JO_75
Hall of Famer
Here's the go to thread while we wait for our 4:25PM start on Sunday as the wild playoff picture gets set and we will know who is heading to the postseason in January. I have broken this week down in simple terms, I'm only giving previews for the games with playoff implications as the other games just don't matter. Unless of course if you think it matters whether a meaningless win in Week 17 would kill a team's draft but otherwise, playoff games only this week. With teams resting their starters who have nothing to play for, and a perfect season on the line, what awaits the final week of the 2017 NFL Regular Season?
Bears @ Vikings: The Vikings may not be able to get home field advantage as the Eagles locked that up last week. What's important here is to not be upset by the Bears in John Fox's final game and potentially let Carolina sneak in and take the 2 seed if Carolina were to beat the Falcons, and the Saints lose giving them the 2 seed.
Jets @ Patriots: Not saying it's possible but an upset by Gang Green could give Pittsburgh the number one seed with a loss and a Steelers win. Have to wonder if Todd Bowles will come into this game with much more confidence with his new contract to prove the Jets are going to be a threat in the future.
Browns @ Steelers: The Steelers are sitting Big Ben and Bell according to Marcus Gilbert. Some starters have been given extra rest during practice meaning to get the backups ready to play. Now how many players Steelers sit with the number one seed still up for grabs, is going to be interesting to see. As for the Browns, it seems they are on their way to join the 2008 Lions in the 0-16 club and Hue Jackson's fate will be decided on Monday.
Panthers @ Falcons: If the Panthers win, and angry Jameis Winston pulls off an upset against the Saints, they win the NFC South. Atlanta can clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Panthers or a Seahawks loss.
Cardinals @ Seahawks: This is or is not Bruce Arian's final game with the Cardinals, and he looks to leave a mark by denying the Seahawks a playoff spot.
Jaguars @ Titans: The Tennessee Titans need a win and their in, and can jump us for the 5th seed if we happen to lose against Cincy. The Jags aren't resting their starters so this will be a tough game for the Titans to show they do belong in January.
49ers @ Rams: The Rams are resting their starters this weekend against red hot QB Jimmy G and the 49ers. Rams are locked in to either the 3rd or 4th seed regardless but very questionable not trying to win the game to ensure the 3 seed in case the Eagles or Vikings get knocked out, and the possibility of playing the NFC Title Game in LA.
Bills @ Dolphins: For the Bills, they need a win and a Baltimore loss to clinch a playoff spot and end their playoff drought.
Raiders @ Chargers: The Chargers need a win, plus a Titans loss and Bills loss in order to make the playoffs. Boy, how pissed will Bills fans be if the H2H tiebreaker between the Chargers and Bills is the difference in making the playoffs. Nathan Peterman sure was worth losing a playoff spot.
Saints @ Bucs: Saints clinch the NFC South with a win over the Bucs.
Bears @ Vikings: The Vikings may not be able to get home field advantage as the Eagles locked that up last week. What's important here is to not be upset by the Bears in John Fox's final game and potentially let Carolina sneak in and take the 2 seed if Carolina were to beat the Falcons, and the Saints lose giving them the 2 seed.
Jets @ Patriots: Not saying it's possible but an upset by Gang Green could give Pittsburgh the number one seed with a loss and a Steelers win. Have to wonder if Todd Bowles will come into this game with much more confidence with his new contract to prove the Jets are going to be a threat in the future.
Browns @ Steelers: The Steelers are sitting Big Ben and Bell according to Marcus Gilbert. Some starters have been given extra rest during practice meaning to get the backups ready to play. Now how many players Steelers sit with the number one seed still up for grabs, is going to be interesting to see. As for the Browns, it seems they are on their way to join the 2008 Lions in the 0-16 club and Hue Jackson's fate will be decided on Monday.
Panthers @ Falcons: If the Panthers win, and angry Jameis Winston pulls off an upset against the Saints, they win the NFC South. Atlanta can clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Panthers or a Seahawks loss.
Cardinals @ Seahawks: This is or is not Bruce Arian's final game with the Cardinals, and he looks to leave a mark by denying the Seahawks a playoff spot.
Jaguars @ Titans: The Tennessee Titans need a win and their in, and can jump us for the 5th seed if we happen to lose against Cincy. The Jags aren't resting their starters so this will be a tough game for the Titans to show they do belong in January.
49ers @ Rams: The Rams are resting their starters this weekend against red hot QB Jimmy G and the 49ers. Rams are locked in to either the 3rd or 4th seed regardless but very questionable not trying to win the game to ensure the 3 seed in case the Eagles or Vikings get knocked out, and the possibility of playing the NFC Title Game in LA.
Bills @ Dolphins: For the Bills, they need a win and a Baltimore loss to clinch a playoff spot and end their playoff drought.
Raiders @ Chargers: The Chargers need a win, plus a Titans loss and Bills loss in order to make the playoffs. Boy, how pissed will Bills fans be if the H2H tiebreaker between the Chargers and Bills is the difference in making the playoffs. Nathan Peterman sure was worth losing a playoff spot.
Saints @ Bucs: Saints clinch the NFC South with a win over the Bucs.