It’s NFL Week 17 prediction time, and there are some incredibly important games to watch for the AFC and NFC playoff draws.
Matchup
Dallas Cowboys
11-4
Tennessee Titans
7-8
Thursday, December 29
20 h 20 ET
The Titans have no quarterback and no motivation. It might be a blast for the Cowboys.
Pick: Dallas 27, Tennessee 6
Matchup
Arizona Cardinals
4-11
Atlanta Falcons
5-10
Sunday January 1
1 p.m. ET
If you’re thinking of watching this game, you should know that you hit rock bottom, descended regarding 50 meters, and slammed into the core of the earth.
Pick: Atlanta 20, Arizona 17
Matchup
Carolina Panthers
6-9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7-8
Sunday, January 1
1 p.m. ET
It’s sort of for the NFC South title. If the Bucs win, they’re in. If Carolina wins, she will have to face the Saints in Week 18 to earn a playoff spot.
Pick: Tampa Bay 19, Carolina 17
Matchup
Chicago Bears
3-12
Detroit Lions
7-8
Sunday, January 1
1 p.m. ET
Detroit needs to win and get help. It starts with a victory over the Bears in their home final. Chicago is still struggling, but the Lions are better.
Pick: Detroit 34, Chicago 27
Matchup
Cleveland Browns
6-9
Washington Commanders
7-7-1
Sunday January 1
1 p.m. ET
Carson Wentz is back as a starter, which is great news for the Browns. Washington was a disaster with Wentz. But this is Cleveland, and Deshaun Watson was terrible.
Pick: Washington 23, Cleveland 20
Matchup
Denver Broncos
4-11
Kansas City Chiefs
12-3
Sunday, January 1
1 p.m. ET
It feels like a game where Denver is barely trying, because there’s no fighting left. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are trying to secure the top spot in the AFC.
Pick: Kansas City 38, Denver 13
Matchup
Indianapolis Colts
4-10-1
New York Giants
8-6-1
Sunday January 1
1 p.m. ET
The Giants secure a playoff spot right here. The Colts don’t beat anyone, let alone a postseason contender, with Nick Foles.
Pick: New York 17, Indianapolis 15
Matchup
Jacksonville Jaguars
7-8
Houston Texans
2-12-1
Sunday January 1
1 p.m. ET
Houston beat the Jaguars earlier this year, but don’t expect a repeat. Jacksonville is playing its best game at the right time.
Pick: Jacksonville 30, Houston 20
Matchup
Miami Dolphins
8-7
New England Patriots
7-8
Sunday, January 1
1 p.m. ET
Miami is in freefall right now. The Patriots can’t score, but it looks like a game where New England gets a game-ending pick-six.
Pick: New England 22, Miami 17
Matchup
New Orleans Saints
6-9
Philadelphia Eagles
13-2
Sunday January 1
1 p.m. ET
The Eagles are not going to be shy. They will seize the advantage of the field and offer themselves a bye in week 18.
Pick: Philadelphia 33, New Orleans 20
Following : Late window and primetime
