NFL Week 17 Picks: Saints going out with a bang?

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Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Michael Mauti (56) celebrates after blocking and recovering a punt against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints (6-9) at Atlanta Falcons (8-7)

Our beloved team travels to Atlanta where they take on their arch rival, the Falcons. Both teams have found themselves in transition, Dan Quinn and Kyle Shanahan might have the dirty birds onto something and Sean Payton sure has a vision for this team. Both are eliminated from playoff contention so there is just abomination at the line. If the Saints win, they would have completed the sweep. If not, they would secure a top ten draft pick. Delvin Breaux versus Julio Jones (healthy this time) will be a great matchup to watch. This might be the last game for several Saints, I for one am hopeful that David Hawthorne, Brandon Browner as well as Zach Strief will never wear the Black and Gold again.

Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Indianapolis Colts (7-8)

Indianapolis has only a mathematical chance to win the division now, and the real life odds are diminishing with the top 3 quarterbacks out. Josh Freeman or Ryan Lindley will start and fans know how awful those guys have been in the recent past. The Titans are sitting Mariota as well, both teams do not pretend to care about this one.

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) at Houston Texans (8-7)

The Texans can return to the postseason with a win in the game tomorrow and thereby the division crown. Brian Hoyer has been cleared to play after suffering a concussion two weeks ago and surprisingly Brandon Weeden proved to be a good backup in his absence. Jacksonville lacks consistency as last week’s lackluster outing in New Orleans showed, hence this could get ugly.

Detroit Lions (6-9) at Chicago Bears (6-9)

This game means close to nothing from a postseason perspective but a division rivalry between two historic franchises is always filled with passion, suspense and heartbreakers. Chicago has regained some momentum with a win last week and Detroit has been rolling ever since firing Joe Lombardi. Vegas marks the spread as even and everything hints at a close game.

Washington Redskins (8-7) at Dallas Cowboys (4-11)

“The Pointless Bowl pt. II”. The Redskins are circled in as the fourth seed in the NFC so this game only determines where the Cowboys pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Kirk Cousins and the Redskins starters will begin the game but should be pulled fairly soon. Nothing to see here.

Next: Week 17, Part 4