NFL Week 17 Predictions: New England Patriots Close 2014 Out With A Win

Oct 12, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback

(12) takes to the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Here are my week 17 predictions:

Patriots 30 Bills 10

This game is tough to predict, as both the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills have absolutely nothing to play for. The Patriots walk away with the number one seed regardless of the outcome, and Buffalo will be out of the playoffs once again.

With that said, I expect Bill Belichick to play his starters for at least a half in this one, as the Pats try and stay sharp as they head towards the postseason. Obviously health is the number one goal, and those that are dealing with specific ailments will likely sit, but staying sharp is also important, especially against a defense as talented as Buffalo’s.

Brady and the Pats have been in a bit of a funk offensively as of late, and it would do wonders to their confidence if they go out and put together a flawless half against one of the best defenses in football. When it is all said and done, I think New England plays an inspired first half, and set up Jimmy Garoppolo and company with an easy second half to get the final victory of the regular season.

Ravens 26 Browns 17

Baltimore needs a win and some help, and with Cleveland down to their third string quarterback, they won’t be able to exploit the Ravens’ biggest weakness: their secondary. The Browns’ defense will make this one competitive, but I see the Ravens ultimately coming out with the win. Fair warning: this is my early favorite for ugliest game of the week.

Cowboys 31 Redskins 17

Technically, the Cowboys can grab a first round bye this week, but the likelihood of the Seahawks falling at home to St. Louis is extremely low, so Dallas really doesn’t have much to play for tomorrow. However with that said, the Cowboys are peaking at the right time, and even if their starters don’t play the entire game, I think it will be enough to get the win.

Colts 33 Titans 17

Not much to discuss here. The Colts have nothing to play for, and the Titans stink. Tennessee will probably want to lose this game, so they can get a better draft pick come May. I wouldn’t advise tuning into this game tomorrow afternoon.