Week 17 NFL ATS Picks

My last post chronicled a week of themed NFL against-the-spread picks. Entering the season's final week, I find myself 8 games out of fifth place, making it near impossible to finish in the money. Sure, I'd like to finish the year strongly, but I felt like it was more important to add some unique flavor to my picks with another week of themed picks. This time I've decided to side with the team that boasts the best Mid-American Conference alummus/alumni. Not only did my research remind that some really good players came from the MAC, I was surprised by how many former MAC players were on some team's rosters (as many as five).

Will this produce a successful week of ATS picks? Probably not.

Will it at least provide some mild entertainment? You decide.

SAN FRANCISCO (-7.5) @ ST. LOUIS
Both teams start MAC alumni on their offensive lines, but Ball State's Nate Davis gives the edge to the 49ers. Now that I realize he's third on their depth chart, I'm confused as to why he hasn't gotten to play, considering their top two quarterbacks.
The Pick: San Francisco

NEW YORK GIANTS @ MINNESOTA (-8.5)
Chase Blackburn/Domenik Hixon v. Chester Taylor
I'm more impressed that the Giants have two players from the same MAC school (Akron) than their play on the field. Meanwhile, Taylor is one of the better known MAC grads in the league.
The Pick: Minnesota

JACKSONVILLE @ CLEVELAND (-1.5)
Terrance Knighton v. Josh Cribbs/Dave Zastudil
No contest. Cribbs is not only one of the best MAC alumni in the league, he's also the Browns most effective player. Add-in the pride of the Bobcats and I'll never pick against them.
The Pick: Cleveland

PITTSBURGH (-2.5) @ MIAMI
James Harrison/Ben Roethlisberger/Charlie Batch v. Jason Taylor/Andrew Hartline
This turned into an intriguing match. Taylor and Hartline would typically be a very solid combo, and Roethlisberger is a wash for me. I not only think he stinks as a human, but am getting frustrated by how more people seem to be telling me I look like him. Unfortunately, it's tough to find a more decorated MAC alumnus than Harrison.
The Pick: Pittsburgh

NEW ENGLAND @ HOUSTON (-8.5)
Julian Edelman v. Kevin Walter/John Busing/Mark Parson
I saw Edelman almost singlehandedly win a game against Ohio, so my first thought was to go with the Pats. I didn't realize, though, that Walter studied in Ypsilanti, nor that Parson ever caught on somewhere.
The Pick: Houston

ATLANTA (-2.5) @ TAMPA BAY
Michael Turner v. E.J. Biggers
THE BURNERRRRRR!!!!!!!
The Pick: Atlanta

NEW ORLEANS @ CAROLINA (-7.5)
Lance Moore v. Hollis Thomas
Moore was incredibly disappointing for me this season, and Hollis is definitely past his prime. If only Dion Byrum was still on the Panthers' roster.
The Pick: New Orleans

CINCINNATI @ NEW YORK JETS (-10.5)
Darius Hill/Rico Murray v. no one
A win by default if ever there was.
The Pick: Cincinnati

PHILADELPHIA @ DALLAS (-3.5)
Jason Babin v. Shaun Suisham/Sam Hurd/Doug Free/Robert Brewster
Not particularly impressive names, but I am impressed by the Cowboys' MAC volume.
The Pick: Dallas

INDIANAPOLIS @ BUFFALO (-7.5)
Jamey Richard/Ryan Diem/Daniel Muir v. Reggie Corner/Andre Ramsey
Finding these players was about as boring as this game will be. Still, ever heard of a cornerback named Corner? Brilliant.
The Pick: Buffalo

CHICAGO (-2.5) @ DETROIT
Garrett Wolfe v. Louis Delmas/Landon Cohen
Wolfe was dynamite in college, but Delmas has already established himself in the league...plus Cohen was the first Bobcat to be drafted in ages, and got a plug earlier this year in ESPN the magazine.
The Pick: Detroit

WASHINGTON @ SAN DIEGO (-4.5)
no one v. Antonio Gates
People keep wondering what the Redskins need to become a winning team...I believe I've found it.
The Pick: San Diego

BALTIMORE (-10.5) @ OAKLAND
Jalen Parmele v. Charlie Frye/Bruce Gradkowski/Michael Mitchell
Sometimes 2/3 of your QB depth chart played in the MAC...and you dumbfound NFL analysts with your 2nd round draft pick.
The Pick: Oakland

KANSAS CITY @ DENVER (-13.5)
Andy Alleman/Jake O'Connell v. Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler...who knew?
The Pick: Denver

GREEN BAY @ ARIZONA (-3.5)
Greg Jennings v. no one
Got any more brain busters?
The Pick: Green Bay

TENNESSEE (-4.5) @ SEATTLE
Brett Kern v. no one
Apparently Mid-America is the best place to learn to hit the coffin corner.
The Pick: Tennessee