in the season finale that could determine a Wild Card spot if all the chips fall into place. The Bears, however, are on the rebuild, and while I haven’t seen much of Mitchell Trubisky, I think he’ll be just fine in his later years.

Chargers 28, Chiefs 14

If this was Week 5, this would just be an afterthought. Now, the top spot of the AFC West is on the line and both teams are heading in opposite directions. What happened to the Kansas City Chiefs? What is happening to the San Diego — I’m sorry, still getting used to that Los Angeles — Chargers? I’ve been saying it for weeks now, the Chargers are taking this division. Phillip Rivers is playing some really good football right now and the defense is not playing too shabby either. If my prediction does happen to hold up, the Chargers are one team you won’t want to see come playoff time.

Jaguars 31, Texans 17

If it wasn’t for Deshaun Watson’s injury, this would have a different outcome. In fact, the Texans would be playing for a playoff spot and Watson would be competing for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, it has been the year of the injury bug. Jacksonville, like I said, has been quite the surprise this year and could very well be the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. They have a stingy defense and the weapons needed to win games. Blake Bortles has been decent enough.

Ravens 31, Browns 20

Both teams gave up a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter last week. I didn’t expect it from the Ravens. The Browns? Let’s just say, growing up an hour from Cleveland, last week wasn’t the worst collapse I’ve seen by a Browns team. As of writing this, the Ravens are the first team out. A win here keeps their playoff hopes alive. Cleveland is in the same position as last year. Will Christmas come early again and let Cleveland get its first win in December? Not this week.

Packers 35, Panthers 31

Aaron Rodgers could not have come back at a better time. Rodgers hasn’t played since Oct. 15 when he broke his collar bone in a loss to Minnesota. Backup quarterback Brett Hundley has looked good at times and has done just enough to keep the Packers fighting for their playoff lives. With the most athletic quarterback back under center, Rodgers is out for blood. That’s unfortunate for Carolina, which is having a great season and is in a fight for the NFC South crown.

Bills 21, Miami 14

Not a pretty looking game on paper, but if you dive into it a bit, this one could be somewhat interesting. Buffalo currently holds the final playoff spot in the AFC, so they will be playing for something. Miami, on the other hand, isn’t exactly mathematically eliminated and is coming off a huge divisional upset against the New England Patriots. Another divisional matchup that will come down to one possession. I’m thinking this one will come down to the final minutes.

Vikings 28, Bengals 7

Yet another surprise, Case Keenum has played very well this year. Even though it lost last week, all Minnesota has to do is win and it clinches the NFC North. Expect them to bounce back. Cincinnati? what’s there to say? Same old, same old, right? After getting embarrassed by the Bears, there’s no way I’m picking an upset here.

Redskins 21, Cardinals 14

Not much going on in this game. Even if the Cardinals win out, they’ll be 9-7, which won’t be good enough for the playoffs this year considering a 10-win team probably won’t make it in the NFC. As for Washington, is this the final year we will see Kirk Cousins in a Redskins’ uniform? Everyone knows he can put up numbers, but he can also be inconsistent at times. Time is running out on this one.

Eagles 24, Giants 10

It hurt me just to write that score down, but I can’t tease myself. The Giants are a mess, and if the now-fired Jerry Reese would have actually paid attention last offseason, the main issue is the offensive line. Give Eli time to throw the ball. A good offensive line opens the running game, too. Same problems last year are the same ones this year. Philadelphia took a big hit last week as Carson Wentz is done for the year. However, I still think the Eagles can be pretty dangerous with Nick Foles. He certainly has shown he can play. In 2013, he had 27 touchdowns compared to two interceptions.

Saints 38, Jets 14

New Orleans would be sitting in a different position if Alvin Kamara didn’t get hurt last week in a loss to Atlanta. In the tough NFC South, the Saints are tied with the Panthers at 9-4 with the Falcons right on their tail at 8-5. If the season were to end last week, all three of them would be in the playoffs. Kamara is questionable, but a well-improved defense and Drew Brees should get the job done against a Jets team that actually isn’t the worst New York team for once.

Rams 31, Seahawks 28

Like I stated earlier, the Rams have been one of this year’s surprises. And they are really fun to watch. Jared Goff is playing like the top pick under his new head coach. Get a win here, and the Rams are in the driver’s seat of the division. The other quarterback in this game is Russell Wilson. I’ve been a fan of his since Day 1. With what he’s done this season, he should be considered for the MVP. He has a league record 17 fourth quarter touchdowns. How many will he have this time around?

Titans 24, 49ers 17

Is Jimmy Garoppolo the answer San Francisco has been looking for? He’s 2-0 as a starter and threw a touchdown pass in the final minute when he came in for the injured C.J. Beathard. Only time will tell. Tennessee still has a chance at the AFC South crown and trail Jacksonville by one game. A win here is huge for the Titans. Sitting at the fifth seed right now, I can see Marcus Mariotta have a great day.

Patriots 35, Steelers 31

I’m sure anything I’m going to say for this game you’ve heard before. Pittsburgh on an eight-game winning streak clinched an emotional win over Baltimore a week after Ryan Shazier was hospitalized with an injury. Emotions will be high, yet again this week as New England rolls into Heinz Field. Still not impressed with how the Steelers defense is playing, Tom Brady is coming to Pittsburgh angry. It’s not many times you’ve seen the Patriots come off a divisional loss and I can probably count on one hand on how many times Brady has lost back-to-back games.

Cowboys 21, Raiders 17

The Cowboys’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. One loss and they are done. Can they get one more win before the return of Ezekiel Elliott? Dak Prescott has not had the year he had last year as a rookie, but I wouldn’t say he hit the sophomore slump. Has he had bad games? For sure. But he can still get the job done. The Raiders have been another disappointing team this year. After making it to the playoffs last year, for the first time since their Super Bowl appearance during the 2002 season, a Derrick Carr injury at the end of last season was the main reason they didn’t make it past their first game. Unfortunately, this year’s Carr is not the same as last.

Falcons 24, Buccaneers 14

Matt Ryan played his worst game in a long time last week by throwing three interceptions, but Atlanta still came out with a win. The Falcons still have a small chance to capture the NFC South title, but a lot will have to happen for that. Sitting in the final wild card spot, a win is a must for the defending NFC Champions. The only thing Tampa Bay can do now is try to play spoilers on one of their divisional rivals.

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