2017 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 17

New Orleans Saints (11-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11)

There’s plenty on the line for the New Orleans Saints in this one, as they need a win to secure the NFC South crown. A victory could also be the difference between the No. 3 or No. 4 seed, which will have huge implications in the NFC.

Luckily for the Saints, I see them walking away from this one unscathed. They’re going up against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that is imploding, having lost its last five games. Players are making too many mental errors, and their supposed leader under center can’t keep his cool.

This one shouldn’t even be close. The New Orleans offense has been nearly unstoppable this season, and Tampa Bay currently owns the second-worst defense in the NFL. There’s simply no way that tattered mess of a defense is going to slow down the likes of Drew Brees, Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas.

Points will come early and often for the Saints. The Buccaneers will struggle to get anything going on their end. More than likely, Winston will throw another temper tantrum at some point. New Orleans wins the NFC South title and heads to the playoffs with plenty of momentum.

Prediction: Saints win 35-13