Famous In Our Own Minds Pick’em: Week 17
The Streak Is Over, the Standings Are Tight, and Nobody Is Safe! After eight straight weeks of 1–2 finishes, a run so consistent it bordered on performance art, Jay broke through. The streak is over. The curse is lifted. History has been made. Jay posted a 2–1 week, proving that even the longest, most impressive streaks of mediocrity eventually come to an end. While Jay was celebrating his long-awaited escape, Jeff casually delivered a 3–0 week, the kind of performance that doesn’t just win a week — it reshapes a season. Meanwhile, Jack limped home at 1–2, and suddenly what felt settled a week ago is anything but.
Jay Ballard
12/27/20252 min read
Here’s where things stand heading into Week 17:
Jeff: 24–23–1 (leading)
Jack: 23–25
Jay: 22–26
As we head down the stretch, it’s still wide open — which is terrifying considering who’s making the picks.
Jay’s Picks: Playing Free at Last
With the weight of an eight-week streak finally off his shoulders, Jay enters Week 17 loose, confident, and dangerous — at least by his standards.
Giants -2.5 at Raiders
The Raiders appear determined to decide the No. 1 pick by any means necessary, and that includes sitting just about everyone who matters. Jay sees this as a dream scenario for the Giants, with Dart likely having a field day against a stripped-down roster. If motivation matters — and in late December it always does — New York covers.
Cardinals at Bengals over 53.5
This one has fireworks written all over it. Jay expects Joe Burrow to have a little too much “fun” against the Cardinals defense, while Arizona should do its part to keep the scoreboard moving. Neither defense inspires confidence, and Jay is all-in on points. Lots of them.
Panthers +7 vs Seattle
A revenge angle and a tricky home environment make this one Jay’s favorite. Sam Darnold returns to Carolina, but the Panthers have been a very different team at home. Jay sees them as live underdogs — good enough to hang around, and possibly shock Seattle outright.
Jeff’s Picks: The Calm Confidence of a Man in First Place
Jeff doesn’t look like someone pressing. His picks reflect the mindset of a bettor who trusts his read and isn’t trying to get cute.
Tampa Bay -5.5 at Miami
Good weather, one good offense, a bad defense, and an even worse opposing offense. Jeff keeps it simple. Tampa has every advantage, and Miami hasn’t shown enough to suggest they can keep this close.
Buffalo -1.5 vs Philadelphia
Jeff isn’t buying the Eagles right now. Something feels off, and December in Buffalo is a brutal place to work through an identity crisis. The Bills need this one more, and Jeff believes desperation at home leads to a convincing win.
San Francisco -3 vs Chicago
Both teams are playing well, but Jeff is siding with the group that isn’t relying on last-minute heroics. The 49ers have been steady, physical, and efficient — all things that matter when margins tighten late in the season.
Jack’s Picks: Swinging Big to Stay Alive
Jack knows the math. Another losing week could be fatal, so his Week 17 card comes with conviction.
Bengals -7 vs Arizona
Jack sees this as a mismatch. Cincinnati scores — and keeps scoring — while Arizona simply doesn’t have the firepower to keep up. If Burrow gets rolling early, Jack expects this one to separate quickly.
Jacksonville -5.5 at Indianapolis
Trevor Lawrence is playing like a man possessed, and Jack is riding the heater. Indianapolis, meanwhile, will struggle to generate enough offense against a tough Jaguars defense. Jack expects control from start to finish.
Saints at Titans over 39.5
Two rookie quarterbacks growing more comfortable, two defenses that don’t scare anyone, and a total that feels too low. Jack sees this quietly turning into a game in the low-to-mid 40s.
Final Word: Fasten Your Seatbelts
With just weeks left, nobody is safe. Jeff has the lead, Jay has momentum, and Jack has nothing to lose — which might be the most dangerous position of all.
The streak is dead. The standings are tight. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that things are about to get weird.
Welcome to Week 17.