NFL week 17 sees three teams on the outside of the playoffs looking in. In the AFC, the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers are still fighting for a postseason berth. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are the only NFC team still alive. All three teams not only need to win, but they need other teams ahead of them to lose.
The Steelers week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints combined with the Baltimore Ravens’ win bounced them out of the playoff picture. The Eagles kept their slim hopes alive thanks to a win over the Houston Texans. However, the Dallas Cowboys’ and Seattle Seahawks’ wins keep them outside of postseason going into the ultimate week of play.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cincinnati Bengals would love nothing more than to eliminate their AFC North rivals from the playoffs. However, the Bengals are not very good and proved it once more with a loss to the Cleveland Browns in week 16.
Pittsburgh could still miss the playoffs with a win, but Ben Roethlisberger and company must ensure they get a victory first. A Baltimore Ravens’ loss and Steelers win would ensure the AFC North title. The Steelers do have the Titans in front of them. Tennessee’s week 17 result will directly affect the Steelers.
According to ZCode System, the Bengals are ‘dead’, while the Steelers are ‘ice cold down’. Cincinnati has nothing to play for once more, and hopefully, fans will see Marvin Lewis fired. The Steelers have won their last seven games against the Bengals. Week 17 will make it eight games with a win.
Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins
Philadelphia travels to Washington to play the Redskins and must win to have any hopes of making the playoffs. The Eagles need the Minnesota Vikings to lose as well. The Vikings will play the NFC North champion Chicago Bears, so there is a good chance they could lose. Chicago may choose to play backups to rest key starters for the first round of the playoffs, however.
ZCode System’s prediction has the Eagles as the favorite at 59 percent. The Redskins are ‘dead’ while the Eagles are ‘burning hot’. Quarterback Nick Foles threw for 471 yards and four touchdowns in week 16. Since coming on for Carson Wentz in week 15, he has led the Eagles to back to back wins.
The Eagles have won three straight games against Washington and will win a fourth in week 17.
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans
The playoffs come early for the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans. Week 17 will be a playoff game as the winner will earn a playoff berth. Both teams are 9-6 and are ‘burning hot’. The Colts have won five of their last six games while the Titans have won four straight.
The Colts won the previous meeting between the two teams, 38-10, in November. They have dominated the last seven games with five wins.
While the Colts have been great in recent meetings, this game has added significance. It will also be played in Nashville. Due to the playoff atmosphere surrounding the game, expect a close finish with the Titans coming up with an upset win.
Winner: Tennessee Titans
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