Welcome back for the final round of picks! The 2015 NFL regular season comes to a close with a full 16-game slate on Sunday. There is no Thursday or Monday football as the playoff picture and draft order are finalized. I'll have my full list of against the spread picks on Saturday, but for now, I've got my straight up picks at the bottom, and then my thoughts on the 49ers-Rams game against the spread.
You can view the NN pick 'em contest results over here. I was 10-6 in Week 16, which brings me to 146-96 for the season.
The San Francisco 49ers are home to close out the season, hosting the St. Louis Rams at 1:25 p.m. PT on CBS. They are a 3.5-point underdog, and the line really has not changed much this week. I have been trying to decide whether or not to include the 49ers in my SuperContest picks, but I'm just not sure with this game. I suppose it would be a fitting book-end. I took the 49ers in Week 1 to cover as home dogs against the Minnesota Vikings. Could they repeat as home underdogs in Week 17?
The 49ers have played much better at home than on the road. In particular, their run defense has been better at home. Considering the Rams offensive strength is Todd Gurley, that would certainly seem to bode well. It took three-and-a-half months, but the 49ers seem to have one of their better offensive lines. Can they contain Aaron Donald and that fierce Rams defense? I'm tempted by the 49ers, but Week 17 is always a bit unpredictable. For purposes of picks I'm taking the 49ers, but I have not yet decided on using them in the SuperContest. Thoughts?
Here are my Week 17 picks for our pick 'em contest.
Jets @ Bills: Jets
Patriots @ Dolphins: Patriots
Saints @ Falcons: Falcons
Ravens @ Bengals: Bengals
Steelers @ Browns: Steelers
Jaguars @ Texans: Texans
Titans @ Colts: Colts
Washington @ Cowboys: Washington
Eagles @ Giants: Giants
Lions @ Bears: Lions
Buccaneers @ Panthers: Panthers
Raiders @ Chiefs: Chiefs
Chargers @ Broncos: Broncos
Seahawks @ Cardinals: Cardinals
Rams @ 49ers: 49ers
Vikings @ Packers: Packers
Bengals @ Broncos: Broncos