With two weeks left in the regular season, this upcoming weekend is critically important for every team in the playoff conversation. Most of the games scheduled between AFC teams are crucial matchups between competitive teams. A ton will be sorted out to round out the last few seeds in the AFC the last two weeks as many teams are in the mix.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Football Team
The Eagles have been one of the hottest teams in the league as of late. On the other hand, Washington has lost three in a row and basically taken themselves out of the playoffs. In this one, the Eagles offense led by Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and their physical running game will be too much. Washington had an awful outing defensively a week ago. The Eagles’ defense should have a productive game. In this one, the Eagles will win by a touchdown.
Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens
The Rams have played some great football over their last few games. For the Ravens, the injuries have been tough to overcome which has led to a losing streak. In this one, expect the Rams to continue to feature Sony Michel, who has been tremendous. In the passing game, Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Odell Beckham Jr. should have big days. Defensively, the Rams talent overall will make it a tough challenge for the Ravens’ offense. For the Ravens to have a chance, getting another dominant performance from Mark Andrews will be needed. The Rams will win this game by a touchdown.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets
Both of these teams are coming off solid wins from a week ago. For the Buccaneers, winning this one is important for the playoff seeding. Expect a solid game running from Ronald Jones again going up against the Jets run defense. Tom Brady and Antonio Brown should continue their success through the air. It will be interesting to see how the Jets’ young offense led by Zach Wilson and Michael Carter can play against a talented Buccaneers defense. The Buccaneers will win this one by 10.
Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans
A big AFC matchup is scheduled here. The Titans picked up a win they needed at home last Thursday night. For the Dolphins, they won their seventh straight Monday night and have a great chance of making the playoffs, especially if they can win this one. Another big game will be needed from A.J. Brown for the Titans. It will be fun to see him battle against Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. A similar type of formula will be needed for the Dolphins offensively. Jaylen Waddle has got to have another dominant performance. The Titans’ great defensive front could make things a challenge on the Dolphins’ offensive line. This will be a close game that the Titans will win by a field goal.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots
After losing their last two, the Patriots could not get a better matchup to get back in the win column. The game plan for them should be a simple one. Running the football well offensively has to be where it starts for them. Playing mistake-free football will be key for them in this game. Getting out to an early lead and allowing their defense to play up to its capabilities should be enough for them. The Patriots will win by at least 10.
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts
One of the pivotal AFC matchups on the schedule for Week 17. Each team has played relatively well the last few weeks. The Colts, especially, are one of the hottest teams in football right now. Expect another big day from Jonathan Taylor. Their dominant, physical offensive line will have to dictate things in this one as well. The Raiders offense against the Colts defense could go back and forth. Derek Carr should make his typical plays. When they are matched up in the slot, Hunter Renfrow and Kenny Moore make for an elite matchup. Expect the Colts to win this game by one possession.
Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals
This is the matchup of the week here between two of the best teams in football. The Chiefs enter this one as winners of eight straight. The Bengals have been victorious the last two weeks. Expect the Bengals defense that has been successful this season to rise to the occasion against the Patrick Mahomes-led attack. Stopping the running game and making the Chiefs one-dimensional will be key. The Bengals offense should do some things well against the Chiefs defense that continues to play exceptional. The Bengals’ main concern has to be their offensive line. Getting the ball out of Joe Burrow‘s hands fast and to their talented skill players will be crucial. The Bengals will win this big game at home by a field goal.
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New York Giants at Chicago Bears
A tough matchup here between two of the worst teams in the league. The Giants have been terrible and it should continue on the road in this game. Offensively, they lack the talent needed to have any type of productive day. For the Bears, featuring David Montgomery is simply all they need to do in this game. The Giants’ defense has been a disappointment. The Bears will win this game by at least 10.
Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills
The Bills have done an admirable job over the last two weeks. Expect them to take care of business at home here against a team they are better than. Josh Allen and the Bills offense should have a successful day against the Falcons defense. Defensively, the Bills should do just enough. Keeping contain on Cordarrelle Patterson and limiting big plays from Kyle Pitts will be key. The Bills will win this game at home by about 10.
Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers need to get back in the win column for their playoff hopes and should do so at home here. Their offense should score a lot of points in this game led by Deebo Samuel. Defensively, their pass rush has got to make an impact. Davis Mills has played well the last few weeks. They cannot allow him to get in a rhythm. If they manage things well, they should be good. The 49ers will win by 10.
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
A pivotal game between two AFC West teams who have everything to play for. The Chargers are coming off a demoralizing loss last week and need to get back on the right track at home. For the Broncos, their playoff chances continue to get worse. For them to win this game, playing ball control with Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon against the Chargers run defense will be key. Despite the Broncos’ talented defense, the Chargers’ offense should do enough led by Justin Herbert in this one. The Chargers will win by one score.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
There may not be a ton of scoring in this one. Both defenses are respectable and offensively these teams are struggling mightily. A big game from Alvin Kamara will be needed. For the Saints’ defense, their front should make an impact throughout this one. The Panthers’ offense will struggle to accomplish much success. Expect a Saints win by a touchdown in a low-scoring game.
Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks
This is a great opportunity for the Lions to continue to grow. The Seahawks lost in crushing fashion a week ago. This season has been as disappointing as they could have anticipated. The Lions’ talented offensive line could control this game and provide a great chance for them to win. For the Seahawks, more big plays will be needed from Russell Wilson. Their defense could continue its poor play. The Lions will win by a field goal.
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys
This matchup is a terrific one between two of the top-five teams throughout the NFC all season. These teams have played completely different as of late. After a fast start, the Cardinals have struggled and need to win this game. The Cowboys have picked up their play as of late. Dak Prescott got back to himself a week ago. Anticipate Prescott and the rest of the Cowboys’ skilled offense to have another successful outing. The Cardinals’ offense will likely continue its struggles against the Cowboys’ great defense. The Cowboys will win this game by a touchdown.
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Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
On Sunday night, these two NFC North teams will play an important game. The Packers have to keep the top seed in the conference. For the Vikings, their playoff chances continue to decrease. This game will not make things easy for them. Expect the Packers’ tremendous offense to have its way all game against the Vikings’ defense. Offensively, the Vikings can have some success and keep it close. In the end, the Packers will win by a touchdown.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
This AFC North rivalry concludes the week. Each is on the outside looking in after losing a week ago. In this one, the team better in the trenches will likely win. Both quarterbacks have had their struggles. Both Nick Chubb and Najee Harris will have to be impactful for their teams to win. The Browns offensive line can have a key role in this one. For the Steelers, their talented players defensively have got to come up big. This will be a close game the Steelers win by about a field goal.
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