NFL Week 17 Preview/Predictions

By: Joe Smeltzer
It's Week 17 of the NFL season. Not all the games matter, but our picks always matter. Let's see what the boys can do to wrap up the regular season.

Packers (7-8) at Lions (8-7) 
Line: DET -7.0

Photo creds to Detroit Free Press

Our first in a long line of games that do not matter in the slightest as far as the playoffs go. As last week showed, Green Bay is nothing without Aaron Rodgers. Although the Lions are out of the playoff picture, they still want to secure a winning season and, in the process, pound their NFC North foe. I think Detroit gets both of those objectives accomplished New Year's Eve.

Lions 27, Packers 10

Texans (4-11) at Colts (3-12) 
Line: Ind -5.5

Photo creds to IndyStar

Regardless of what happens in this game, both of these teams are bound to see brighter days in 2018. But for now, as bad as Indy is, the Texans depleted offense is one of the worst I've ever seen in the NFL. So awful in fact, that Jacoby Brissett and company could be in for an easy W. The Colts get the win and then spend the next half year wondering when Andrew Luck will come back into their lives.


Colts 28, Texans 7

Bears (5-10) at Vikings (12-3) 
Line: MIN -12.0

Photo creds to Daily Noresman

Sometimes, win-loss records don't tell the full story of how two teams match up against each other. Sometimes, they do. This matchup between Chicago and Minnesota is the later.

I haven't exactly been a passenger on the Vikings hype train this season, and while I still don't see Case Keenum as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, I can't deny that Minnesota is one of the best teams in the NFL. Minnesota still has reason to come out firing with a first-round bye on the table. While I like Mitch Turbisky a lot and the Bears secondary and offensive line show promise, the Bears are not there yet, and I don't think they can rain on the Vikings' parade.


Vikings 30, Bears 13

Is there any way the Steelers get the number one seed?
Jets (5-10) at Patriots (12-3)
Line: NE -15.0
There's a reason Pittsburgh is benching its stars. Sorry, yinzers. The Pats ain't losing this one.


Patriots 35, Jets 13

Redskins (7-8) at Giants (2-13) 
Line: WSH -3.5 
Washington isn't anything special. But this Giants season has been such a trainwreck that many are saying that 2017 has been even worse for the G-men that for the Cleveland Browns. I agree with those people. Every week brings new off-the-field drama for New York. Whether it be quarterback benching, front-office changes, or teammates publically calling out other teammates, this Giants season has sucked. Kirk Cousins and company will give New York's campaign the ending it deserves.


Redskins 21, Giants 14

Cowboys (8-7) at Eagles (13-2)
Line: DAL -3.0 
Here's another game with absolutely nothing riding on it. Philly already has the NFC's number one seed sewn up, while the  Dallas is out of the playoff picture. In what would be a reversal of last year's Week 17 matchup between these two teams, I expect the Cowboys to end the Eagles' magical regular season on a somewhat sour note. It was clear Christmas Day against Oakland that the Eagles aren't the same team without Carson Wentz, and as much as I want to believe in Nick Foles, I don't think Philly will go far in the brutal NFC largely for that reason.

For now, I expect Big Zeke to look a little fresher than he did in his return from suspension last week. Elliot makes the Cowboys offense so much better, and I don't think the Eagles will have an answer for him on this day.


Cowboys 24, Eagles 14

Browns (0-15) at Steelers (12-3) 
Line: Pit -6.0

Photo creds to Yahoo Sports

Can the Steelers' backups beat the Browns? Yes.


Steelers 31, Browns 20 

4:25
Panthers (11-4) at Falcons (9-6) 
Line: ATL -3.5

Photo creds to Sporting News

Both of these teams have a ton to play for. Carolina is going for a division title, while Atlanta is still fighting for a playoff spot. Some people seem to think that the Falcons has run out of steam. While last week's performance in New Orleans was one to forget, I think being back in Atlanta will set a fire under the Falcons, and particularly under running back Devonta Freeman. Freeman hasn't had monster performance yet, and I think he's due for one.

If Freeman goes off, the Atlanta offense is hard to stop. Carolina will find that out the hard way Sunday.


Falcons 27, Panthers 17


Chiefs (9-6) at Broncos (5-10)
Line: Den -4.0

Photo creds to The Denver Post

Denver stinks, while Kansas City is solid. But in Week 17, things aren't always that simple.


The Chiefs already have the AFC West gift wrapped, so of course, they will bench some of their stars, most notably resting starting quarterback Alex Smith and giving rookie Patrick Mahomes his first NFL start. Unlike Cleveland, the Broncos are capable of beating a playoff team in Week 17 mode. Denver is bad but its defense is excellent, and I think that KC will struggle to move the football without Smith and Tyreek Hill. The Broncos offense has a hard time scoring against anyone, so this will be a close game. But I see the Broncos going all out for their home fans and taking advantage of a depleted postseason-bound opponent.

Broncos 17, Chiefs 10

Jags (10-5) at Titans (8-7)

Line: TEN -2.5

It's do-or-die for Tennessee in the AFC playoff race, while Jacksonville already knows its fate. That combination, along with the Titans playing at home, seems like a recipe for a Titans victory. But I don't think the Jags are going to step off the gas.

After that embarrassing defensive performance by the bay last Sunday, I'd imagine Jacksonville would want to go into the playoffs on a high note. The Jags are the better team, and they proved that way back in Week Two. If Jacksonville goes for it, it will beat Tennessee again, this time at a much higher cost for the Titans. 

Jags 24, Titans 20

49ers (5-10) at Rams (11-4) 

Line: SF -4.0

There's a reason the team with six fewer wins is four-point favorites. The Rams have nothing left to prove in the regular season, which means that its time for Jimmy G to shine, baby.

49ers 30, Rams 17

Can Buffalo do it?

Bills (8-7) at Dolphins (6-9)

Line: BUF -2.5

No matter what Buffalo does Sunday, it probably isn't making the playoffs. But I have faith that Tyrod and company will do everything they can to make one last push. Jay Cutler and Miami on the other hand, are done, son. The Dolphins have no motivation, while the Bills have a chance, albeit a slim one, to make their first playoff appearances in almost two decades. I'd say Buffalo has slightly more to gain in this one, and that is why the Bills will win. 

Bills 20, Dolphins 13

Cardinals (7-8) at Seahawks (9-6) 

Line: SEA -8.5

Photo creds to Seattle Seahawks

Like Buffalo in the AFC, a win might not be enough to get the Seattle in the playoffs. But I see no reason the Seahawks can't take care of business Saturday and let the rest take care of itself. With all due respect to Larry Fitzgerald, I can't see Arizona coming into the NFL's loudest stadium and getting a W against a motivated Seattle team with everything to lose and gain.

Seahawks 34, Cardinals 13

Raiders (6-9) at Chargers (8-7) 

Line:  LAC -7.0

Photo creds to Memesbot

Yes, LA is the better team. Yes, the Chargers should be more motivated than Oakland. But the Chargers have to win, and whenever the Chargers have to win, they choke. That will happen again in Week 17. Some way, somehow. 

Raiders 24, Chargers 21

Saints (11-4) at Bucs (4-11) 

Line: NO -6.0

The Saints are a talented team looking to clinch a division title. Although Jameis has looked good lately, the Sucky Buccys are toast. Mr. Kamara and Mr. Ingram will make sure of that. 

Saints 31, Bucs 16

Bengals (6-9) at Ravens (9-6) 

Line: BAL -9.5

Photo creds to Baltimore Ravens

As a Steelers fan, it's hard to ever root for the Bengals. But it would be even harder to watch the Dirty Birds get in the playoffs. But Baltimore is playing its best football at a pretty important time, while Cincy checked out after that Monday Night slugfest with the Steelers. The Ravens are clicking, and they will be a tough out in the postseason. 

Ravens 33, Bengals 14