Coaches on the hot seat, division titles still on the line, and the final game of the regular season between two sub .500 teams. Our resident pickatologist throws his hat in the ring for week 17 as we prepare to ring in the New Year

MIKE KAYE

Last Week: 8-7 / Season: 121-90 / Guest: 8-7  (last week 0-1)

This is our last week of picks for the regular season. It has been a fun ride but we ain’t done by a long shot. Yes, I will still pick for the playoffs and still have guest picks as long as the Eagles remain. Also, over the next few weeks, I will have a few more mock drafts, we will take a look at my preseason predictions and how well I am predicting the future, and I will also have my awards for the year. Have a happy and healthy New Year and I’ll see you next week for a playoff edition of Double Coverage picks. This week’s column is dedicated to my pal Ryan’s dog, Blackie. She will be missed.

Panthers @ Falcons- The Pick: Falcons. Atlanta needs to beat Carolina to keep the NFC South and number one seed locked up after a setback last week against the Saints. The Panthers have locked up the number one pick so if they win this one, they won’t really be affected in either direction so I think the players will work as hard as they have this season. Look for a bizarrely close game between two NFC South teams headed in different paths.

Bengals @ Ravens- The Pick: Ravens. The Bengals were very impressive last week without T.Ocho and I think their success will continue offensively this week. However, the Ravens are much better and look to keep even with the Steelers so look for an all-out effort from the folks in purple.

Vikings @ Lions- The Pick: Lions. After being at the Lions game last week, I just feel like something special is happening with this team. I predicted the last two weeks they would win out and I still believe that. Joe Webb did very against the Eagles and I would wager that if Farve started the winner would have likely been different. Webb played smart and made important throws; this guy could be special but I think the Lions win in a shoot-out.

Raiders @ Chiefs- The Pick: Raiders. The Chiefs have the division locked up so all they will do is try to get Jamaal Charles the rushing title in this one so look for the Raiders to take advantage of the lack of passing and put up points. The Raiders are a greatly improved team and I think, much like the Lions, the playoffs are in Oakland’s not-so-distant future.

Dolphins @ Patriots. The Pick: Patriots. I think if Tony Sparano does not win this game, he is gone and deservedly so. The Pats are on too much of a role to rest given that they have a bye next week. New England wins in big fashion.

Buccaneers @ Saints- The Pick: Buccaneers. I think the Saints are coming off a great win and have a playoff spot wrapped up so they will play-off in this one. The Bucs are a good young team and if history proves true, they will be division contenders next year. The Bucs win a close one.

Chargers @ Broncos- The Pick: Chargers. When two very underwhelming teams face off, the team with the better quarterback normally wins. This game will be no different. I think Timmy will have a few problems against the 3-4.

Bears @ Packers- The Pick: Packers. Huge game for Green Bay, not really for number two seed Chicago. The Packers are a better team anyway and they are at home so I think I will play it safe in this one.

Jags @ Texans-Pick: Texans. Unfortunately or fortunately, the Jags will be missing David Garrard. This could be a less-than monumental personnel problem for Jax as they are playing the worst secondary in league history. The Texans were embarrassed last week and I think they trust and care for their coach, Gary Kubiak. This game will help Kubiak more than it will hurt Del Rio so I think the Texans have to win for their coach.

Titans @ Colts- The Pick: Colts. Colts don’t lose to division opponents at home. This game will be no different. I promise you.

Cowboys @ Eagles-Guest Pick: Scott. The Pick: Eagles.  With Mike Vick hurt and the Eagles having nothing to play for (having locked up the third seed) their week 17 tussle with Dallas is basically one giant audition for Kevin Kolb. With a plethora of NFL teams looking for a franchise QB, Kolb has a chance to make a huge final impression this weekend before the offseason (when teams are expected to light up Philly’s phone lines).  For Dallas, they’re playing for interim coach Jason Garrett’s job. Desean Jackson and Asante Samuels are nursing injuries and neither will play much if at all, but I like Kolb and co. in this one, because I think he’s ready to prove he can be a starter in this league again.

Cardinals @ 49ers- The Pick: 49ers. These teams are both unwatchably mediocre but the Cardinals were impressive against the Cowboys last week. The reason I think the Niners will win is due to their coaching change and the staff’s overwhelming need to keep their jobs. I think Patrick Willis and Co. do the right thing and step up for their interim staff.

NY Giants @ Redskins- The Pick: Skins. The Giants are depressing to watch these days: more talent then anyone, but they just don’t know how to finish. I sincerely hope they win this one as I think they would be great for the NFL to have in the playoffs but I am not sold on them. Rex Grossman has played unbelievably okay for the Skins so I think he keeps on keeping on for Washington at home.

Rams @ Seahawks- The Pick: Rams. This has to be considered the biggest game of the week as whoever wins gets the division and a playoff spot. Never mind that these teams are both below average, the Sam Bradford and Pete Carroll chess game should be interesting. The Rams and Seahawks are never in prime time so this is their shot to show-off their no-name talent. I believe this one will go to overtime and I have had a tough time picking this game because they are a wash in this matchup. I think Qwest Field will be a tough venue for the rookie QB but I also think Stephen Jackson will prime himself for a playoff berth. The long-suffering Rams’ running back has been incredible throughout his career with very little to show for his efforts and I think he will carry St. Louis to the promise land and an expected first round loss at home in the playoffs.

Photo: AP

Popularity: 2% [?]