With the NFL regular season winding down to its final two weeks, Week 17 promises high stakes. Teams are jockeying for playoff spots, while the race for the No. 1 draft pick remains hot in both conferences. The slate features marquee matchups, a battle for the top seed, and a showdown between the two teams with the worst records that could seal the top draft position.
Thursday Night: Three Christmas Day Games
The action begins on Thursday with three Christmas Day games. The headline matchup pits the 12-3 Denver Broncos against the 6-9 Kansas City Chiefs, a game that carries the weight of the AFC’s No. 1 seed for the Chiefs. The other two Thursday games, while not listed with opponents in the article, are part of the same Christmas Day slate.
Saturday’s Two-Game Day
Saturday returns to a two-game schedule. Both games feature teams with playoff ties. The AFC battle between the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Chargers is particularly telling for each team’s chances to make a run. While the article does not provide the scores, the matchup is highlighted as a key contest for playoff positioning.
Sunday’s Early Slate
The early Sunday games focus on teams fighting for momentum and playoff odds. The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to keep their momentum going for the top seed, while the Indianapolis Colts are battling for playoff odds at home. In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks travel to face the NFC South-leading Carolina Panthers, a game that could help the Seahawks avoid a trap matchup.
Late Sunday Window
Only two games form the late Sunday window. The New York Giants host the Las Vegas Raiders, both teams holding a 2-13 record. This game may determine which team secures the No. 1 draft pick in April. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Buffalo to face the Bills, a matchup that will test each side’s qualities.
Sunday Night Football
NBC’s Sunday Night Football features an NFC showdown between the 11-4 San Francisco 49ers and the 11-4 Chicago Bears. Brock Purdy and his teammates control their own destiny for the No. 1 seed if they win out, while Caleb Williams’ side aims to make a statement under the lights.
Monday Night Football
The week concludes with Monday Night Football, featuring the 11-4 Los Angeles Rams visiting the 6-9 Atlanta Falcons. With the Rams owning Atlanta’s first-round pick this year, a Falcons upset would alter both the draft board and the No. 1-seed race.
Notable Game Results
- Seattle erased a 16-point deficit against LA on Thursday night.
- Philadelphia repeats as NFC East champions.
- Chicago rallies in overtime.
- Buffalo survives in Cleveland.
- Tennessee upsets Kansas City.
These results set the stage for the high-stakes matchups in Week 17.
Playoff Implications
The Week 17 games carry significant playoff implications. The Bears-49ers clash could decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Texans-Chargers game is pivotal for AFC playoff positioning. The Giants-Raiders matchup may determine the top draft pick, while the Eagles-Bills game tests teams with playoff aspirations.
Draft Pick Stakes
The two teams with the worst records-New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders-face each other, and the winner could secure the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. This matchup adds a layer of drama to the late Sunday window.
Key Takeaways
- Week 17 features marquee matchups that could decide playoff seeds.
- The Bears-49ers game is a prime contender for the NFC No. 1 spot.
- The Giants-Raiders game may lock in the top draft pick.
Closing
As the NFL enters its final two weeks, Week 17 delivers high-pressure games that could shape the playoff landscape and the draft board. Fans can expect thrilling contests as teams fight for victory and the coveted top seed.
