For almost three decades, Week 17 of the NFL season was normally the last chance for teams to get into the playoffs.
With the new, expanded schedule however, Week 17 will be the penultimate act with 13 AFC teams still alive in the race for Super Bowl LVI.
Over in the NFC six teams are in the mix for the final two playoff spots and both San Francisco and Philadelphia could clinch a playoff berth with a win and other results going their way.
As is the case with every active sporting league at the moment, the shadow of Covid looms large and could turn many of these games on his head.
Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens
Though injuries to key starters have decimated the Ravens (8-7) all season, they still have about a 30 percent chance to make the postseason. But there is little wiggle room, and a loss to the Rams (11-4) would essentially end their playoff hopes. It is unclear if quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) will be available but his backup, Tyler Huntley, came off the Covid-19 list this week and is expected to start. Either of them will have a tough task against Los Angeles’s pass rush, which is tied for fourth in the N.F.L. in sacks with 42. Baltimore’s secondary, also depleted by injuries, has allowed the most passing yards per game this season (280.5), which should excite Matthew Stafford. But if Baltimore plays with a sense of urgency, and Stafford produces a turnover or two, and if Jackson plays, the Ravens can keep the score within the spread.
Prediction: Ravens +7
New York Giants at Chicago Bears
We at SportsBettingAce found this game very exiting to win an easy bet. Both teams were terrible this season and they have nothing left except to play their final games of the season. Therefore with nothing to prove or decide and only the pride left at this game, we see Bears as a winner but the Over\Under line with only 36.5 points according to us its a New Years gift. We recommend taking it.
Prediction: Over 36.5
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots
The Raiders cannot spot the run usually. They also struggle with containing the downfield passing game when they can’t get to the quarterback. Those elements play right into the hands of Jonathan Taylor and their passing game behind their strong offensive line. Indianapolis’ defense also stops the run and protects against stretching the field. That’s also bad for Josh Jacobs and Derek Carr.
Prediction: Under 46
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Football Team
The Eagles may have another shakeup in the backfield without Miles Sanders but they will stick to a run-heavy game plan that just worked against Washington less than two weeks ago. But last week, they also gained more confidence in Jalen Hurts throwing downfield when he and his running mates couldn’t produce at will against the Giants. The Eagles open it up again to win, while Washington digs deep to show some needed fight for Ron Rivera. Football Team are very unpredictable team and since they lost 3 in a row while the Eagles won three in a row, we find this game as very exiting and unpredictable with advantage given on the Football Team to surprise the Eagles .
Prediction: Washington Football Team ML
Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers
It is possible to read too much into one result and that is why the Texans win over the Chargers last week is going to be treated as an anomaly rather than an encouraging sign. However the 49ers loss to the Titans raised major questions over the offence’s ability to score enough points against good teams. Defensively the 49ers did not do a whole lot wrong last week and they should be able to keep them under 20 points. And they may need to with Jimmy Garoppolo battling a thumb injury and Trey Lance still very much an unproven commodity at this level. San Francisco should win this game however the price looks too low given the issues in San Francisco.
Prediction: 49ers – 13.5
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
The Vikings cracked against the Rams and didn’t even make it a close game in the end, despite three interceptions in their favor. Minnesota’s offense is predictably sound, based on the running game but also locked with a dominant No. 1 receiver in Justin Jefferson. Sean Mannion’s surprise passing will keep his team team in it for a while, but the big problem for Minnesota is defense that cannot stop the run or cover much of anything outside downfield. Aaron Rodgers makes sure another playoff-desperate team doesn’t even have a chance to steal one at Lambeau.
Prediction : Vikings +14