Happy holidays everyone! This week brings a series of holidays to close out the 2024 calendar year, including Christmas, the beginning of Hanukkah, and the beginning of Kwanzaa. It also means there are two football weekends left and the NFL regular season is coming to an end.
Had they been able to survive this long in the Survivor Pool, they would have gone weeks without an upset. In Week 16, the Cardinals lost to the Panthers, so some guys could have been knocked out in any of the remaining pools. Although the Bucks lost to the Cowboys, the pick wasn't all that popular.
I called the Cowboys an upset in my weekly Survivor Picks column, but other than that it's been pretty quiet. I made the wrong value pick for the Cardinals. Neither of my trap picks (Colts, Bengals) felt all that dangerous in the end.
Now it's time for Week 17's picks. Below are my complete selections. There are many options to consider. Each week this season, we'll break down the safest picks, the most valuable picks, potential trap picks, and one upset pick if you feel like you need to play with your picks a little. Go against the direction.
safest pick
Bill than jet
There are very few truly safe picks left. Most of us have been with the Bills, but if you haven't, this could be your week. If the Chiefs earn the No. 1 seed.
most valuable pick
Bucks over Panthers
dolphin That's all browns
The Bucks are coming off a disappointing loss to the Cowboys, but are still alive in the NFC South race. You could keep the Bucks in Week 18 against the Saints, and if they win this week and have something to play for, I think they could get a similar reward.
Dolphins are interesting. If the Chargers and Broncos both win, they could be eliminated from the playoffs. Los Angeles and Denver play on Saturday (@Patriots, @Bengals, respectively), so Miami will know if they have anything to play before the game. If they are eliminated in kickoff, they will have to avoid this week.
upset pick
Cardinals vs. Rams
NFC West games can be very wild. Arizona has been eliminated from playoff contention, but can still play as a spoiler. LA doesn't have much of a home-field advantage, so it was easy to imagine an unexpected upset.
trap pick
colts vs giants
I'm seriously considering the Colts for either this week's game against the Giants or Week 18 against the Jaguars, but it's a tough call. The Giants stink, but the Colts are an inconsistent team. If the Colts lose, the Chargers beat the Patriots, or the Broncos beat the Bengals, Indianapolis will be eliminated and have nothing to play in Week 18. So, is it worth rolling the dice this weekend?
