The NFL is entering its final week and the matchups you thought were gimmes, are likely the opposite. The teams that are locked into a playoff spot are going to take it easy a bit. Meaning the underdogs will have a pretty solid chance and landing a few upsets in the final week of regular season action.
There’s only two teams jostling for a playoff spot right now. They are the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC. The Jets are in control of the playoff aspirations. If they beat Buffalo, they’re in. If Pittsburgh loses, they’re in. It’s that easy. [sc:NFL250 ]The Steelers, on the other hand, have a definite edge on the J-E-T-S. They head to Cleveland to take on an absolutely brutal Browns squad to close out their season. These two games are absolutely huge, which is why we’re not going to talk about them. Let’s chat sleepers instead heading into Week 17.
If you want to see which teams could head to the offseason with their heads held high (or as high as they can be), read ahead. If you’re more interested though in all of the potential winners, check our Writer’s Picks and Predictions here.
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NFL Week 17 Sleepers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+10.5) at Carolina Panthers (-10.5) (1:00 PM ET)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have nothing to lose and dignity to gain. The team started the year 2-4 and it looked like they were destined for another bottom feeding season. However, Jameis Winston defied the odds and brought the team out of the tank. The Bucs were 6-6 heading into Week 14, which had the team filled with playoff aspirations. Their latest three-game losing streak has them on the outside looking in yet again though and all they have now is a chance to spoil.
The Panthers are coming off a loss last week and have a chance to either win the NFC/NFL’s best team title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, or lose and finish second in the conference. The team finally looks human again and has shown that they are beatable, if there’s a solid game plan in place. The Bucs have the power to upset and have beaten some decent teams this season. If they can pull it off, they can not only add fuel to their NFC South rivalry, but they can also prove my earlier prediction correct.
Writer’s Prediction: Bucs wake up and spoil 32-28
Baltimore Ravens (+9) at Cincinnati Bengals (-9) (1:00 PM ET)
How in the hell are the Baltimore Ravens going to upset the Cincinnati Bengals? It’s not too far fetched. Both teams are a story of backup quarterbacks. The Bengals are on a one-game losing streak with AJ McCarron at the helm following last week’s overtime loss on Monday Night Football in Denver. McCarron could only muster 200 yards and a touchdown in the game and it flat out wasn’t enough. Add that lackluster performance to the fact that he’s also entering the final week with a wrist sprain.
As for the Ravens, in this game, we have an opportunity on our hands. It’s a chance for Ryan Mallett to help cement himself a backup job next season in Baltimore. The former Texan was brought in in an emergency fashion a few weeks ago, after backup Matt Schaub went down with injury and Jimmy Claussen disappointed. The team has been nothing short of awful this season and has fallen even further without Joe Flacco.
After knocking off Pittsburgh last week though, if Ryan Mallett can take out another threatening crew, he may have enough of a case to land himself a job next season. Watch for the kid to come out firing on Sunday.
Writer’s Prediction: The Ravens beat the Bengals 10-6. It’s going to be a barn burner!
Minnesota Vikings (+3.5) at Green Bay Packers (-3.5) (1:00 PM ET)
The Minnesota Vikings have a chance at winning the NFC North title by beating the Green Bay Packers. After a tremendous start to the year, the Packers have had nothing but problems. If it’s not Eddie Lacy not showing up, it’s James Starks. If it’s not James Starks, it’s Aaron Rodgers. If it’s not the offense, it’s the defense. From top to bottom, the Pack have had a very sad and powerless attack more often than not throughout the whole year. Aaron Rodgers recently told reports, they’ll “show up when it matters”. It obviously matters in the playoffs, but in this week’s divisional showdown…it absolutely 100% matters!
The Vikes, on the other hand, have been fantastic since their blowout loss to Seattle in Week 13. They came up short the following week, but gave Arizona (arguably the best team in the league) one heck of a run for their money. They then took out the Bears and Giants while averaging over 40 points per game in the process. Adrian Peterson put up 104 yards and a touchdown against the NYG last week, while the defense added three picks.
Minnesota is peaking at the right time, while the Packers are coming off a horrific 38-8 loss to Arizona. A loss where Aaron Rodgers was sacked nine times! Nine times!
Writer’s Prediction: Minnesota wins the game and the division 38-28.
