Here we are...week sixteen.  The end of the regular season is in sight, too soon for some, not nearly quickly enough for others.  It's a time for reflection, for introspection, and for some, a chance to still seek that brass ring of validation that escapes far too many, far too often.  

Sadly, it's the last week of regular season football for 2009, and as far as that goes, the entire decade.  That's right...while week 17 may be the final week of the season, it will be the first weekend of 2010 and a new, fresh decade.  Hopefully, things are better for the teams like the Bills and Lions, who went the entire decade of the 00s without seeing the postseason.  We'll have to wait and see on that count.

However, for now, we still have games to play, some with meaning for both teams, some with meaning for one, and some that have absolutely no meaning at all other than taking up a spot on the schedule.  Congratulations do go to the Chargers, who on Christmas Day, in the first Friday game in the NFL that I can remember, won their 10th straight game on the year, and their NFL record tying 18th straight in the month of December, 42-17 over Tennessee, eliminating the Titans from the postseason.  The Titans were looking to become the first team to ever make the playoffs after starting 0-6, but were stomped.  San Diego is now tied with the 1970-74 Dolphins, who won 18 straight contests in the month of November.

As always, I pick games for fun, not for money, and do so straight up, not against the spread.  I don't recommend betting money, but if you do, don't bet more than you can safely afford to lose.  The last thing you need is for Johnny Hammertoes to come by and break your leg because you owe after foolishly taking the Lions on another double digit line.  Let's get to the games:

Seattle at GREEN BAY (-14):  Both teams come off demoralizing defeats last week, though of different magnitudes.  Green Bay lost to Pittsburgh on the final play of the game in what, according to STATS Inc, was the first 37-36 game in NFL history.  Seattle lost...to Tampa Bay.  Enough said.

OAKLAND (+3) at Cleveland:  Every time I see these teams in games, I put snoozefest or suckfest and something interesting happens.  I won't trash this game and watch...it'll end up 3-2.  How about that J.P. Losman sighting last week huh?  He looked to be in top form...0 for 1 and on his back before going back to the bench.

Kansas City at CINCINNATI (-14):  The Chiefs don't sell out for the first time in 19 years, put up 34 points...and lose to Cleveland.  Meanwhile, the Bengals are reeling a bit like a punch drunk heavyweight fighter, wobbling on their feet after tough losses on and off the field.  If KC lands the knockout blow, the Bengals might watch their division title hopes go down with them.  I expect Carson Palmer and company to be ready to go.

Buffalo at ATLANTA (-9):  The Bills seem to be looking at third string QB Brian Brohm under center this week with both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards hobbled by ankle injuries.  The Falcons have nothing left to play for but pride and an attempt at back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history.

HOUSTON (+2) at Miami:  The Dolphins rallied from being down 24-6 last week to Tennessee before Chad Henne threw a pick in overtime that led to the winning points and put their playoff hopes on life support.  The Texans won ugly, but a win is a win.  I'd rather go to a Plano dentist without Novocaine than try to defend Andre Johnson.

Carolina at NEW YORK GIANTS (-8):  Yes, Matt Moore outplayed Brett Favre last week on Sunday night.  I don't see him beating Eli Manning and the Giants on the road though.

Tampa Bay at NEW ORLEANS (-14):  Tampa is coming off a win...over Seattle.  New Orleans isn't Seattle, and they're likely to be none too happy about losing last week to Dallas.  The Saints beat the Bucs 38-7 earlier this year, and that was when they were coming off a WIN.

Jacksonville at NEW ENGLAND (-10):  I hate the Patriots.  I'd like to think the Jags could win, but this could be one of those games where weather is a factor.  Buffalo made Tom Brady look like J.P. Losman last week, holding him to 11 of 23 for 115 yards.  If the Jags can do that, they can pound the ball with Maurice Jones-Drew and keep themselves in it.

BALTIMORE (+3) at Pittsburgh:  I think the Steelers used their rabbit in a hat last week when Mike Wallace caught the winning score with no time on the clock to beat Green Bay.  While the Steelers did take Baltimore to overtime with Dennis Dixon under center, the Ravens are on a roll, and still have a shot at catching Cincinnati for the AFC North.  More importantly, the offense for the Ravens has stepped up and that means trouble.

Denver at PHILADELPHIA (-7):  The Broncos started 6-0 and have gone 2-6 since.  I fully expect that to become 2-7, especially against the Eagles in Philly, who are still trying to lock down the NFC East crown.  The Broncos best hope might be that Brian Westbrook plays as the Eagles offense is actually averaging MORE points without him in the lineup.

St. Louis at ARIZONA (-15):  The Rams are 1-13 and look to have the first pick in the draft all but locked up with divisional games against the Cards and 49ers remaining.  The Cardinals have won back to back division crowns for the first time since the mid 70s when they played in St. Louis.  It all comes full circle.

Detroit at SAN FRANCISCO (-14):  Does it really matter?  Sounds like Drew Stanton will get the start under center after the Lions scored 24 points in the second half last week after he came on in relief of Daunte Culpepper.  The 49ers are playing for pride as their division title hopes dissipated last week when they watched the Cardinals walk away with the crown.

New York Jets at INDIANAPOLIS (-4.5):  The only thing that gives the Jets a chance is if coach Jim Caldwell decides to start taking guys out of the game.  If not, I'd expect Indy to be 15-0 going to Buffalo next week.  

DALLAS (-7) at Washington:  The second to last stop on the Jim Zorn farewell tour.  Shaun Suisham returns to Fed Ex Field, only this time he'll be in the visitor's locker room.  He was signed earlier this week by Dallas to replace Nick Folk, who was cut after botching a 24 yard field goal that would have iced the game against New Orleans.  Folk missed a league leading ten field goal attempts before being let go.

MINNESOTA (-7) at Chicago:  The Vikings have some inner turmoil but also have a playoff spot sewn up.  The Bears never met expectations with Jay Cutler under center, as evidenced by his league leading 25 picks.  The loss of Brian Urlacher in week one really seemed to sap the team of its leadership.  I don't see them turning it around this late in the year and saving themselves from double digit losses.

I hope each and every one of you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy Boxing Day, and that 2010 is prosperous and pleasant as well.  I plan on enjoying the rest of this year with peace and quiet, so we'll see you in the new decade.  Cheers.