As we’ve mentioned time and time again, our bets have sucked all season. We maybe had a two or three week stretch where it looked like things were coming around, but for the most part it’s a good thing our time in Vegas this season was limited to one three night stretch for Andy.

That said, we both did pretty well last week, recovering if only briefly from terrible stretches, posting 3-1 marks in week 16. That improves Andy’s record to 29-34-1. Tony rebounds from back-to-back 0-4 weeks, improving his season record to 27-37.

As we wrap up the regular season, here are our bets for week 17. Use these at your own risk:

Andy

St. Louis at Seattle: Over 41 – This was a low-scoring game the first time around, but Seattle has been AVERAGING 50 points itself over the last three games and has not been held below 21 points in eight games. The way the Seahawks it would not surprise me in the least to see them be the team that “gets hot at the right time.” Meanwhile, St. Louis has scored 28 and 22 in the last two games and has won four of five itself. I expect a Seattle win. They’re nearly unbeatable at home right now. But this number seems wayyyyy low to me.

Dallas at Washington: Over 48.5 – Both of these teams have gone over the number in four of their last five games. The teams combined for 69 points on Thanksgiving. There’s a lot on the line here and I trust Dallas’ defense slightly more than Washington’s, but that’s only marginally the case. I think both quarterbacks are playing well and they’ll engineer offensive performances similar to the earlier contest.

Philadelphia (+7.5) at New York Giants – So, what have the Giants done lately to warrant being 7.5 point favorites against anyone? They scored 52 against New Orleans on December 9 and 38 against Green Bay on November 25. In the other five of the Giants last seven games, New York has posted 14, 0, 16, 13 and 20. I do think they win the game against a largely flailing Eagles club. But Michael Vick will be motivated to show well in an audition for other teams and in four of the last five games, Philly has lost by seven, won by two, lost by five and lost by eight (with a 21 point loss to Cincinnati sandwiched in the middle). So this divisional battle will be closer than 7.5.

Upset of the week: Carolina (+200) at New Orleans – After a shaky start to his second campaign, Cam Newton has quietly been on fire for the last six weeks, throwing 11 touchdowns against one interception and hitting paydirt on the ground another four times. Carolina has also won four of its last five, which doesn’t make up for a 3-8 start, but does indicate the Panthers may be righting things. The Saints would love to wrap up this season with an 8-8 mark after starting 0-4, but for some reason Carolina has always given New Orleans some trouble. I think the Panthers win a tight one.

Tony

Seattle (-10.5) vs. St. Louis – If this was in St. Louis, I’d probably go the other way, but the Seahawks are a tough beat at home, they get to keep their top CB in the game, and the Rams have likely packed it in.

Kansas City (+16) @ Denver – I have a hard time taking anyone in the NFL as a -17. I realize there have been a fair number of blowouts as of later, but…I just don’t see it in a divisional matchup that may not end up meaning much to the Broncos.

Carolina at New Orleans: Under 54 – Two potent offenses, two suspect defenses, playing in a climate controlled environment. Has the markings of a shootout. Which is why I’ll stick with the under. You don’t get to 27-37 easily, folks.

Upset of the Week: Indianapolis (+250) vs. Houston – Houston has always struggled in Indianapolis, and has looked shaky as of late. The Vikings managed to dominate them last week, despite Adrian Peterson not having his normal rushing game, so there is a good chance that this one will be close. I think Indianapolis can pull it out.