2016 Week 17 Other Games Discussion

[JO_75]

The regular season is finally coming to a close with the playoffs right around the corner. With not much but seeding to be taken care of, the 2016 NFL Playoff picture is basically set. The Patriots look to win the number one seed in the AFC, while the Seahawks and Falcons battle for the two seed. The main course though is a NFC North battle between the Packers and the Lions. How will the 2016 playoff picture shape up and what outcomes will change the course of the 2017 NFL Draft?

Texans @ Titans: The Texans locked up the AFC South last week so this game is one of many meaningless games. For the Titans, they are just hoping Mariota recovers 100% from his torn fibula and continues his growth and gets them into the playoffs next year.

Panthers @ Bucs: There is a crazy scenario in which the Bucs can make the playoffs. Basically a win, Redskins Tie, Packers Loss and they need the Titans, Colts, Cowboys and 49ers all to win to clinch Strength of Victory tiebreaker over GB. So a long shot but like the Titans the Bucs can only hope for continued improvement by Jameis Winston.

Jaguars @ Colts: Coincendence that Bortles played a lot better without Gus Bradley? Maybe so but we'll see again this week. Then again, it might be easy to do against the Colts defense. Speaking of, this will be Robert Mathis' last game as he is retiring after Sunday, so the Colts look to send him off in a positive note with a win.

Patriots @ Dolphins: The Dolphins are in the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and look to spoil the Patriots run at being the number one seed. They spoiled their chances of the number one seed last year and have won 4 straight against the Patriots in Miami. Will Miami be spoiler once again or will the Patriots take claim to the number one seed?

Bears @ Vikings: Who would have guessed the Vikings would be looking to finish 8-8 after starting off the year 5-0? Either way this game will be interesting to watch on Sunday. With speculation that this may be the last time Adrian Peterson wears a Vikings jersey, and with the rumored mutiny on defense, will the Vikings implode or will the Vikings come together to build momentum toward the offseason?

Bills @ Jets: Rex Ryan was fired, Tyrod Taylor is benched, Ryan Fitzpatrick will start for the Jets, and besides draft implications this game is meh.

Cowboys @ Eagles: Nothing really matters here unless your a Browns fan hoping for one final Eagles loss to ensure their first round pick is as high as it can be. Dallas looks to end the year 14-2 and go into the playoff BYE with momentum. 

Browns @ Steelers: With reports of the Steelers resting starters, the Browns may happen to win another game which could cost them in the draft. The 49ers are playing Seattle, and with an expected loss there both teams will be tied at 2 wins each. The 49ers would have the Strength of Schedule tiebreaker giving them the inside track to the top QB or Myles Garrett. 

Saints @ Falcons: The Falcons can lock in a playoff bye with a win, while the Saints look to end the season on a high note in which could be Drew Brees' and Sean Payton's last game together. 

Giants @ Redskins: The Giants look to keep their division rival Redskins out of the playoffs while the Redskins need a win to stay alive heading into the SNF game between the Lions and Packers. In a scenario in which they win, the Redskins can jump the loser of the Packers/Lions for the sixth seed in the NFC. 

Cardinals @ Rams: Both teams are just looking to find a win to end the season a high note. 

Raiders @ Broncos: The Football gods must hate the Raiders, why would they injure Derek Carr just as they are fighting for home field advantage plus the AFC West Title. While Trevor Siemian will start, Paxton Lynch will play a little as well on Sunday. Can Matt McGloin step in and take the Raiders to the AFC West and potentially Home Field Advantage?

Chiefs @ Chargers: The Chargers look to spoil the Chiefs run at the AFC West Title. With Mike McCoy reportingly out after Sunday, the Chargers will probably mail it in and look toward the offseason in a year full of what ifs.

Seahawks @ 49ers: The Seahawks can take the 2 seed from Atlanta with a win and Falcons loss, which would be huge. The race for the number one draft pick is heating up as a loss and Browns win will give the 49ers the first overall pick. A pick they haven't had since.... 2005. 

Packers @ Lions: Aaron Rodgers looks to guide the Pack to another NFC North Title after such a rough middle stretch of the season. It looked like Rodgers was done, in a decline, Mike McCarthy's seat was starting to get hot. Then the Packers got hot while the Lions cooled off. The Lions look to claim their first division title since 1993 and a playoff spot. To the loser of this game, beware of a Redskins win as the loser goes home after Sunday.

[Nge2grads]

Thank you, Jo, for always providing lots of information about every game in the NFL each week.  I always appreciate reading your comprehensive take on every game.  Seems like it has been a quick regular season.  

[Nge2grads]

And it looks like the Browns are up over the Steelers.  Go figure!

[JO_75]

16 minutes ago, Nge2grads said:

And it looks like the Browns are up over the Steelers.  Go figure!

Steelers rested Ben, Brown and Bell. Steelers mailing it in with the division locked. 

Looks like San Fran is going to win the first overall pick via tiebreaker over Cleveland of they both finish with 2 wins. 

[JO_75]

Tony Romo played for the first time since Thanksgiving 2015, and led a 6 play 81 yard TD drive. Yet Cowboys only lead 13-10 over the Eagles.

[JO_75]

If the Texans had lost last week, the Titans would be well on their way to winning the AFC South. Titans lead 21-7 over the Texans.

[JO_75]

Browns-Steelers heading to OT tied at 21.

[JO_75]

With the Patriots win, the Dolphins are locked into the 6th seed and will travel to Pittsburgh in the Wild Card Round.

[darklight1216]

17 minutes ago, JO_75 said:

With the Patriots win, the Dolphins are locked into the 6th seed and will travel to Pittsburgh in the Wild Card Round.

What might have been...

 

Oh Cleveland, a flag puts the ball at the 2 yard line and you throw twice for -14 yards. 

[OUravensfan]

Wow Cleveland is a joke, funny to hear their delusional fans excited about Hue Jackson, I just don't see it

[Nge2grads]

Browns being the Browns, Steelers win again.

[ludy51]

Steelers didn't deserve that one

[JO_75]

Some interesting developments in the AFC West battle. Broncos lead the Raiders 7-0, while the Chargers just scored on the Chiefs making it a 10-3 lead. 

[JO_75]

49ers lead 14-3 over the Seahawks early. A win would put them at 3-13 and in a three way tie with the Jags and Bears for picks 2-4.

[Nge2grads]

Are the Redskins going to put up some points today?  

[redlobster]

Marcus peters is a monster. Imagine him across from jimmy smith and tavon young covering the slot.

[ludy51]

13 minutes ago, redlobster said:

Marcus peters is a monster. Imagine him across from jimmy smith and tavon young covering the slot.

Or Ramsey.... *Sobs*

[JO_75]

The Raiders without Carr is like the Colts without Manning or Luck. Getting blown out 17-0 by the Broncos.

[DomMcRaven]

The Dolphins losing is the reason why I can't stand the Bills now. I STILL remember beating us in 2013, but losing to all of our other divisional rivals. Then there was last season, where they HAD to beat the Jets and help the Steelers get in. Then there was this season, where they were useless against both the Steelers and Dolphins. Smh.  

[redlobster]

3 minutes ago, JO_75 said:

The Raiders without Carr is like the Colts without Manning or Luck. Getting blown out 17-0 by the Broncos.

Yeah what a shame, this afc playoff field is trash.

 

houston , Miami, and Oakland . If Baltimore made it, only KC and Ne would be a threat 

[JO_75]

Kyle Shanahan is going to have plenty of teams at his doorstep this offseason. Falcons offense is killing it against this Saints team.

[JO_75]

The Redskins have been eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Giants locking the Lions into the playoffs. Meaning tonight's game between the Lions and Packers will not only be for the NFC North but also determine who will be the 3 seed, and who will be the sixth seed.

[JO_75]

The Chiefs have officially clinched the AFC West and the number two seed in the AFC. Meaning Wild Card weekend will see the best QB matchup in playoff history... Tom Savage/Brock Osweiler vs Connor Cook as both Savage and McGloin suffered injuries in today's games. 

[K-Dog]

Well good.

I don't have to hear any crap from Skins fans. 

[allblackraven]

What a let down - no point now watching GB-Lions game

[JO_75]

2 minutes ago, allblackraven said:

What a let down - no point now watching GB-Lions game

Seeding is still on the line. Winner is the fourth seed, loser is the sixth seed. Big difference there, if your the 4th seed then the Giants come to you while the sixth seed goes on the road to Seattle. 

[JO_75]

NFL Parity Effect:

6 of the 12 2015 Playoff Teams didn't make it back to the playoffs this season.

OUT: Broncos, Bengals, Vikings, Redskins, Cardinals and Panthers.

IN: Dolphins, Raiders, Lions, Cowboys, Giants and Falcons

[JO_75]

No pass rush for the Lions. Giving Green Bay the division. 

[allblackraven]

53 minutes ago, JO_75 said:

NFL Parity Effect:

6 of the 12 2015 Playoff Teams didn't make it back to the playoffs this season.

OUT: Broncos, Bengals, Vikings, Redskins, Cardinals and Panthers.

IN: Dolphins, Raiders, Lions, Cowboys, Giants and Falcons

I wish we were on either list

 

[Inqui]

The last time the Cowboys went 13-3, the Giants won the Super Bowl after qualifying as a wild card.