Two division titles and several playoff spots remain up in the air as the
NFL gets to the final week of the regular season in this improbable year
known as 2020.
The NFC East and AFC South divisions still haven't been clinched and there are three teams in the mix for the NFC East crown. The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team both have 6-9 records and the New York Giants (5-10) are in the mix because if they beat Dallas and the Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1) can knock off the Washington team on Sunday night, then the Giants take the division title as a result of them having won both games against Washington this season. If Washington wins their game, they win the division title because they swept the Cowboys this season. Dallas must win and get help from the Eagles to win the division.
The AFC South is much simpler to settle. If the Tennessee Titans (10-5) win at Houston on Sunday, they win the division. If they lose, then the Indianapolis Colts (also 10-5) can take the division title by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-14), who own the league's worst record. The Colts are in danger of missing the playoffs even if they win because they have the Titans ahead of them as well as three other teams in the mix for the three remaining wild card spots. Miami, Baltimore and Cleveland all have 10-5 records as they pursue the wild card spots to make the post-season.
If either the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens or Cleveland Browns win their games, they are in the playoffs as wild card teams. The Colts can get in either as a division winner or a wild card depending on how things shake out in Week 17 action. Same with the Tennessee Titans holds true. One wild card (no pun intended) in this whole scenario is the Browns, who have COVID-19 issues they are dealing with as numerous players and staff have tested positive and the team facilities remained shut down this morning. The Browns were without six players last week, including their top two wide receivers, in a loss against the lowly New York Jets that cost them a chance to clinch a playoff spot.
The NFC wild card playoff picture is much simpler as three teams have a shot at getting the two remaining playoff spots. The Los Angeles Rams (9-6) are in the driver's seat, but have major injury problems as two key players are out with injuries for the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals (8-7) on Sunday. Rams starting quarterback Jared Goff is out as he has a broken thumb on his throwing hand and wide receiver Cooper Kupp will miss the game due to COVID-19 protocols while running back Darrell Henderson is out with an ankle sprain and (RB) Cam Akers is also questionable with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears (8-7) have played their way back into the playoff mix with three consecutive wins following a six-game losing streak. They will host the Green Bay Packers (12-3) on Sunday and if they win, they are in as the seventh and final playoff team in the NFC. The Packers need to win to wrap up the top spot and a first round playoff bye. Not to mention these two teams form the NFL's oldest rivalry and Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers continues to play at an MVP level, leading the league with 44 touchdown passes.
All in all, it has been truly amazing the NFL hasn't had to cancel or scale back games on the schedule this year with the COVID-19 pandemic and it appears things will continue on as normal as could be in this bizarre year. Here is hoping for better and safer things in the coming year ahead and the Heftyinfo previews for the Week Seventeen games follow in the capsule style format and the predictions as well.
Miami (10-5) at Buffalo (12-3) - The Dolphins are fighting for their playoff lives and will not have "Fitz Magic" to rescue them this time around as he is out due to COVID-19 protocols. Meanwhile, the Bills are rolling hot right now, so Tua Tagovailoa and company better be ready.
Dallas (6-9) at New York Giants (5-10) - The winner of this game has no promise to make the NFC playoffs, but one thing for sure - the loser is eliminated.
Baltimore (10-5) at Cincinnati (4-10-1) - The Ravens are rolling just as hot as any NFL team right now, but the Bengals have won two straight, so they won't just roll over.
Pittsburgh (12-3) at Cleveland (10-5) - The Steelers are the AFC North division winners, so they will be resting their starters. The Browns need to get things right this week as they battle the COVID-19 problems with their team. Toss up here.
Minnesota (6-9) at Detroit (5-10) - Who cares?
Atlanta (4-11) at Tampa Bay (10-5) - The Buccaneers should continue to roll as they prepare for the playoffs. Falcons are looking forward to better things in the new year ahead.
New York Jets (2-13) at New England (6-9) - Can the Jets make it three wins in a row? It's possible.
Los Angeles Chargers (6-9) at Kansas City (14-1) - Chargers could win this game because the Chiefs are sitting their starters as they already have clinched home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Green Bay (12-3) at Chicago (8-7) - Packers looking to blast their arch rivals here and lock up the top spot in the NFC playoffs. Bears could still back into the playoffs even if they do lose this game.
Seattle (11-4) at San Francisco (6-9) - (Game being played in Glendale, AZ) - The Seahawks can still get the top seed in the NFC, so they will be going full strength. The 49ers can play spoilers and help the Green Bay Packers out with a win.
Jacksonville (1-14) at Indianapolis (10-5) - The Jaguars opened the season with a win over the Colts and haven't won since then. The Colts desperately need this win. Take the Colts.
New Orleans (11-4) at Carolina (5-10) - Saints just looking to stay healthy as they get ready for the playoffs and still could get the top seed in NFC with a victory and some help. Panthers will make this a tough game for the Saints for sure.
Tennessee (10-5) at Houston (4-11) - The Titans got whooped last weekend, so they will be ready to win this game and clinch the AFC South division.
Las Vegas (7-8) at Denver (5-10) - Both of these are reeling heading into the season finale. Toss up.
Arizona (8-7) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6) - The Cardinals are in a must win game against an injury depleted Rams team. Toss up here as well with playoff implications looming.
Washington (6-9) at Philadelphia (4-10-1) - Can the Eagles play spoiler and keep the Washington team out of the playoffs? It's very possible, plus Washington isn't assured of having Alex Smith back as the starting quarterback for this one. Toss up in the Sunday night game.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Seventeen . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Buffalo over Miami
Dallas over N.Y. Giants
Baltimore over Cincinnati
Cleveland over Pittsburgh
Minnesota over Detroit
Tampa Bay over Atlanta
New England over N.Y. Jets
L.A. Chargers over Kansas City
Green Bay over Chicago
Seattle over San Francisco
INDIANAPOLIS over Jacksonville
New Orleans over Carolina
Tennessee over Houston
Denver over Las Vegas
Arizona over L.A. Rams
Philadelphia over Washington
Last Week's Record - 12-4
SEASON RECORD - 169-70-1
Lock of the Week Record - 13-3
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