Countdown to Kickoff - NFL Week #17

Motivation.   The last week of the regular season is all about who has more motivation to win games and who is resting up for the playoffs.  Because of this, there are 6-8 games which are unbetable as both teams are unmotivated.   (e.g. San Diego @ Denver.)

So our best bets feature teams who will be motivated and here we go with Week #17 picks:

Carolina @ Atlanta (-14)
The dirty birds are motivated as they need a win to clinch #1 overall in the NFC.  A loss could mean they drop to #5 and loss the all important BYE.   Carolina has clinched #32 overall already and is playing with a coach who is already cleaning up his office and already thinking about where his next meal ticket will be.  A team without a quarterback and who be excited to get the offseason started - hardly a motivated man.   The Panthers lost a month ago by 21 to Atlanta so 14 points doesn't scare us away.   Panthers 13  Falcons 38.

Pittsburgh (-6) @ Cleveland
The Steelers need this game to maintain the #2 seed and get the home field BYE.  A loss and they are either a #5 or #6 seed.  Big Ben and Troy Polamalu need rest to be effective in the playoffs.  On the other side of the ball the Browns are out of the playoff hunt and their best player, Petyon Hillis, is super banged up.  Pittsburgh won by 18 back in Week #6 after a late TD to backdoor cover a 14.0 point spread - the spread this Week #6 give me a unit on the Steelers.   Steelers 23  Browns 16

Jacksonville @ Houston (-3)
Jacksonville lost their season two weeks ago when they lost to the Colts.  Since then, MJD goes down for the season, and so does starting QB David Garrad.  In comes Trent Edwards to lead them in a must win game?   A guy who wasn't even good even to play for the lowly BILLS!!! Com'mon man!  Add to the fact that he hadn't had many 1st team reps until this week and the fact that Houston traditionally plays week in #17, 4-0 under Kubiak, we like the Texans to get a win here.   Jacksonville 16  Houston 31.

Chicago @ Green Bay (-10)
Motivation again plays a factor.  With the Falcons and Saints playing the early game, the Bears should know that they have no way of improving their position.  The Packers are playing to get into the Playoffs - all the motivation you need.   Bears 16  Packers 31

St. Louis (-3) @ Seattle
It's easy to talk about motivation in this game, winner goes the playoffs, but there may be another factor to consider here - conspiracy.   That's right folks, a conspiracy theory as the NFL is not interested in having a 7-9 team making the playoffs. Don't be surprised if the game become close if the zebras take control with some calls favouring the RAMs.  (Just sayin')   If you factor this theory, couple d with Seattle just being an aweful team and it's no secret we love the RAMs.    Rams 31  Seattle 13.

Good luck to everyone in Week #17.
D$ Out!