Predicting Every NFL Game In Week 17

Week 17 of the NFL season is here and we have a great week of football ahead. While several teams solidified their place in the playoffs last week, this week’s matchups can determine division titles and top seeds in both conferences. Playoff implications are on the line, and in today’s article – we will be breaking down every game from week 17. I hope you enjoy!

Dallas At Washington

The first game on Christmas features the Cowboys and Commanders, both entering with disappointing results when thinking back to their preseason aspirations. The Commanders played their way to the NFC Championship last season, but approach their last home game with a 4-11 record and a 3rd string starting quarterback in Josh Johnson. At the same time, the Cowboys have shown flashes behind their high powered offense. However, a slow start and near bottom ranked defense has cost them as they also enter the matchup eliminated from playoff contention. With all that being said, Dak Prescott has had a very impressive season with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb as elite targets, and I certainly think it will be too much for the Commanders to handle. Expect a high scoring game from the Cowboys where they win decisively. Cowboys 34, Commanders 16

Detroit At Minnesota

The Lions travel to Minnesota on the brink of playoff elimination, needing a win to keep their hopes alive. Throughout the season, Detroit seemed to be an obvious playoff team but were derailed by their last two losses and now bank on winning out and seeing Green Bay lose their last two games. The Vikings defense has been great this season, but they’re down J.J. McCarthy yet again and will make the Lions a favorite with their season on the line. If Detroit’s offense gets rolling I think this game leans heavy in their favor as they square off against Max Brosmer, who enters the game with no touchdowns and four interceptions on the year. Lions 24, Vikings 17

Denver At Kansas City

The Christmas night game displays the first place Broncos and collapsing Chiefs. This matchup may have appeared far more enticing earlier in the year but from where we stand today, will likely be pretty one-sided. The eight year run we’ve seen from the Chiefs hit a snag this season, as they have now lost four straight and are down their two-time MVP QB Patrick Mahomes. The Broncos are seeking the top spot in the AFC with wins in the final two weeks, starting with the Chiefs. Their defense has been great this year, and while Trevor Laurence threw for four touchdowns against them last week, I think they will have a bounce back game this against Chris Oladokin as he makes his first career start. Broncos 27, Chiefs 13

Houston At Los Angeles

The Texans travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers, as two high powered defenses square off. While the Chargers have already secured their playoff birth, the Texans look to clinch their own with a win or Colts loss. The Texans offense struggled last week against the Raiders without Woody Marks, and I think his output returning to the lineup could be a difference maker. Herbert has been exceptional this season, but weak tackles against the Texans defensive line that has consistently wreaked havoc on QBs will be the deciding factor. Texans win a close one. Texans 24, Chargers 23

Baltimore At Green Bay

This matchup can decide the Ravens’ season, as they face the Packers who have multiple starters listed as questionable as the game approaches. The Ravens have shown flashes, but the two-time MVP Lamar Jackson has not seemed like himself this season. It is also uncertain if either starting QB will suit up Saturday, as Jordan Love remains in concussion protocol and Lamar struggles with the back contusion he sustained in the Patriots loss last week. I think whether either QB starts this week, the Packers defense will cause the Ravens problems, on top of the fact they are playing in Green Bay. Packers 27, Ravens 20

Pittsburgh At Cleveland

The Steelers have been on a roll the last three weeks, as they enter Cleveland looking to clinch the AFC North-though they may not need a win if the Ravens lose on Saturday. The DK Metcalf suspension won’t help, as in their last matchup he put up 94 yards and a TD, but with the Steelers backs rolling both on the ground and through the air, I don’t think it will decide the game. With Rodgers spinning the ball in recent weeks and showing that he’s able to spread the ball to multiple weapons, I don’t think the Browns defense will sustain them behind their own offense that has been weak and just lost Quinshon Judkins to a brutal injury last week. Steelers 27, Browns 16

New England At New York

Whether or not you think the Patriots’ record is the result of a weak schedule, they have consistently shown that they are on par with all the best teams in the league. Coming off a comeback win against the Ravens, the Pats take on the Jets, who have been a bad team for yet another season. Drake Maye continues to lead his team and facing a secondary like that of the Jets will not be not be a problem for him. The Jets will get handled as the Patriots seek the top seed in the AFC. Patriots 31, Jets 13

New Orleans At Tennessee

This could be a surprisingly interesting matchup between two rookie QBs as both teams continue to try to gain momentum heading into the offseason. In a similar situation to last week, the Saints were able to expose the secondary of the Jets and I think we will see the same this week. With Chris Olave coming off a monster game last week, I think the Saints have the advantage in the air. Ward has been impressive throughout the season, but as we reach the final stretch of the season I think the Saints are a better overall team. Saints 24, Titans 20

Jacksonville At Indianapolis

The Jaguars have caught fire and look posed to make a postseason run. Facing off against a Colts defense that appeared to be the deciding factor in their loss last week, even with a 44 year old QB in Philip Rivers starting for them, it’s looking like this could be an easy win for the red hot Jags. Needing a win and a Texans loss to clinch the AFC South, the Jaguars will come out swinging and produce a high scoring offense. The Colts need a win to stay alive, but the buzz saw they’re putting Rivers in front of yet again will be too much to handle. Jaguars 38, Colts 24

Tampa Bay At Miami

Two Florida teams face off as the Bucs look to keep their playoff hopes alive against a Dolphins team that has benched Tua Tagovailoa and may be looking to move on to next season early. Through the first 6 weeks, the Buccaneers looked like a legitimate playoff team but have fallen into a battle with the Panthers for the NFC South. While they haven’t always looked like the same team from the beginning of the season, I think their offense weapons will propel them to a win to stay in contention against Quinn Ewers and a dodgy Dolphins defense. Buccaneers 30, Dolphins 17

Seattle At Carolina

The stacked NFC West could be clinched this week, but it starts with a win from the Seahawks on the road against the Panthers. While their nail-biter win against the Rams last week really opened the door for them, their last two games are likely must wins and they will remain highly motivated, For the Panthers, a win and a Bucs loss would win their division. I don’t think that happens and a week 18 matchup winner take all will be set up. Sam Darnold didn’t play great last week, but I think the extra rest from playing on Thursday and the backing of his defense will propel him and his team to a win. Seahawks 31, Panthers 28

Arizona At Cincinnati

While neither defense has been impressive, it could be the decider in this game. These teams have had disappointing and both head coaches are on the hot seat going into the offseason. The Cardinals have lost 7 straight and although the Bengals were shut out 24-0 in Week 15, their offense bounced back to score 45 against the Dolphins last week. In another game where the teams are looking to gain momentum for the offseason, it’s hard not to back Joe Burrow against a Cardinals team that-while they have been able to stay in some close games- continues to lose consistency. Bengals 27, Dolphins 24

New York At Las Vegas

Likely the least watchable game of the week displays two teams that would actually be better off losing. Each team enters the matchup on 9 game losing streaks, with Jaxson Dart continuing to take big hits and the Raiders continuing to lose even when they keep the game close. I’m taking the Giants as I expect them to get Dart more attempts after having only 7 completions last week against the Vikings. This could be a close game, but wouldn’t be surprised if their is controversy surrounding the result as we see who lands the #1 pick. Giants 22, Raiders 20

Philadelphia At Buffalo

A matchup that many predicted early to be a super bowl preview will likely be come down to a last minute score. While the Eagles offense has been hit-or-miss for much of the season, they have seemed to rebound some in the last 2 weeks with consecutive victories. The Bills have won four straight, relying heavily on performances from Josh Allen and James Cook III as their defense has been questionable. I think the Eagles are slightly more well-rounded and although a lot lies on Saquon and Hurts, they’ll win a close game in Buffalo. Eagles 30, Bills 27

Chicago At San Francisco

This Sunday night matchup will be a great one and will come down to the wire. Brock Purdy and the 49ers have looked great on offense in recent weeks, but the fact it will be close to the end actually has me leaning toward the Bears. Ben Johnson has turned this team around and restored faith that Caleb Williams can be a top QB in the NFL. This game could signify not only the season but the image of the Bears in the NFC, and a win over the 49ers Sunday night will put them one step closer to this goal. Bears 31, 49ers 30

Los Angeles At Atlanta

The Rams travel to Atlanta on Monday night well rested and in need of a win after a tough loss to the Seahawks last Thursday. Davante Adams is likely to be out again, but I don’t think it will make a difference as we still saw Stafford find Puka Nacua whenever he needed to last week, keeping their offense moving down the field and into the end zone. The Falcons offense and Kirk Cousins will have to play like they did against the Buccaneers in Week 15 to have a chance, but I think the offense their facing is too dangerous for it to matter. Rams 35, Falcons 23