PFT’s NFL Week 17 2022 picks
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Stop counting.
We have 10 games in the next two weeks. It will be very difficult for MDS to catch me.
Especially if there are no disagreements in at least 10 matches.
Last week we split the two disagreements 1:1. We were both 11-5. For the year I am 156-82-1. MDS is 146-92-1.
We disagree on five points this week. So if MDS sweeps, he could be forced into a draw.
Cowboys of the Titans (-11)
MDS view: The Titans know they can win or lose and they have nothing to do this week. A Week 18 showdown with the Jaguars will determine the winner of the AFC South. This is a look-ahead game for the Titans and an important game for the Cowboys.
MDS selection: Cowboys 23, Titans 7.
Florio’s view: Titans don’t need this. Cowboys do. And that would make Amazon’s last game of the year unforgettable.
Florio’s Choice: Cowboys 27, Titans 13.
Falcons Cardinals (+3.5)
MDS view: Two teams that are mathematically excluded from playoff contention and set to play a boring game. It’s better not to say too much about this.
MDS selection: Falcons 24, Cardinals 17.
Florio’s view: The Falcons are barely alive in NFC South. That’s better than the Cardinals, who are playing strings on an overmatched roster.
Florio’s Choice: Falcons 20, Cardinals 17.
Bears at Lions (+6)
MDS view: The Lions’ run defense was terrible on Sunday, making the Bears a dangerous opponent for them, but expect a better game as they stick to the playoffs.
MDS selection: 28 Lions, 17 Bears.
Florio’s view: Detroit is in contention for an unexpected playoff spot. However, the Bears are good enough to cover the spread against most teams.
Florio’s Choice: Lions 30, Bears 27.
Broncos at Chiefs (+12.5)
MDS view: Jerry Rosberg won’t be having a good Sunday in his debut as the Broncos’ interim head coach.
MDS selection: Chiefs 35, Broncos 14.
Florio’s view: The Chiefs happily trample the downed Broncos.
Florio’s Choice: Chiefs 40, Broncos 21.
Patriots Dolphin (+3)
MDS view: If Tua Tagovailoa was 100% healthy, I would choose dolphins. Seeing the Patriots win this and keep their playoff hopes alive.
MDS selection: Patriots 20, Dolphins 16.
Florio’s view: Isn’t it a tour? A big problem for the Miami offense.
Florio’s Choice: Patriots 23, Dolphins 17.
Colts at Giants (+6)
MDS view: The Giants won and qualified for the playoffs. This should secure Brian Dabor’s Coach of the Year award. I don’t think Jeff Saturday will win.
MDS selection: Giants 20, Colts 10.
Florio’s view: The Greatest Game Ever Played needn’t worry that this reunion will threaten its status.
Florio’s Choice: Giants 24, Colts 7.
Eagles Saints (+6.5)
MDS view: The Eagles have no problem with the Saints, whether Jalen Hurts or Gardner Minshew are the starting quarterbacks.
MDS selection: Eagles 30, Saints 20.
Florio’s view: The Eagles finally rounded out the No. 1 seed.
Florio’s Choice: Eagles 20, Saints 17.
Buccaneers Panthers (+3)
MDS view: The Buccaneers can close out the NFC South with a win. Bad as we’ve seen recently, but with Tom Brady punching another ticket to the playoffs, I think they’ll pull it off.
MDS selection: Buccaneers 17, Panthers 16.
Florio’s view: Another game, another find win from Tom Brady.
Florio’s Choice: Buccaneers 24, Panthers 23.
Browns at Commander (+2)
MDS view: Deshawn Watson has had a terrible four games since coming back from suspension, and the playoff fateful Commanders shut him down.
MDS selection: Commanders 13, Browns 7.
Florio’s view: Carson Wentz — yes, Carson Wentz — will help propel the Commander into the postseason.
Florio’s Choice: Commanders 20, Browns 10.
Texans Jaguar (-4.5)
MDS view: This game doesn’t matter too much for the Jaguars, who know that the AFC South will face the Titans in Week 18. Again, to the extent that it matters for the Texans, they really want to lose and earn the first overall pick in the 2023 draft.
MDS selection: Jaguars 27, Texans 17.
Florio’s view: The Texans are just good enough to be competitive and dysfunctional enough to jeopardize draft status in 2023.
Florio’s Choice: Texans 20, Jaguars 17.
49ers (-10) with the Raiders
MDS view: The 49ers are now playing like any other team in the NFL. They will hit Jarrett Stidham and the Raiders.
MDS selection: 49ers 28, Raiders 14.
Florio’s view: Derek Carr might be happy to miss this one.
Florio’s Choice: 49ers 31, Raiders 13.
Seahawks Jet (-1.5)
MDS view: Both of these teams still have wild card hopes, but with Mike White back at quarterback, it’s the Jets who will put up a quality playoff effort on Sunday.
MDS selection: Jets 27, Seahawks 20.
Florio’s view: The Seahawks have had some flashes in recent weeks and the Jets are feeling a little confused.
Florio’s Choice: Seahawks 24, Jets 21.
Packers’ Vikings (+3.5)
MDS view: The Packers are playing great football right now and would be a very dangerous wild card team if that happens. They will be one step closer to Sunday.
MDS selection: Packers 28, Vikings 20.
Florio’s view: The weather doesn’t really matter. Minnesota definitely sees the value in pushing division rivals out of his hunt for the playoffs. Yes, another close victory for the Vikings.
Florio’s Choice: Vikings 30, Packers 27.
Rams at Chargers (+6.5)
MDS view: The way the Rams played on Christmas Day makes it clear they are not giving up on the season and will play hard against the Chargers. I think it will prove too much.
MDS selection: Chargers 30, Rams 28.
Florio’s view: The Fight for LA is now TKO.
Florio’s Choice: Chargers 28, Rams 21.
Steelers at Ravens (+2.5)
MDS view: The Ravens are still in contention in the AFC North Race.
MDS selection: Ravens 27, Steelers 13.
Florio’s view: I won’t give up on the Steelers until they are mathematically eliminated.
Florio’s Choice: Steelers 20, Ravens 17.
Bills (-1) Bengals
MDS view: A very entertaining Monday night game ends with the Bills retaining the lead in the AFC.
MDS selection: Bills 31, Bengals 28.
Florio’s view: The road to the Super Bowl once again passes through Kansas City, thanks to a team that beat the Chiefs three times in calendar 2022.
Florio’s Choice: Bengals 30, Bills 27.