NFL schedule rankings and predictions for Week 17
Flacco faces former team ...
That could be anyone at this point, but Week 17 kicks off with the New York Jets visiting the Cleveland Browns. Joe Flacco has been fantastic for the AFC North team, and that isn’t going to change against Gang Green. Prediction: Browns 27, Jets 10
15. Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears
The Falcons seek to stay in the NFC South race if you want to call it a race. The Bears are playing out the string trying to decide whether Justin Fields is their QB of the future; look for Chicago to enjoy Soldier Field. Prediction: Bears 24, Falcons 20
14. Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars better make sure their losing streak doesn’t hit five games when facing the worst team in the league. If Jacksonville loses here, it will jeopardize not only AFC South title hopes but postseason dreams. Prediction: Jaguars 31, Panthers 10
13. San Francisco 49ers at Washington Commanders
As good as the Niners are, they can’t drum up a ton of interest in a Commanders team that is bleak and playing for draft position. Prediction: 49ers 49, Commanders 12
12. New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yes, first place in the division is on the line. Simply can’t get excited to watch teams that straddle .500 or less meeting each other. Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Saints 20
11. Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
The Texans need C.J. Stroud back in the worst way imaginable. They are a different team without the rookie QB. If he can play, this should turn into a win. Prediction: Texans 27, Titans 15
10. Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
The Bolts can wreck any hopes the Broncos have for a wild card berth win a road win. However, take Easton Stick over Russell Wilson at your peril. Prediction: Broncos 28, Chargers 20
9. Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
The last game of Week 17 takes place on Sunday night so the NFL doesn’t conflict with the CFP Championship Game. This one is Nick Mullens vs. Jordan Love. A toss-up, as in what team will pick off more passes. Prediction: Packers 20, Vikings 17
8. Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
The intrigue around Philly builds as it continues to show it has lost its dominance from the first part of the season. The Cardinals will not be a threat — or should not be one — but who knows with the way the Eagles are currently playing. Prediction: Eagles 30, Cardinals 17
7. Los Angeles Rams at New York Giants
The Rams roll into MetLife and need to make sure they are not overconfident against a reeling Giants team. The fun of Tommy DeVito has died down. Los Angeles has a great balance between offense and defense and knows what it has to do against Big Blue. Prediction: Rams 34, Giants 13
6. New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
All signs point to the Bills rolling at home. However, the Patriots have a strong defense and could hang around for a while. They won’t win but they should keep the game interesting for at least a half. Prediction: Bills 27, Patriots 13
5. Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts
Who thought this game would have playoff implications? It does and the winner puts itself in a better position for a wild card spot. Heck, the way the AFC South is going, the Colts have a chance to take the division. Prediction: Colts 31, Raiders 27
4. Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks
Another matchup that has some playoff possibilities. On top of it, you get Mike Tomlin against Pete Carroll in a duel of coaching grandmasters. No Mason Rudolph Magic in this one, though. Prediction: Seahawks 23, Steelers 20
3. Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
The Bengals have an excuse for their woes … no Joe Burrow. Something is wrong in Kansas City and it is getting to be now or never to figure things out. Prediction: Chiefs 30, Bengals 10
2. Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Jimmy Johnson goes into the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor at halftime. Will the Lions have another huge road effort in them or will there be a letdown after clinching the division? Prediction: Cowboys 34, Lions 27
1. Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens
The No, 1 seed and bye in the AFC is in play as these teams meet in Baltimore. The Ravens come off a short week and a massive effort in San Francisco. The Fish are fresh from a win over the Cowboys. Will go with Lamar Jackson over Tua Tagovailoa. Prediction: Ravens 33, Dolphins 16
