There is an exciting slate of 16 games on Sunday as every single NFL team kicks off their season finale. Here are final score predictions for all of the Week 17 Sunday contests, with reasoning.
Keep track of my “Sunday Score” all season long. This weighted formula gives me five points for every correct outcome. For every team whose score I predict exactly correct, I get an additional three points. Here’s how I’ve fared so far:
Sunday Score: 666
Winner/Loser picked correctly: 114/205
Week 17
New York Jets 17, Buffalo Bills 24
The Buffalo Bills may take it easy with their wild card spot locked up, but the Jets will still find a way to lose on the road, hurting the chances of Adam Gase returning in 2020.
New Orleans Saints 31, Carolina Panthers 17
The Panthers are riding on epic losing streak and it will carry over into 2020. The Saints, looking for a prime playoff spot, will prevail on the road in this divisional affair.
Cleveland Browns 17, Cincinnati Bengals 20
The Bengals showed potential last time they played the Browns, and they almost beat the Dolphins. This will be close, and it could go either way, but the Bengals would hold onto the No. 1 pick even if they win, so there is no reason to lose on purpose.
Washington Redskins 14, Dallas Cowboys 24
The Cowboys will prevail against the Redskins and find themselves scoreboard-watching ahead of the 4:25 p.m. tilt between the Eagles and Giants to decide the NFC East.
Los Angeles Chargers 24, Kansas City Chiefs 30
The Chiefs won’t know until after their game whether or not the Patriots lose, so they will need to play at 100 percent. It’ll come down to one score, but the Chiefs will finish on top.
Chicago Bears 24, Minnesota Vikings 20
The Vikings are resting their starters and I expect the Bears to capitalize on this. The Bears’ defense will be all over Sean Mannion, causing him to make ill-advised throws.
Miami Dolphins 16, New England Patriots 24
I was tempted to go with a four-possession blowout, but I’m starting to worry about Tom Brady’s athleticism. The Patriots will win, but I’m not comfortable predicting a huge blowout here.
Atlanta Falcons 30, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27 (F/OT)
I am actually really excited for this game, even though it has no playoff implications. In the most fitting fashion, a Jameis Winston overtime interception will set up a Falcons game-winning field goal.
Green Bay Packers 27, Detroit Lions 20
I have huge doubts regarding the Packers’ legitimacy entering the playoffs, but that won’t be an issue today against a woeful Lions team.
Tennessee Titans 31, Houston Texans 20
The Texans are benching Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins, and other stars on Sunday. The Titans’ defense will set up numerous opportunities and Tennessee will capitalize on this.
Indianapolis Colts 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 13
The Colts, coming off a huge win over the Panthers, will find much of the same in Week 17 as they force Doug Marrone to find a spot on the unemployment list come Monday.
Philadelphia Eagles 21, New York Giants 17
Dallas’ win over Washington won’t matter after all. The Giants will make it close, but the Eagles will score thrice en route to a 9-7 season and an NFC East title.
Oakland Raiders 23, Denver Broncos 20
The Raiders had playoff aspirations, but it will all be for naught thanks to wins from the Steelers and Titans. Still, the Raiders will prevail and head to Las Vegas on a positive note.
Arizona Cardinals 23, Los Angeles Rams 31
I’m not too worried about the Rams here despite the Cardinals’ recent brilliance, including a two-score win over the Seahawks. Kyler Murray is hurt and the Rams should dominate.
Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Baltimore Ravens 23
Folks, I have no clue how much of a downgrade Robert Griffin III is from Lamar Jackson. Add that to the benchings of Mark Ingram, Mark Andrews, and several defensive stars, and I think the Steelers will pick up a useless win.
San Francisco 49ers 27, Seattle Seahawks 31
The Seahawks may have lost their last two in a row, but they will be able to overcome the 49ers for the second time this season to secure the No. 3 spot in the playoffs.
Playoff Picture
If all of these predictions come true…
AFC
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. New England Patriots
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Houston Texans
5. Buffalo Bills
6. Tennessee Titans
NFC
1. Green Bay Packers
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Seattle Seahawks
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. San Francisco 49ers
6. Minnesota Vikings
