One day, three posts. And this is the one that counts.

After 16 weeks of surprisingly above average prognostication, Pete and I are dead tied in the “NFL Battle Royale 2004”. Week by week, the record stands at 7-7-2, and each of us have picked 150 games right, and missed 90. (If only I hadn’t given him the benefit of the doubt on the Miami-San Francisco Week 12 apathy. Or picked the Browns to win at least a half dozen times when I shouldn’t have!)

So week 17 decides it. Two men, sixteen games, nothing but pride on the line (and not having to extend this to a “major league baseball pick ’em”, which with a 162 game schedule could be brutal).

Here goes nothing:

Miami at BALTIMORE – Even on their current two-game winning streak, the Ravens are at home, and have something to play for. If Miami couldn’t score on Cleveland’s defense, what makes them a threat in this one?

Pittsburgh at BUFFALO – I think Buffalo still has a shot at the playoffs, but regardless, Pittsburgh is likely to make this week one of a two week infirmary session. Too many big names out for Plaxico to cheer for this time.

New Orleans at CAROLINA – The NFC is guaranteed at least one 8-8 team in the playoffs. These two battle for that honor. I bet it goes to overtime.

GREEN BAY at Chicago – Even if they have to rest people, they’re still playing Chicago. (Though I could easily see this one going in the Bears’ favor, as a chance to knock off a second string roster from the hated rival on home turf? I’ll still take the odds and go with the Pack.)

Cleveland at HOUSTON – I don’t think Houston still has playoff hopes, but they might, thanks to some wacky tie-breaker procedure. Either way, the Browns want this season to be over as fast as they can, even if it means giving Lee Suggs 40 or so carries to keep the clock moving. (Though with Kelly Holcomb making the start without having started the week before, I bet the Browns score 30+ points this week.)

San Francisco at NEW ENGLAND – As I said with the Miami-Baltimore game, New England is likely to take a breather, but San Francisco is just that bad. Though an upset here just might propel the Browns into the top draft spot (pending wacky tie-breakers that I know nothing about). If that’s the case, look for the Browns to win and spoil that if San Francisco gets the win.

CINCINNATI at Philadelphia – There’s a slight difference between the Bengals and the Rams, but Philly is trying to get to the playoffs healthy and play “two game roulette” for the Super Bowl. No sense risking anything that might be left on that offense to injury. Especially if his last name is “McNabb”.

NY Jets at ST. LOUIS – The Rams are still fighting for the “NFC Wild Card Door Prize” (which may end up being the NFC West title), the Jets will take the bye week.

Detroit at TENNESSEE – Not many teams can give up points the way Tennessee does on defense, but this Volek to Bennett thing seems to be doing all right the past couple weeks. Stick with it and take the home win into the off-season.

MINNESOTA at Washington – A win and the Vikes are in. Washington needs to outscore Detroit by 3 points to avoid having the worst scoring offense in the league. (Unless of course they both score 35+ points and the Browns get shutout at Houston. Nah, that wouldn’t happen, would it?) Vikes win, Skins still don’t catch Detroit.

TAMPA BAY at Arizona – Tampa Bay is the best 5-10 or worse team out there, having outscored its opponents by two points. This one was a coin flip for me, I’m really just curious to see if they bother cleaning the Fiesta Bowl paint off the field.

Atlanta at SEATTLE – Atlanta is in “take it easy” mode, Seattle has to make sure that Week 5 meltdown vs. St. Louis doesn’t keep them at home for the playoff season.

Indianapolis at DENVER – Good weather in Denver for January, but I don’t see the Colts playing their starters too long in this one. The only thing that might keep playoff-minded Denver from winning this is if Peyton Manning goes lights out in his 4 or 5 series of play and the Broncos can’t catch up against the second string.

JACKSONVILLE at Oakland – If I even give this one a passing glance on the NFL.com ticker, I’d be surprised. Give it to the Jags.

Kansas City at SAN DIEGO – The Chargers should have an 8-game winning streak going on about now, except the Colts picked the fourth quarter to wake up. Kansas City ain’t got nothin’.

Dallas at NY GIANTS – A half-step better than last week’s ESPN Sunday Night game, but not a whole lot. Give it to the home team and put this season to bed.