NFL Week 17 Predictions: Playoff Scenarios and Matchups \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Week 17 of the NFL season offers high-stakes matchups, with playoff berths, draft positioning, and records on the line. Key games include Chiefs-Steelers, Lions-49ers, and Chargers-Patriots. Pro Picks predicts outcomes, including favorites and potential upsets, as teams push for postseason dreams or strategic draft positions.
Week 17 NFL Predictions: Quick Look
- Playoff Race: Key matchups could determine seeding, wild-card berths, and division titles.
- Draft Implications: Struggling teams eye losses to secure top draft picks.
- Key Games: Chiefs-Steelers for AFC dominance; Lions-49ers with NFC implications.
- Prime-Time Matchups: Doubleheader on Christmas Day and Lions-49ers on Monday night.
- Predictions Recap: Pro Picks provide outcomes, betting odds, and playoff scenarios.
Deep Look:
Monday’s Doubleheader: AFC Powerhouses Collide
The holiday week kicks off with a thrilling doubleheader on Christmas Day featuring four of the AFC’s top five teams:
- Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5):
The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win. Kansas City also aims to set a franchise record for most regular-season wins. Mahomes boasts an incredible 3-0 record against Pittsburgh, with 14 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Meanwhile, the Steelers are desperate to snap a two-game losing streak and secure the AFC North title. Wide receiver George Pickens’ expected return from a hamstring injury could provide a much-needed boost for Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh offense. Prediction: Chiefs 24-20. - Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at Houston Texans (9-6):
The Ravens, riding a five-game winning streak against the Texans, need a victory to move into first place in the AFC North, contingent on a Steelers loss. Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry face a formidable Houston defense, while Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud leads an offense reeling from the loss of receiver Tank Dell to a knee injury. Prediction: Ravens 23-19.
Thursday Night Matchup: Seahawks Fight for Playoff Hopes
- Seattle Seahawks (8-7) at Chicago Bears (4-11):
The Seahawks need a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Geno Smith and rookie wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba should find success against Chicago’s struggling pass defense. The Bears, who have lost nine straight games, are focused on evaluating quarterback Justin Fields and solidifying their draft position. Prediction: Seahawks 26-20.
Key Weekend Matchups
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12):
A win for the Chargers secures a wild-card berth, while the Patriots, who have lost eight straight home games in December, are playing for pride. Justin Herbert’s perfect 9-0 record against the spread (ATS) in the Eastern time zone adds confidence to Los Angeles’ playoff push. Prediction (Best Bet): Chargers 23-16. - Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8):
Joe Burrow and the Bengals need a win to keep their slim playoff chances alive. However, the Broncos are on a roll, with an 11-4 ATS record, and a victory would secure their spot in the postseason. Prediction (Upset Special): Broncos 23-22. - Detroit Lions (13-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-9):
The Lions can clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a win, depending on other results. If the Packers beat the Vikings earlier in the week, Detroit’s win locks in the top seed. However, if Minnesota wins, the Lions’ Week 18 matchup against the Vikings becomes a division-deciding game, and head coach Dan Campbell may choose to rest starters against the eliminated 49ers. Prediction: Lions 26-23.
High-Stakes Draft Positioning
While playoff contenders battle for seeding, several teams are positioning themselves for top draft picks:
- Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10):
The Raiders hurt their draft positioning with a win over the Jaguars last week. Coach Antonio Pierce remains focused on winning, but another victory could drop Las Vegas further down the draft board. Prediction: Raiders 20-16. - Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12):
In a game with no playoff implications, the “winner” risks losing a higher draft pick. Both teams may tread cautiously. Prediction: Titans 19-17.
NFC East Showdowns
- Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3):
The Eagles can secure the NFC East title with a win and are nearly locked into the NFC’s No. 2 seed. Dallas, eliminated from playoff contention, aims for a winning record in this divisional rivalry. Prediction: Eagles 24-17. - Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5):
The Commanders clinch a playoff berth with a win or a Buccaneers loss. Atlanta, meanwhile, is fighting to keep its NFC South hopes alive. Prediction: Commanders 24-23.
Other Matchups of Note
- Green Bay Packers (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2):
The Vikings aim for the NFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs but face a tough Green Bay team coming off a short week. Prediction: Vikings 27-22. - Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12):
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. A loss solidifies Cleveland’s hold on a top-five draft pick. Prediction: Dolphins 25-16.
Pro Picks Recap
- Best Bet: Chargers over Patriots (23-16).
- Upset Special: Broncos over Bengals (23-22).
- Prime-Time Record: Straight up: 39-14; ATS: 29-23-1.
As Week 17 unfolds, playoff dreams will be solidified, draft boards adjusted, and franchise momentum defined. The stakes are high, and fans can expect dramatic finishes as the season reaches its climax.
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