NFL Power Rankings - Week 17

1. Atlanta (13-2)
2. Denver (12-3)
3. Green Bay (11-4)
4. Seattle (11-4)
5. San Francisco (10-4-1)
6. New England (11-4)
7. Houston (12-3)
8. Washington (9-6)
9. Baltimore (10-5)
10. Indianapolis (10-5)
11. Cincinnati (9-6)
12. Minnesota (9-6)
13. Chicago (9-6)
14. Dallas (8-7)
15. NY Giants (8-7)
16. New Orleans (7-8)
17. Pittsburgh (7-8)
18. Miami (7-8)
19. St. Louis (7-7-1)
20. Carolina (6-9)
21. San Diego (6-9)
22. NY Jets (6-9)
23. Tampa Bay (6-9)
24. Buffalo (5-10)
25. Cleveland (5-10)
26. Tennessee (5-10)
27. Arizona (5-10)
28. Detroit (4-11)
29. Oakland (4-11)
30. Philadelphia (4-11)
31. Kansas City (2-13)
32. Jacksonville (2-13)

BCS National Championship Game Preview

      
1 Notre Dame (+9.5) vs. 2 Alabama

Alabama is on the verge of their third national championship in four years. They would definitely warrant some dynasty discussions as the first team to accomplish this feat since Nebraska won the 1994, 1995, and 1997 national championships. Notre Dame is attempting to win their first national championship since 1988. Alabama is also looking to extend the SEC's umprecedented mark of consecutive BCS National Championship Game victories to seven. Miami couldn't have gotten a more tradition-laden matchup than Alabama and Notre Dame. This game has the makings of a bruising battle between two defensive-minded teams. Don't expect an offensive explosion in this game. The Fighting Irish will need their Heisman finalist LB, Manti Te'o to shine and wreak havoc. I know I shouldn't bet against Nick Saban when he's had so much time to prepare, but there is something magical about this Notre Dame team. It reminds me a lot of the 2002 Ohio State team that scratched and clawed their way to a championship, including an unlikely win in the title game over a heavily favored Miami squad. I see a similar story a decade later. I'm taking Notre Dame to shock the world and hoist the crystal football.

Prediction - Notre Dame 17 Alabama 16

Godaddy.com Bowl Preview

      
24 Kent St. (+4.5) vs. Arkansas St.

Kent State was very close to being that non-AQ team everybody was talking about. The Golden Flashes are making their first bowl appearance in 40 years. So their kids will be ready to play despite losing coach Darrell Hazell to Purdue. Arkansas State also lost their head coach after a successful season. Gus Malzahn took the coaching job at Auburn. I think this is the best of the bowls featuring 2 non-AQ teams. The Golden Flashes will close the book on a dream season with a bowl victory in Mobile.

Prediction - Kent St. 31 Arkansas St. 24

BBVA Compass Bowl Preview

      
Pittsburgh (+3.5) vs. Ole Miss

The Pitt Panther fans have a standing reservation for the first week of the new year in Birmingham, Alabama. Pitt heads to the BBVA Compass Bowl for the third straight year. This will be the second time that they face an SEC school. Ole Miss was picked to finish last in the SEC West this season, but surprised many by becoming bowl eligible in Hugh Freeze's first season on the sideline in Oxford. The Rebels have a lot of young talent and will use a bowl victory to propel them into 2013.

Prediction - Ole Miss 19 Pittsburgh 17

Cotton Bowl Preview

      
9 Texas A&M (-4.5) vs. 12 Oklahoma

The Cotton Bowl should be the best of the non-BCS bowl games. Heisman winner, Johnny "Football" Manziel looks to finish off his magnificent Freshman year with a win over former Big 12 foe, Oklahoma. The Sooners were my preseason pick to win it all. While they came up short from playing in Miami, and got stiffed by the BCS thanks to Northern Illinois, they can still finish the season ranked in the top 10. The winner of this game should solidify a Top 10 spot in next year's preseason Top 10. That team will be the Aggies.

Prediction - Texas A&M 31 Oklahoma 27

Fiesta Bowl Preview

      
3 Oregon (-9.5) vs. 6 Kansas St.

This is the only other game that features two of the nation's top 10 teams. For much of the season, we debated whether these teams deserved a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. A couple late season slip ups caused them to fall to the Fiesta Bowl. Heisman finalist, Collin Klein leads K-State while the dynamic backfield of Marcus Mariota, Kenjon Barner, and DeAnthony Thomas leads Oregon into the desert. Both teams should put up points, but I think Oregon puts up more.

Prediction - Oregon 48 Kansas St. 31

Sugar Bowl Preview

      
4 Florida (-13.5) vs. 22 Louisville

Florida is a significant favorite in this game. The Gators finished 11-1 on the year and 7-1 in the rugged SEC. Let's not forget games against UL-Lafayette and Jacksonville State in which Florida struggled though. Louisville coach Charlie Strong knows the Florida personnel and will have his team ready to play. Don't be surprised if Louisville hangs around in this one. In the end, the Gators have the superior talent to avoid an upset.

Prediction - Florida 28 Louisville 16

Orange Bowl Preview

      
11 Florida St. (-13.5) vs. 15 Northern Illinois

Let me start off by saying that I don't think the final score will reflect how much better of a team Florida State is than Northern Illinois. The Orange Bowl is full of intrigue because of one team, and one team only - Northern Illinois. The Huskies became the first non-AQ team to get into a BCS bowl without going undefeated, and many consider them unworthy. But hey, you never know and that's why they play the game. I still think that FSU walks out of South Beach with a convincing win.
Prediction - Florida St. 41 Northern Illinois 21

Rose Bowl Preview

      
8 Stanford (-6.5) vs. Wisconsin

This game annually features the Pac-12 champion and the Big 1Ten champion. This year is no different. Well, kind of. Wisconsin was crowned Big Ten champion for the third consecutive season, despite not winning their own division. Thanks to the ineligibility of Ohio State and Penn State. Stanford won the Pac-12 fair and square by winning the North division before defeating UCLA in the title game. These teams will both want to pound the ground and control the clock. It should be a good old school game to watch. Stanford continues the Big Ten's recent bowl woes and sends the Badgers to a third striaght Rose Bowl loss.

Prediction - Stanford 21 Wisconsin 17

Outback Bowl Preview

      
10 South Carolina (-6.5) vs. 21 Michigan

The Gamecocks and Wolverines are two teams that just couldn't get over the hump this year. South Carolina's two losses came to LSU and Florida (combined record of 21-3) and Michigan's four losses came to Notre Dame, Alabama, Ohio State, and Nebraska (combined record of 45-4). Both teams will get a chance to finish the year off with a signature win. In sticking with a trend over the years, I think the SEC notches another win over the Big Ten in a bowl game.

Prediction - South Carolina 27 Michigan 16

Capital One Bowl Preview

      
5 Georgia (-10.5) vs. 19 Nebraska

It will be interesting to see how Georgia and Nebraska bounce back from their conference championship losses. Georgia was just yards away from playing Notre Dame in Miami. Now they are relegated to the Capital One Bowl. How motivated will they be for this game? And how bad is Nebraska? They gave up 70 to Wisconsin last time we saw them. Two storied programs try to close out their season on a positive note in Orlando. Georgia is the better team and will show why SEC teams tend to have the upper hand versus Big Ten teams.

Prediction - Georgia 35 Nebraska 26

Heart of Dallas Bowl Preview

      
Purdue (+16.5) vs. Oklahoma St.

How did this bowl end up on New Year's Day? Remember when playing on New Year's meant something? I guess those days are over. The Pokes saw injuries contribute to a disappointing finish to the regular season. They should regain some of their health by the bowl game. Purdue will have an interim head coach trying to slow down Oklahoma State's potent spread offense. The Boilermaker D can try all they want. They won;t be able to slow Oklahoma State enough to pull the upset.

Prediction - Oklahoma St. 38 Purdue 23

Gator Bowl Preview

      
20 Northwestern (+1.5) vs. Mississippi St.

The Gator Bowl has certainly seen bigger names playing in Jacksonville. This is a good game though. Northwestern and Mississippi State both exceeded expectations this season and are solid teams representing their respective conferences. Living in Big 10 country, I always get excited for a Big Ten-SEC matchup - even when it is Northwestern and Mississippi State. The SEC has owned the Big Ten in recent years. But this is one time that I'm going to swing the other way and take the Big Ten.

Prediction - Northwestern 23 Mississippi St. 17

Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview

      
7 LSU (-4.5) vs. 13 Clemson

We get a New Year's Eve treat when LSU and Clemson square off. This probably the best of the non-BCS matchups. It's the battle of the Tigers. Or the battle of Death Valley. Call it what you want, but it should be a good game. LSU's dominating defense against Clemson's explosive offense should be fun to watch. The SEC usually gets the upper hand on the ACC and this time will be no different.

Prediction - LSU 24 Clemson 19

Liberty Bowl Preview

      
Iowa St. (-1.5) vs. Tulsa

Tulsa won the Conference USA title and has momentum heading into this game. Iowa State has no momentum. the Cyclones lost five of their last seven games to finish the year 6-6. It is always interesting to see an upper echelon non-AQ team take on an average team from an AQ conference. That's exactly what we have in the Liberty Bowl. These teams opened the year against each other and now they will end the year against each other. Iowa State won the opener, and I see history repeating itself.

Prediction - Iowa St. 31 Tulsa 23

Sun Bowl Preview

      
USC (-9.5) vs. Georgia Tech

Does USC really want to play in this game? The Trojans began the year ranked #1 in the AP Poll and finished unranked. All of the hype was too much for this USC team to handle. They head to El Paso to take on Georgia Tech. The Rambling Wreck should be able to run at will on the Trojan D. But USC should be able to throw at will on Tech's D. Points will be scored in the Sun Bowl, and USC will have just a few more.

Prediction - USC 41 Georgia Tech 38

Music City Bowl Preview

      
NC State (+7.5) vs. Vanderbilt

These programs are headed in different directions. NC State recently fired Tom O'Brien after a disappointing season. Vandy is headed to their second straight bowl game under James Franklin. This is a virtual home game for the Commodores who are trying to finish the season ranked in the Top 25. That will certainly play in their favor, as Vandy gets a much needed bowl victory.

Prediction  - Vanderbilt 31 NC State 24

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Preview

      
TCU (-2.5) vs. Michigan St.

Points could be at a premium in Tempe. Michigan State and TCU both have stingy defenses. These defensive units would be enough to cause a low scoring affair. Then you throw in the fact that neither team puts up many points and it's easy to forecast a defensive struggle here. One team will get a much needed win to end the season. TCU did not adjust to life in the Big 12 very well, and Michigan State was a humongous disappointment in the Big 10. When it's all said and done, I like the Spartans to pull out a close win.

Prediction - Michigan St. 21 TCU 17

Alamo Bowl Preview

      
14 Oregon St. (-3.5) vs. 25 Texas

The Alamo Bowl welcomes in two squads that started the season out promising, but didn't finish that way. Both teams had BCS aspirations at a point this year. Texas lost their last two, dashing their BCS dreams and Oregon State sputtered to a 3-3 finish. Texas' defense never lived up to expectations and Oregon State's exceeded theirs. The defensive units will probably decide this game. Despite the playmakers the Longhorns have on that side of the ball, I can't trust them to stop anyone. Give me the Beavers to record their 10th win of the year.

Prediction - Oregon St. 42 Texas 30

Pinstripe Bowl Preview

      
West Virginia (-4.5) vs. Syracuse

An old Big East matchup in the middle of Big East country. Ah, the good old days. Big East fans were excited for a minute when they saw this game announced. Then they remembered that West Virginia calls the Big 12 home now, and Syracuse will call the ACC home beginning next year. West Virginia can score on anyone, and anyone can score on West Virginia. That always makes for an interesting game. Geno Smith is likely headed towards a huge NFL pay day next season, but don't sleep on Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib. Nassib is projected to be drafted in the top half of the draft. The Orange will battle, but the Mountaineers have a little too much firepower.

Prediction - West Virginia 35 Syracuse 34

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Preview

      
Navy (+14.5) vs. Arizona St.

It is always intriguing to see a team that has not faced the triple option play Navy. Of course Arizona State will have had almost four weeks to prepare for it by the time these teams square off in the Bay Area. They will counter Navy's ground attack with one of the best defenses in the Pac-12. The Sun Devils have the more talented roster without question, but the Naval Academy will make things tough on them.

Prediction - Arizona St. 30 Navy 24

Armed Forces Bowl Preview

      
Rice (+3.5) vs. Air Force

Air Force is a bowl season regular, as they are playing in their sixth consecutive bowl game. Rice is not as familiar with bowl games. The Owls went on an impressive four game winning streak to close the season and finish 6-6. One of these teams will get the momentum of a bowl victory and a winning record heading into 2013. Rice should have a favorable crowd, playing just four hours from campus in Dallas. I will give them a slight edge because of that.

Prediction - Rice 31 Air Force 28

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas Preview

      
Minnesota (+13.5) vs. Texas Tech

Texas Tech has become accustomed to playing in a bowl game. More specifically, they have become accustomed to playing in a bowl game in Texas. This will be their fourth straight bowl appearance in the Lonestar state. Minnesota reappears in the bowl season for the 1st time since 2009. Jerry Kill has the Golden Gophers headed in the right direction, but they make it here by virtue of a 4-0 start. They struggled throughout the Big Ten season and it won't get any easier against the Red Raiders.

Prediction - Texas Tech 31 Minnesota 27

Russell Athletic Bowl Preview

      
Virginia Tech (-2.5) vs. Rutgers

Rutgers looked primed to be headed to their first ever BCS bowl just a month ago. Then they dropped their final two games, including a 2nd half meltdown against Louisville in the de facto Big East championship game. So Orlando wasn't exactly the destination that the Scarlet Knights had in mind. Virginia Tech underachieved all season. There was a lot of turnover in Blacksburg, but this Hokies team needs to rebuild following a 6-6 season. Virginia Tech can do this quickly based on their reputation over the past 20 years. A win here would help their cause. I just don't think this Hokie squad has it in them.

Prediction - Rutgers 26 Virginia Tech 24

Independence Bowl Preview

      
Ohio (+7.5) vs. UL-Monroe

The Independence Bowl got snubbed in more ways than 1 this season. This bowl game located in Shreveport, Louisiana has agreements with the ACC and SEC. Neither of these conferences had enough bowl eligible teams to land slots in the Independence. They got the luxury of two Louisiana teams being eligible with no tie-ins. Louisiana-Monroe accepted the invite. Louisiana Tech held out for greener pastures. Tech ended up in no bowl game and the Independence Bowl captured Ohio to face UL-Monroe. Ohio was ranked at a point in the year, but lost four of their last five to finish 8-4. UL-Monroe also finished 8-4 and used an early season win over Arkansas to bolster their recognition. The Warhawks definitely played better football than the Bobcats down the stretch. I would expect that to continue in front of the Louisiana fans.

Prediction - UL-Monroe 28 Ohio 24

NFL - Week 16 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 8-8
Last Week SU: 10-6

Season ATS: 109-115 (49%)
Season SU: 138-86 (62%)

As the regular season nears an end the playoff picture is actually getting a bit murkier. This week could help clear it up. The key game to clearing up the AFC is Cincinnati at Pittsburgh. Both teams control their own destiny. The Bengals could seal up a spot in the postseason by going into Heinz Field and winning. If the Steelers can defend their home turf all that will stand between them and the playoffs will be the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. The NFC has a cluster of teams vying for the playoffs. There are currently five teams standing at 8-6. In all likelihood only two of those five will get in. Washington, Dallas, NY Giants, Minnesota, and Chicago all face must wins this weekend.

I posted another respectable but uninspiring 8-8 last week. I need a winning record this week if I want to have a chance to finish in the money for the regular season. Here is how I expect Week 16 to unfold.

      
Atlanta (-3.5) at Detroit

Prediction - Atlanta 35 Detroit 21

      
New Orleans (+3.5) at Dallas

Prediction - New Orleans 30 Dallas 24

      
Tennessee (+12.5) at Green Bay

Prediction - Green Bay 30 Tennessee 17

      
Indianapolis (-7.5) at Kansas City

Prediction - Indianapolis 34 Kansas City 17

      
Buffalo (+4.5) at Miami

Prediction - Miami 28 Buffalo 20

      
San Diego (+2.5) at NY Jets

Prediction - NY Jets 23 San Diego 16

      
Washington (-6.5) at Philadelphia

Prediction - Washington 28 Philadelphia 16

       
Cincinnati (+3.5) at Pittsburgh

Prediction - Cincinnati 24 Pittsburgh 23

      
St. Louis (+3.5) at Tampa Bay

Prediction - St. Louis 27 Tampa Bay 21

      
Oakland (+8.5) at Carolina

Prediction - Carolina 26 Oakland 17

      
New England (-14.5) at Jacksonville

Prediction - New England 31 Jacksonville 12

      
Minnesota (+7.5) at Houston

Prediction - Houston 31 Minnesota 24

      
Cleveland (+13.5) at Denver

Prediction - Denver 31 Cleveland 13

      
Chicago (-5.5) at Arizona

Prediction - Chicago 20 Arizona 14

      
NY Giants (-2.5) at Baltimore

Prediction - Baltimore 27 NY Giants 23

      
San Francisco (-1.5) at Seattle

Prediction - San Francisco 21 Seattle 19