Here’s our Week 17 picks.

Best Bet

1. New York Jets (-10) vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have nothing to play for and have added incentive to tank this game because it will mean Pittsburgh is kept out of the post season. That being said, their offense has been in a funk the past few weeks and they’ll want to work out some issues prior to Wild Card Weekend.

Expect the Bengals starters to play for about a half, and keep it close, and then for New York to pull away late en route to a two TD win.

Next In Line

2. Baltimore Ravens (-10) vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders have pulled off some big upsets by the bay this season (Bengals, Eagles, etc.) but those weren’t games where everything was on the line for the other team. This is. The Ravens must win on Sunday to advance to the post season.

Look for a spirited effort from Ray Lewis and Co. and for the offense, led by Ray Rice, to dominate the Raiders in the Black Hole.

3. Tennessee Titans (-4) vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have mailed in the season and are only playing for a higher draft selection on Sunday. The Titans on the other hand are focused on getting Chris Johnson to 2,000 yards – and the single season total yards mark – and will beat up a demoralized Seahawks squad in Week 17.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (+3) vs. Dallas Cowboys

Next In Line

Kansas City Chiefs (+13) vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos have had an excellent season considering their expectations coming into it, but the last time they were favored by this much, the Raiders pulled off the shocking 20-19 upset two weeks ago.

They’re on the outside looking in (at the post season) and the Chiefs, with the return of WR Dwayne Bowe, are playing more competitively on offense. KC will lose, but not by 13.

Atlanta Falcons (-1.5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are riding high on a two game winning streak after knocking off the Seahawks and Saints in consecutive weeks. Unfortunately they won’t finish the season on a three game streak. The Falcons, re-energized with the return of Matt Ryan, will control this game offensively, and on defense, they’ll force Josh Freeman into a few turnovers.

Houston Texans (-7.5) vs. New England Patriots

This will be typical Patriots. Already having a home game in the Playoffs secured, the starters (Brady, Moss, Welker, etc) will play a quarter – maybe a half – before Belichick puts in the backups. The Texans still have an outside chance at a Wild Card and will romp at home on Sunday.

Money Line

Philadelphia Eagles (+140) vs. Dallas Cowboys

A lot is at stake when these two teams meet in Week 17. The Cowboys with a win will win the NFC East outright. The Eagles, thanks to the collapse of the Vikings, currently are the No. 2 seed in the NFC and with a win will lock down that first round bye in addition to the NFC East.

Offensively, look for Reid to try and re-establish the Eagles running game. The Eagles have gotten away from that in recent weeks but with the return of Westbrook, to go along with McCoy and Weaver, now’s a good time to begin balancing out the team’s play-calling.

An effective running game will also keep DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer off McNabb and open up the passing game to DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek.

Defensively, look for the Eagles to blitz Dallas to keep the offense under control. When Romo has time, he can deliver the ball to Austin and Witten and is extremely effective. When he’s pressured, he makes mistakes. Dallas also tends to get away from the running game when Romo is off so expect the Eagles to bring as much pressure as possible.

In their last game, playing a straight up defense hurt Philly as Romo was able to locate Miles Austin on a  GW 49 yard TD pass late in the game. They won’t make the same mistake again.

Andy Reid has strong record in Dallas and he’ll continue that success with a win on Sunday as the Eagles will wrap up a bye in the Playoffs.

Best Bet

1. Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) vs. Tampa Buccaneers

The Seahawks were annihilated vs. the Texans last week yet are the best bet this week. How? Because they’re a much better team at home and are welcoming the 1-12 (0-6 road) Bucs to town.  Seattle will control this game offensively and use the legs of Justin Forsett to wear down the Bucs defense late.

Rookie QB Josh Freeman has been a turnover machine the past few weeks and Seattle’s D will capitalize on a few of his mistakes here.

Next In Line

2. Kansas City Chiefs (-2) vs. Cleveland Browns

This is likely the most unwatchable game on the schedule except for those with money on the line… both teams have been horrible lately outside of Cleveland’s upset of the Steelers last Thursday. The Chiefs have suffered offensively during Dwayne Bowe’s absence but he returns on Sunday. This will help out Cassel who’ll have more options in the passing game. The Browns offense is inept as a group and Kansas City is still a difficult place for opponents to play.

3. Baltimore Ravens (-11) vs. Chicago Bears

The Bears season has been a complete wash and Cutler has struggled without the necessary talent surrounding him. They also travel poorly (1-5 on road). The Ravens are still in the thick of the playoff race and we like Baltimore to pour it on this Sunday. Look for a lot of Ray Rice offensively and for the Ravens D to get after Cutler and force him into sacks and turnovers.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (+6.5) vs. San Diego Chargers

See Money Line analysis.

Others We Like

Arizona Cardinals (-12) vs. Detroit Lions

The Cardinals on the road in 2009 have been phenomenal. They’re 5-2 and one of those losses came when Kurt Warner was out. The other came on Monday against the 49ers, who have owned them recently. They’ll get back to their winning ways with a romp in Detroit. Warner and Co. will pick apart the Lions D and Detroit is looking like they’ll be forced to go with Daunte Culpepper at QB.

New Orleans Saints (-7) vs. Dallas Cowboys

This will probably be the last game of the regular season that the Saints get revved up for and look for them to put a show Saturday Night in the Big Easy. No one to date has stopped Drew Brees and Co. at home and the Cowboys won’t be the first. Dallas is also playing on edge after hearing all the “can’t win in December talk” and will lose in by at least 10.

Denver Broncos (-14) vs. Oakland Raiders

The Broncos have laid a few eggs in recent years when hosting the Raiders as big time favorites, but we don’t see that happening again. The main reason is this year’s team has a defense. They’ll get after Charlie Frye and make his life miserable, forcing turnovers and a lot three and outs. On top of that, the offense is playing well and Orton and his skill players are clicking at the right time. Look for a rout on Sunday.

Money Line

Cincinnati Bengals (+220) vs. San Diego Chargers

This game has huge playoff ramifications as the team that wins puts itself in the driver’s seat for the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

Cincinnati will be playing this one with a heavy heart after the death of WR Chris Henry on Thursday.

The Bengals actually play a style of defense which matches up very well against San Diego. The Chargers are excellent at passing the ball but the Bengals feature one of the top rated pass defenses in the NFL. Their CB duo, Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, is one of the best in the business. The Bengals stop the run fairly well but the Chargers don’t feature much of a ground attack, so expect most of their attention to be on Phillip Rivers.

Offensively, the Bengals have been in a slump but have a chance to get back on track here. Look for them to pound the ball with Cedric Benson as the Chargers still have issues stopping the run. They’re much better than they were earlier in the season but still vulnerable against better running attacks.

In the passing game, look for Palmer to execute a safer attack to Ochocinco, Coles and Caldwell. The Chargers are good at preventing the long ball so we expect more of an underneath passing game.

When it’s all said and done, look for the Bengals, rallying around the death of Chris Henry, to pull out a tough road win.

1. Larry Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald’s quietly breaking out of his early season slump (to his standards) and had nine catches for 123 yards and two TDs vs. the Bears in Week Nine. The Cardinals moved him around and created mismatches all afternoon. Expect another dominant fantasy football performance against the Seahawks on Sunday.

2. Marques Colston vs. St. Louis Rams

With the way Drew Brees has been playing, all signs point to another big game for Colston on Sunday. Through the first eight games of the season, he’s been Brees’s most reliable threat with almost 600 receiving yards and six TDs. This week, they get the Rams, whose lack of talent in the secondary should mean 100 yards and a score from No. 12.

3. Randy Moss vs. Indianapolis Colts

Moss is coming off a 147-yard afternoon with a long score vs. the Dolphins in Week Nine. He now faces a Colts secondary which will be without CB Marlin Jackson and S Bob Sanders. Expect New England to take their chances down the field and for Moss to capitalize on the huge advantage he has over the current DBs on the Colts roster.

4. Reggie Wayne vs. New England Patriots

Reggie Wayne’s been excellent in 2009 and has reached the end zone in all but two of the team’s games. And while Belichick usually does an excellent job of taking away the opposing team’s top receiver, No. 87′s too talented and will find soft spots in the secondary to exploit. Expect at least one trip to the end zone on Sunday.

Sleepers

1. WR Mike Wallace vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Wallace caught seven passes for 102 yards in their first meeting. And with the way Cincinnati’s starting CBs have been playing of late, look for Roethlisberger to target him plenty of times against the Bengals nickel backs.  He’s an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week Ten.

2. WR Chris Chambers vs. Oakland Raiders

In his first game as a Chief, Chambers hauled in three passes for 70 yards and two TDs against the Jags. Look for him to produce once again if CB Nnamdi Asomugha sticks to Dwayne Bowe’s side of the field.

Others We Like

DeSean Jackson vs. San Diego Chargers

San Diego’s secondary lacks the speed and cover skills to consistently keep up with a player like Jackson. Expect McNabb to test the Chargers deep and for Jackson to reach the end zone at least once.

Vincent Jackson vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Rivers favorite target – and deep threat – has now found the end zone seven times in 2009. He’s become one of the top big play receivers in the league and we expect him beat Asante Samuel or Sheldon Brown on at least one deep ball in this one.

Sidney Rice vs. Detroit Lions

Brett Favre’s new favorite target has developed into a big time receiver in his third season. He’ll create mismatches for the Lions secondary and we like him to top 75 yards with a TD in Week Ten.

A Few More

Chad Ochocinco vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Hines Ward vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Miles Austin vs. Green Bay Packers

1. Peyton Manning

Manning is coming off a bye week after five consecutive 300 yard games to start the season. He might even have WR Anthony Gonzalez back for this one as well. If not, it won’t make much of a difference; expect Manning to throw for over 300 yards with three TDs against the lowly Rams on Sunday.  He’s our top fantasy football QB in Week Seven.

2. Drew Brees vs. Miami Dolphins

If teams don’t pressure Brees, he’s impossible to stop. The Giants learned that lesson on Sunday. Miami’s No. 2 against the run so look for Brees to be airing it out once again and locate his skill players (Colston, Moore, Shockey, etc.) for over 300 yards and three TDs in South Beach.

3. Phillip Rivers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chargers employ a pass first offense and fantasy owners of Rivers love it. He should have all day to throw against the Chiefs and that should easily translate to over 250 yards and two to three TDs.

4. Tom Brady vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Brady is coming off a dominating performance against the lowly Titans. He tossed for six TDs to go along with 380 passing yards in the snow. The Bucs are another easy match-up so look for Brady to once again throw for over 300 yards with three TDs.

Sleepers

1. Matt Cassel vs. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers inability to rush the passer will open up opportunities for Cassel and the passing game. He’s beginning to find a better rhythm with Bowe and Co. and this week should be expected to top the 225 yard mark with at least two TDs. He’s a strong fantasy sleeper play in Week Seven.

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Carolina Panthers

If Edwards is unable to go, and Bills fans are praying this is the case, Fitzpatrick is in line for the start. And playing in poor conditions, he actually looked decent facing a tough Jets defense. For the first time all year, he took shots down the field and Lee Evans looked like a threat. Expect a surprisingly solid effort if he faces the Panthers on Sunday.

Others We Like

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Minnesota Vikings

The days of the Steelers being a running team appear to be over. Roesthlisberger threw for over 400 yards and two TDs in their 13 point win over the Browns on Sunday. In Week Seven, they’ll need to rely on the passing game against a very tough Vikings run defense, so look for another solid effort out of Big Ben.

Kurt Warner vs. New York Giants

If Boldin in unable to play, Warner’s effectiveness will be limited. And it should be expected that the Giants will also have used this week to correct some of its pass rushing issues from their blowout loss to the Saints. Regardless, the Cardinals are a pass first team and Warner will have his opportunities.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Cleveland Browns

While Rodgers offensive line still isn’t doing him any favors, he’s been able to succeed against the lesser teams. And Cleveland is a lesser team. Expect Rodgers and Co. to have a field day when they head to the Dawg Pound.

A Few More

Eli Manning vs. Arizona Cardinals

Matt Schaub vs. San Francisco 49ers

Matt Ryan vs. Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo vs. Atlanta Falcons

1. Andre Johnson

The Cardinals have had two weeks to adjust their pass defense after being torched by Peyton Manning for 379 yards and four TDs. It won’t matter against Johnson however, who is too talented for this secondary to keep up with. Look for another 100 yard game and two TDs for our top ranked fantasy football receiver in Week Five.

2. Reggie Wayne vs. Tennessee Titans

One of the most amazing things to the start of this 2009 NFL season is the Titans inability to stop anyone through the air. They’ve been torched by every team they faced this season and now get Manning, who is off to the best start of his career. Look for Wayne to be on the receiving end of a lot of passes and to easily top the 100 yard mark with another TD.

3. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Houston Texans

The bye week will have given Warner and Fitzgerald the time to get back on the same page and that combo, so potent in 2008, will come up big this week. The Texans aren’t much to write home about on defense and we think Fitzgerald will have one of those eight to 10 catch days for a hundred yards and a score.

4. Steve Smith vs. Washington Redskins

This is really a game of desperation for the Carolina Panthers who already sit three and a half games behind the Saints in the NFC South race. When Delhomme takes to the air, expect him to target Smith, who should be able to get behind the defense for a long score on Sunday.

Sleepers

1. Muhammed Massaquoi vs. Buffalo Bills

Massaquoi had his coming out party on Sunday with eight catches for 148 yards vs. the Bengals. Derek Anderson seemed to lean on him in crucial moments and the rookie came through time after time. This week he faces the Bills, a team with a depleted secondary. Look for another strong game and for Masseqoi to be an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week Five now that Braylon Edwards has been shipped to the Jets.

2. Pierre Garcon vs. Tennessee Titans

Garcon has filled in admirably for WR Anthony Gonzalez and become one of Manning’s top deep threats. Look for the speedy receiver to find himself in a lot of one on one match-ups on Sunday and for the Colts to go up top when the opportunity presents itself.

Others We Like

Derrick Mason vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Mason’s like wine in that he gets better with age. He’s clearly Joe Flacco’s top target, and the veteran receiver will give the Bengals DBs fits all afternoon.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Dallas Cowboys

Bowe is overcoming a hamstring injury which forced him to miss a week and slow him last Sunday. The Cowboys are vulnerable against the passing game (see Brandon Marshall’s game winning 51 yard TD pass) so look for Bowe to deliver on Sunday.

Randy Moss vs. Denver Broncos

Moss caught his first TD of the season vs. the Ravens and should receive a lot of looks again this week.  Even if he’s lined up against Champ Bailey, Brady will find a way to get him the ball in the end zone.

A Few More

DeSean Jackson vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Steve Smith vs. Oakland Raiders

Chad Ochocinco vs. Baltimore Ravens

11. Marques Colston

The only thing keeping Colston out of the top 10 fantasy receivers conversation is his proneness to injury. Aside from that, he’s in a dream situation playing with Brees in that offense and two years ago put up over 1,200 yards and 11 TDs.

12. Dwayne Bowe

Bowe had a heck of a year for the 2-14 Chiefs in 2008 and really took a big step forward in year two. And now with TE Gonzalez shipped to Atlanta, he’ll have even more of an opportunity to shine as Matt Cassel’s No. one guy.

13. Vincent Jackson

Jackson’s right on the cusp of entering the top 10 receivers as well as he and Rivers have developed a strong rapport which reached new levels in 2008.  And with the amount of throwing they do down in San Diego,  look for both his catches and TDs to increase this year.

14. Braylon Edwards

Clearly a top 10 talent, Edwards suffered from a classic case of drops in 2008 which severely hurt his production. Although the QB situation remains unsettled in Cleveland, both guys are talented enough to get the ball to Edwards and he could end up a nice fantasy sleeper after being overlooked come draft time.

15. Wes Welker

Brady’s favorite underneath guy will undoubtedly eclipse the 100 catch plateau again this season. The question is will he garner enough yards and TDs to be a borderline one, top tier two fantasy football wide receiver. We think he will.

16. Brandon Marshall

While there’s no denying the talent, the off field issues and attitude are worrisome. Playing with Cutler last year, he put up big numbers from a catches and yards perspective; but only six receptions ended up in the end zone. It’s hard for us to see him bettering those numbers with Kyle Orton at the helm. Marshall’s value is no better than a No. two this year.

17. Antonio Bryant

Bryant was an excellent fantasy sleeper in 2008 and dethroned Joey Galloway as the No. one guy in Tampa. This year, the QB position is unsettled, which doesn’t bode well for a repeat performance, but he still can’t be overlooked.

18. DeSean Jackson

Jackson could be poised to take a huge step forward as he’ll enter the season as McNabb’s No. one outside threat. And with his speed and gamebreaking ability, there’s a lot to like and good reason to expect big yardage and a few long TDs.

19. Santonio Holmes

Holmes had his coming out party in last year’s post season and took home the Super Bowl MVP after an impressive eight catch, 125 yard and two TD performance. While Roethlisberger is excellent at spreading the ball around, there’s no longer any question as to who Big Ben’s go to guy is.

20. Santana Moss

Moss is still a dangerous threat who should better in year two under Jim Zorn. Last season, the passing game never really found it’s rhythm, yet he still posted 79 catches for over a thousand yards and six TDs.