Week 17: The Final Playoff Push
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| The Cowboys and Lions saw their playoff hopes come to an end on Christmas Eve. (Image Courtesy of NFLRush.com) |
Here's how it all can unfold on Sunday.
In the AFC, if the Ravens and Titans both win, they're in. The Chargers and Bills need wins and then some help to get in.
In the NFC, it's really simple. The final Wild Card spot is between the Falcons and the Seahawks. If the Falcons beat the Panthers, they're in. If they lose and the Seahawks beat the Cardinals, Seattle is in.
Here's how I think it'll unfold.
Week 17 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
INDIANAPOLIS over Houston
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
The QB combination of T.J. Yates and Taylor Heinicke combined to go 8 of 17 for 51-yards, 1 TD and 1 INT against the Steelers last week. And if it weren't for an insane catch by WR DeAndre Hopkins that touchdown doesn't happen. The Colts have had a bad season, but Jacoby Brissett is much better than anyone the Texans throw out at quarterback.
DETROIT over Green Bay
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
A very disappointing season for both the Lions and Packers ends on Sunday. I'll take the Lions because the Packers have a ton of injuries and no Aaron Rodgers.
MINNESOTA over Chicago
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Vikings beat the Bears to finish the season 13-3 and get a first-round bye in the process.
NEW ENGLAND over N.Y. Jets
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Tom Brady and the Patriots beat the Jets and once again, clinch home-field advantage.
Washington over N.Y. GIANTS
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Both these teams could see a major overhaul this offseason. The Redskins could lose QB Kirk Cousins to free agency and may fire head coach Jay Gruden, while the Giants need a new coach and may move on from QB Eli Manning.
Dallas over PHILADELPHIA
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Eagles have nothing to play for, so I'm going the Cowboys. A disappointing season for the Cowboys at least ends with a win.
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| Hue Jackson is 1-30 as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. (Image Courtesy of SI.com) |
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
With the Steelers needing a win and hopefully a Patriots loss to clinch home-field advantage, I expect them to play their starters which means the Browns will finish the season winless. Will head coach Hue Jackson be back in Cleveland next season?
Carolina over ATLANTA
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox)
These two met back in Week 9 with the Panthers winning the game 20-17 behind 201 rushing yards. I'd be surprised to see Carolina rush for that many yards again, but this should be a great game. This is basically a playoff game for the Falcons and I think they'll play well, but it won't be enough.
New Orleans over TAMPA BAY
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox)
I can't wait to watch Drew Brees, Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara in the playoffs. Good luck to whoever has to travel to New Orleans to play the Saints next weekend.
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
The Marvin Lewis comes to an end in Cincinnati with the Bengals losing to the Ravens, who clinch a playoff spot as a result. Marvin Lewis will end his career with more wins than any other coach in Bengals history, but that 0-7 playoff record will forever taint his tenure in Cincinnati.
Jacksonville over TENNESSEE
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Jaguars go into the playoffs for the first time since 2007 when they also won 11 games. A Titans loss doesn't mean they're out, but if one of my predictions later on holds true, they'll be watching the playoffs from the coach.
Buffalo over MIAMI
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
If the Bills are to have any chance of ending their 18-year playoff drought, the have to beat the Dolphins, which I think they will. I just don't see the help from the Chargers, Titans or Ravens coming too. Bills playoff drought extends to 19 years.
L.A. CHARGERS over Oakland
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
With the Ravens winning and the Titans losing, all the Chargers need is a win and they're in, which I think will happen. L.A. will have two teams in this year's playoffs.
Kansas City over DENVER
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Chiefs fans will get to see rookie QB Patrick Mahomes on Sunday in Denver. With the Chiefs playoff spot all set, head coach Andy Reid has decided to give Mahomes the final start of the season. I think he'll play well and lead Kansas City to a win.
San Francisco over L.A. RAMS
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox)
With Rams starters such as QB Jared Goff, RB Todd Gurley, and DT Aaron Donald sitting the season finale, I'm going with the 49ers. That would mean five-straight wins for San Francisco since Jimmy Garoppolo took over at quarterback. 2018 looks pretty bright for the 49ers.
SEATTLE over Arizona
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox)
Seahawks get the win at home and with a Falcons loss to the Panthers, which I predicted earlier, they'll find themselves in the playoffs.
Last Week: 13-3
Overall: 154-86 (.642)
If my predictions are correct, this is how the NFL playoffs would shape out.
AFC
1. New England Patriots
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Los Angeles Chargers
NFC
1. Philadelphia Eagles
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Los Angeles Rams
5. Carolina Panthers
6. Seattle Seahawks
That means we get Chargers at Jaguars, Ravens at Chiefs, Panthers at Rams, and Seahawks at Saints next weekend. Four very good games with four great teams in the Patriots, Steelers, Eagles and Vikings waiting in the wings. Should be a great postseason.
Happy New Year!
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