No shortage of must-win games this week

Last week, 11-5; for the season, 138-82. Pick of the Week, 0-1; for the season, 8-7.

I should be happy with 11-5, but watching my Steelers go down to the Cowboys took just a little wind out of my sails. Add to that the Patriots were my Pick of the Week, and that didn’t turn out too well either. Fortunately, my editor had the Jets on Monday night, so with both of us losing our picks I find myself down two games with just two weeks left to the regular season.

Five of the eight division races have been decided, but the remaining three and the four wild card teams are still to be decided. There is no shortage of must-win games this week, and this is how I see them playing out. Good Luck with your picks, and here’s hoping that everyone enjoys a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Note: Because we do not go to press during the break between Christmas and New Year, I will give you my final regular season picks at the bottom of the column.

Saturday, Dec. 22

Atlanta at Detroit

The Lions are out of it while the Falcons need one more win to secure the home field for the playoffs, and they get it. Falcons win 29-20.

Sunday, Dec. 23

New Orleans at Dallas

This is the first of the must-win games, and in this case it’s the Cowboys who must win. This is a hard pick on my part, so I’m sticking with Drew Brees and the Saints in this one, 34-27.

Tennessee at Green Bay

The home field advantage is still up in the air for the Packers, so I don’t see them losing this one. Packers prevail, 24-16.

Indianapolis at Kansas City

With Houston on the horizon in the final week of the season, the Colts can’t afford to lose this one. It should be interesting, but the Colts come out on top, 23-13.

Buffalo at Miami

Not much at stake in this one, but I like Miami at home, 34-30.

Washington at Philadelphia

Another must game for the Redskins, and they too will win. I like Washington in this one, 27-17.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

Both of these teams need this game. 9-7 might get you a wild card bid, and I think the Steelers will win this one as well as next week’s game against the Browns. Pittsburgh wins a tough one, 23-20.

St. Louis at Tampa Bay

There may be a glimmer of hope for the Bucs so that should be incentive enough. I’ll take Tampa Bay in this one, 30-20.

Oakland at Carolina

Cam Newton is playing much better than in the early season and that should be enough to carry the Panthers. I’ll stick with Carolina in this one, 30-19.

New England at Jacksonville

Will the Patriots lose two in a row in December? I don’t think so. I’ll stick with the Patriots in this one, 38-23. This is my Pick of the Week.

NY Giants at Baltimore

The Ravens need a win while the Giants face a must-win situation. I’ll stick with my G-Men, 24-20.

Minnesota at Houston

The Vikings are one of a number of teams in the NFC that are still in the Wild Card race. I’m hoping that Adrian Peterson gets 200-plus yards, but I think the Texans win in the end, 29-23.

Cleveland at Denver

The Browns have plenty to look forward to next year, but for now it’s the Peyton Manning show in Denver. Broncos prevail, 30-17.

San Francisco at Seattle

This is a must game for the Seahawks, who may be just as good or even better than the Niners. I’ll take the upstart Seahawks, 33-27, in what should be a great game. Editor’s note: The 49ers will take a decisive win, 45-17.

Chicago at Arizona

This game is a must-win for the Bears, but unfortunately I don’t see them winning it. I’ll take the Cards, 23-19.

San Diego at NY Jets

These are two teams that should have new head coaches come next year. I’ll take the Jets in this one, 23-20.

Final week’s picks: Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Detroit, Tennessee, Houston, Minnesota, New England, New Orleans, N.Y. Giants, Pittsburgh, Washington, Oakland, San Francisco, Seattle and Denver (Pick of the Week).