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Well it is the last NFL pick selection of the season. And for my first shot at this, I will have to say I am pleased. Picking NFL games are a lot harder than it looks.
I would like to thank everyone that read these each week. I have received a lot of compliments and always enjoy interacting with the readers. I am looking forward to next year already.
So whether you are a 49ers fan, such as myself, or root for the Steelers, Browns, Dolphins, Cowboys to whoever (yes, even Seahawks and Rams fans), I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Sunday
Bears 27, Vikings 20
The Vikings have nothing to play for. Monday's loss locked Minnesota into the No. 6 seed. No need to play Dalvin Cook or Kirk Cousins. The NFC playoffs are going to be a gauntlet and no need to get anyone hurt in a meaningless game.
Falcons 27, Buccaneers 26
I'm hearing a lot of talking heads predicting Tampa Bay to make the leap to playoff contender next season. Word is they will keep Jameis Winston, even though it might be on a franchise tag instead of giving him a long-term deal. The Falcons have woken up the last month, but will it be enough to save Dan Quinn's job?
Patriots 27, Dolphins 13
A Patriots win and they lock up the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. Remember when these two played in Week 2? Tom Brady was throwing TD passes to Antonio Brown in his one and only game with New England. Seems like a lifetime ago.
Green Bay 35, Lions 10
A Packers win and they secure a first-round bye and keep hopes alive for a home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Aaron Jones runs wild on this struggling Lions defense and gives the Packers a win. Speaking of Aaron Jones, he has 21 total touchdowns this season. How in the world did he not make the Pro Bowl?
Browns 24, Bengals 7
Will Freddie Kitchens be fired? Will Odell Beckham be traded? They didn't look like they would be exchanging Christmas cards last week on the sideline. It is hard to ever think the Browns will be relevant again. But at least they aren't the Bengals.
Chiefs 30, Chargers 10
The Chiefs need to hope the Patriots stumble in order to get a first-round bye. So expect some scoreboard watching here. The Chiefs starters will be in long enough to put away the Chargers. Is this Phillip Rivers' swan song in Los Angeles? H's a free agent and will likely look elsewhere just to gauge his value. Will the Chargers even want him back or just go into full rebuild mode?
Jets 20, Bills 10
Adam Gase is a real piece of work. The Daily News is reporting Gase doesn't care about the Jets fans because he's "rich as (blank)." He alienated a fan base in Miami and seems to be doing the same thing in New York. How bad is it when Gregg Williams -- he of "Bountygate" fame -- is looked upon as the real leader of the team? If this report turns out to be true, he should be fired instantly. Fans spend money at games, merchandise, etc. It is bad enough the team isn't winning on the field, let alone this. The Jets are playing the Bills JV team this week with Buffalo locked into the 5 seed.
Saints 42, Panthers 13
The Saints are the one team no one wants to play in the playoffs. They are as talented as they come and have a future Hall of Fame quarterback under center. Plus a chip on their shoulder after what happened last season. Not to mention, you know they will get every call during the playoffs as a way to make up for that call. It is going to take a perfect game to beat New Orleans in the playoffs. I picked them to win the Super Bowl before the season started, and as much as I want my Niners to win title No. 6, I still think it will be Drew Brees raising his second Lombardi Trophy.
Broncos 21, Raiders 20
As crazy as this sounds, but the Raiders still have an outside shot to make the playoffs. But they would need to win first and I don't like that happening. I wasn't high on Drew Lock coming out of college, but he is impressing me.
Titans 24, Texans 14
A Titans win and they earn a spot in the playoffs. Houston wrapped up the division last week and has nothing to really play for. There isn't that much difference in being the No. 3 or 4 seed. Texans coach Bill O'Brien said he would play his starters. That sounds like a bad move. I get integrity of the game and all that, but if Deshaun Watson gets hurt in a meaningless game, O'Brien may be looking for a new job.
Cowboys 37, Redskins 7
The Cowboys have no one to blame but themselves. They have controlled this division all year but couldn't close it out and need a Christmas Miracle. They don't get it because …
Eagles 37, Giants 29
The Giants put up a good fight, just like they did two weeks ago. But Carson Wentz finally gets to play in the playoffs after injuries derailed his past two seasons. The Eagles will get the luxury of hosting the NFC West second-place team, meaning they will be one-and-done.
Colts 27, Jaguars 13
This will be an interesting offseason for these two teams. Both have quarterback issues, although they could be in worse shape at the position. Word is Jags owner Shad Khan is leaning toward keeping Doug Marrone, citing fired team president Tom Coughlin as the reason for the team's collapse.
Steelers 17, Ravens 13
These two hated rivals close the season with a quarterback matchup of the Duck against RG3. Just as the NFL schedule-makers were hoping, right? John Harbaugh already stated the Ravens will be sitting everyone with a pulse in order to stay healthy for the playoffs. The Steelers need to win and get help. While I would rather have RG3 as my quarterback, but the Steelers will do just enough on defense to squeak out a win.
Cardinals 6, Rams 3
The NFC champs will not make the playoffs. And I was glad it was the Niners that put that final nail in the coffin. The Rams made the trade for Jalen Ramsey and will have to pay him. They are strapped against the cap. They have no first-round pick. Going to be a long offseason in Los Angeles.
49ers 38, Seahawks 31
For the 49ers, win and you are the No. 1 seed. But you have to do it in Seattle, which has been a house of horrors for the team the last decade. The Seahawks are even going back into their past, signing Marshawn Lynch. To me, the biggest key to this game is going to be George Kittle. The 49ers tight end didn't play in the previous matchup and since coming back from injury, he has been a monster. Kittle scores twice and the road to the Super Bowl will go through Santa Clara.
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Fiesta Bowl
Clemson 33, Ohio State 3
Clemson played a close game against North Carolina and everyone has written it off since, despite numerous blowouts. A disrespected Clemson team is a dangerous team.
Peach Bowl
LSU 42, Oklahoma 21
Another SEC team headed to the title game. At least it's not Alabama this time, right?
National Championship
Clemson 31, LSU 28
Clemson has the experience and I will take Dabo Swinney over Ed Orgeron any day. Joe Burrow has been a nice story, but won't have a happy ending. The Clemson dynasty continues.
Josh Strope can be reached at jstrope@theintelligencer.net