Dreams, aspirations, and desires will be tested as the playoff contenders prepare for battle in week 17. Only two divisions have been clinched, six teams have claimed a spot in the playoffs, and eight are up for grabs over the next two weekends. One of the headline games in week 17 will be America’s team looking to end their two-game losing streak against the Lions in a primetime matchup on Saturday Night. On Sunday, the big matchup will be in Baltimore as the Ravens look to lock up the number one seed in the conference against a dangerous Miami team looking for respect. Yes, these are two of the five hottest matchups we will discuss as we preview the five hottest games of week 17.
Last week: 2-3
Overall: 49-31
1. Detroit Lions (10-5) at Dallas Cowboys (11-4)-Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET ABC
The Dallas Cowboys head home after getting blown out in Buffalo and losing a heartbreaker in Miami. The losses push them back to the number 5 seed and the inside track to winning the NFC East. Detroit, on the other hand, celebrated their first NFC North title last week, but victory in Texas could put them in a position to be the number one seed in the conference. However, I think the Cowboys will be the more desperate team, and at home, the team dominates with a perfect 7-0 record compared to a 3-3 record on the road. I think Dak and CeeDee Lamb will dominate on offense while having the lead will force Detroit to throw the ball and lead to at least two interceptions by Jared Goff.
Cowboys 30-Lions 20
2. Miami Dolphins (11-4) at Baltimore Ravens (12-3)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS
This is the game of the week and perhaps the best matchup for the season. Last week, the Ravens felt disrespected as an underdog to the 49ers by dismantling them on both sides of the football for a lopsided victory. However, for the second straight week, Lamar Jackson will look to solidify his status as the MVP frontrunner as he goes head-to-head with a rival for the award in Tua Tagovailoa. I was not impressed by Miami’s win last week because the offense was 1 of 4 in the red zone. The Ravens’ defense will put pressure on Tua, and Jackson will be able to attack a Miami defense that ranks 26th in red zone conversion. I think it will be a close game, and Jackson edges it in a game-winning drive to grab the number one seed.
Ravens 27-Dolphins 24
3. New Orleans Saints (7-8) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET Fox
The Buccaneers have won four straight games but historically have struggled against the Saints. The Bucs had an impressive win last week against the Jaguars with Baker Mayfield recording two touchdowns in an efficient performance. Despite losing last week against the Rams, Derek Carr and the offense have improved in their last three games by averaging 23 points per game. However, the Saints’ offense is struggling on the ground with just 35 yards last week, and the Buccaneers will ensure they are restricted. Mayfield will look to win this game by utilizing the reliable Mike Evans who has 1,163 yards this season and 13 touchdowns. I think the home team will feed off the home crowd and clinch the NFC South division with a win.
Bucs 27-Saints 22
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) at Seattle Seahawks (8-7)-Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET Fox
It is an elimination game for the loser of this matchup. The Steelers enjoyed a bounce victory last week against the Bengals to end their three-game losing streak and keep their hopes alive of making the playoffs. Mason Rudolph ignited a stagnant Steelers offense that needed improved play at the quarterback position. Rudolph completed 17 of 27 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns to dent the Bengals playoff chances. However, playing in from the home crowd at Acrisure Stadium will be far different than the hostile confines of Lumen Field in Seattle. The Seahawks have recovered from their four-game sputter by winning back-to-back games. I think Rudolph will keep the Steelers in the game, but Geno Smith will make the big plays in the fourth quarter to win this game.
Seahawks 23-Steelers 20
5. Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (9-6)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET CBS
Kansas City sent shockwaves around the league after losing on Monday at home to the Los Angeles Raiders. The offense struggled to protect and run the football, and Patrick Mahomes struggled to pass the ball down the field. The reigning Super Bowl champs will be desperate to get on the field to make amends in front of their Arrowhead crowd. I think they will win this emphatically because the Bengals will struggle to cover the Tight End and stop the run. It means Travis Kelce will get a much-needed big performance, and Isaih Pacheco will provide the right balance for Mahomes to excel. Jake Browning will keep his team close, but the Chiefs’ defense will seal this game.
Chiefs 31-Bengals 20