Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming up real fast! The last week of the regular season is here and there's still a few teams who are trying to lock in playoff spots and go on into next week for playoff football. I'll keeping an eye on the Dolphins-Bills, Steelers-Browns, and the Football Team-Eagles games this week. For this post, I'll post the latest playoff picture and my picks for the week's games. Let's get to work!
Playoff Picture: Week 17
Let's start with the NFC...
Seedings:
1st seed: Green Bay Packers (12-3) (clinched NFC North)
2nd seed: New Orleans Saints (11-4) (clinched NFC South)
3rd seed: Seattle Seahawks (11-4) (clinched NFC West)
4th seed: Washington Football Team (6-9)
5th seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5) (clinched playoff berth)
6th seed: Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
7th seed: Chicago Bears (8-7)
Wild card matchups:
Chicago @ New Orleans
LA Rams @ Seattle Seahawks
Tampa Bay @ Washington
Scenarios:
Green Bay:
Clinch 1st round bye: Packers win or tie OR Seahawks loss
New Orleans:
Clinch 1st round bye: Saints win + Packers loss + Seahawks win
Washington:
Clinch NFC East: Football Team win OR Football team tie + Cowboys loss or tie
Let's go to the AFC...
Seedings:
1st seed: Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) (clinched AFC West + First round bye
2nd seed: Buffalo Bills (12-3) (clinched AFC East)
3rd seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3) (clinched AFC North)
4th seed: Tennessee Titans (10-5)
5th seed: Miami Dolphins (10-5)
6th seed: Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
7th seed: Cleveland Browns (10-5)
Wild card matchups:
Cleveland @ Buffalo
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
Miami @ Tennessee
Scenarios:
Tennessee:
Clinch AFC South: Titans win OR Colts loss OR Titans tie + Colts tie
Miami:
Clinch playoff berth: Dolphins win OR Ravens loss OR Browns loss OR Colts loss
Cleveland:
Clinch playoff berth: Browns win OR Colts loss OR Titans loss + Dolphins win or tie + Ravens win or tie
Overall, if the Browns win this week, they're in. Last week's loss to the Jets doesn't make it easier for them.
Week 17 Picks
Week 17 of the NFL's regular season will have all 32 teams playing on Sunday. The week features a 16-game slate. It includes: seven early games, eight late games, and a Sunday night game. Both FOX and CBS will have double-headers this week. All games will be division games. Let's get to the picks!
Dallas (6-9) @ NY Giants (5-10) (FOX): TW: Giants; CV: Giants
The Cowboys beat the Eagles and the Giants lost to the Ravens last week. It's a certain possibility that the Cowboys could be the representative in the NFC East if Washington loses. The big "if" is can the Cowboys win on the road. The last time these two teams played, it went wire to wire and the Cowboys winning by the skin of their teeth. As much as I want to pick the Cowboys in this game, I have to stick to my guns and pick the opposition.
Baltimore (10-5) @ Cincinnati (4-10-1) (CBS): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
Both teams won last week as the Ravens beat the Giants and the Bengals beat the Texans. The matchup might not be really sexy to watch but Brandon Allen has done well in Joe Burrow's absence. What could be an issue is how well can Cincinnati handle the multi-threats of the Baltimore running attack. They have at least four running backs that can get hot at any time during a contest. I'll take the Ravens.
Atlanta (4-11) @ Tampa Bay (10-5) (FOX): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Falcons lost to the Chiefs and the Buccaneers beat the Lions last week. Atlanta still likes to blow leads. To be honest, the Buccaneers don't have a lot to truly play for since they do have the 5th seed and won't likely fall out too far from the standings if they do lose to their rival Falcons. If they do win they will likely face the NFC East winner, whether it'll be Washington or Dallas. Back to the game at hand, I feel the Bucs will win because of Tom Brady and overall better offense and defense. Can't blow a lead Atlanta if you don't have a lead. Facts.
Miami (10-5) @ Buffalo (12-3) (CBS): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Both teams won last week as the Dolphins beat the Raiders and the Bills beat the Patriots. Miami likely needs to win this one to get into the playoffs but the Bills won't give them that chance. Cole Beasley is iffy to play in this game but I haven't seen any word that the Bills will rest starters. Safe to say, I think the Bills will win because they do have a better offense and Josh Allen can throw and run. Their Week 2 matchup was a squeaker by the Bills but I like the Bills in the game.
Minnesota (6-9) @ Detroit (5-10) (FOX): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Vikings lost to the Saints and the Lions lost to the Buccaneers last week. Dalvin Cook won't be playing this week due to the tragic loss of his father. In spite of the news, Alexander Mattison will likely get the start at running back for the Vikes. Its been a disappointing season for Minnesota and certainly a win against the rival Lions would give them some warmth for the harsh Minnesota winter.
Pittsburgh (12-3) @ Cleveland (10-5) (CBS): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
The Steelers beat the Colts and the Browns lost to the Jets last week. It's the Mason Rudolph and Myles Garrett reunion! Jokes aside, the Browns could win this game based on the Steelers resting their starters, in particular, Ben Roethlisberger. It's very well possible that the Browns prove that they can make the postseason for the first time since 2002 but I can't hold out that much hope on them. Not when they shat the bed and lost to the freaking Jets.
NY Jets (2-13) @ New England (6-9) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Jets beat the Browns and the Patriots lost to the Bills last week. More or less, the two bottom feeders in the AFC East will play on Sunday. New England is a less of a mess than their rival the New York Jets. I think the Patriots win by running the ball well.
Tennessee (10-5) @ Houston (4-11) (CBS): TW: Titans; CV: Titans
The Titans lost to the Packers and the Texans lost to the Bengals last week. Its a possible upset if the Texans can play the underdog card to their advantage. They don't have anything to lose while the Titans have everything to lose. Certainly the Colts, Dolphins, and Ravens would like to see nothing more than to have the Titans watch the playoffs from home. I don't see how it'll happen because of one man, Derrick Henry.
Seattle (11-4) @ San Francisco (6-9) (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks
Both teams won last week as the Seahawks beat the Rams and the 49ers beat the Cardinals. It's another potential spoiler game if the 49ers play their best game of the season. With the way that 2020 has gone for them, it would be a high point. Seattle won the NFC West and won't likely move higher in the playoff seeding than the 2nd seed. Momentum will be key in this one as the Seahawks offense wants to keep the foot on the gas. I'll take Seattle.
Green Bay (12-3) @ Chicago (8-7) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Bears
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Titans and the Bears beat the Jaguars. Both teams have been playing well as of late, with the Packers winning five straight while the Bears winning three straight games. Green Bay would like nothing more than to have the NFC playoffs go through Lambeau Field and a win would help that out. Chicago also needs to win this as well if they want to play next week. It will depend on who wants it more, personally I think the Packers will win.
Arizona (8-7) @ LA Rams (9-6) (CBS): TW: Rams; CV: Cardinals
Both teams lost last week as the Cardinals lost to the 49ers and the Rams lost to the Seahawks. Arizona won't have Kyler Murray starting for them and the Rams won't have Jared Goff playing for them as well. The key for the Cardinals to win is sustaining drives and avoiding those 3rd down and long situations that puts pressure on an offense. In spite of not having Jared Goff in at quarterback, LA has relied on its running game to help them win ballgames. Their defense also helps too.
Jacksonville (1-14) @ Indianapolis (10-5) (CBS): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Both teams lost as the Jaguars lost to the Bears and the Colts lost to the Steelers. A lot of things are at stake for the Colts to win. Even if Indy does win, it won't necessarily guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. They'll need a lot of help but a win helps. Jacksonville clinched the #1 draft pick in next April's draft and they would like to play spoiler. I don't see how the Jags can but anything is possible.
LA Chargers (6-9) @ Kansas City (14-1) (FOX): TW: Chargers; CV: Chiefs
The Chargers beat the Broncos and the Chiefs beat the Falcons last week. Chad Henne will make his first start for the first time since 2012. Kansas City will be resting starters including Patrick Mahomes. The move makes sense since KC has the #1 seed and the AFC playoffs will go through Arrowhead Stadium. Justin Herbert has been a fun watch and I like the Chargers in the matchup despite not having Mahomes in the game. LA's offense has been stellar and their defense has been taxing to the eyes of a casual fan. I'll take the Chargers.
New Orleans (11-4) @ Carolina (5-10) (FOX): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
The Saints beat the Vikings and the Panthers beat the Football Team last week. Another potential spoiler game. The long shot for the Saints to get homefield advantage and the 1st round bye will hinge on them winning as well as a Packers loss and Seahawks win. I don't like their chances but I do like them taking the dub against their rival Panthers this week. Carolina has missed Christian McCaffrey for most of the season and for a team in rebuild, they could be a good team down the road. In the meantime, I'll take the better offense and somewhat better defense in the Saints.
Las Vegas (7-8) @ Denver (5-10) (CBS): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
The Raiders lost to the Dolphins and the Broncos lost to the Chargers last week. After a 6-3 start, the Raiders sit with a 7-8 record and will miss the playoffs again. Las Vegas has the possibility to salvage the season with a win to bring them to a 8-8 record. I like the Raiders offense with Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller playing well into their expectations. The defense has been the key contributor to their losses. They face a stiff test against a Broncos team that has seen Drew Lock play better along with a resurgent Melvin Gordon and an exciting wide out by the name of Jerry Jeudy. I think its a tough game to pick but I'll take the Raiders.
Washington (6-9) @ Philadelphia (4-10-1) (NBC): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
The Football Team lost to the Panthers and the Eagles lost to the Cowboys last week. It's been a trying season for both teams. Washington would like nothing more than to get a win and go on to play next week in the Wild Card round. What stands in their way is an Eagles squad that has seen much breath of new life with Jalen Hurts. Taylor Heinicke will start for the Football Team. It will be Washington's fourth starter since Kyle Allen and Alex Smith got injured and former first round quarterback Dwayne Haskins got released shortly after last week. A 7-9 division winner is possible but I like the Eagles in the matchup.
Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com):
CBS Early:
Pittsburgh @ Cleveland
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
CBS Late:
Arizona @ LA Rams
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
FOX Early:
Minnesota @ Detroit
Joe Davis, Robert Smith
FOX Late:
Green Bay @ Chicago
Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston
For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL Maps: Week 17. Check local listings prior to gametime.
2020 Week by Week Record:
TW's record:
Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Total: 153-86-1
Cardinal Viking's record:
Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Total: 152-87-1
Previous Picking Records:
2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
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