Written by: Tyler Deakin
Happy New Year everybody! None of your favorite teams have won a football game yet this year. That’s not to say that any team gets a clean slate in terms of their record, but it is to say that when the calendar flips, the important games begin. Several teams are hanging onto the outskirts of the playoff picture, although few teams have been eliminated from contention yet. There are seven teams with possible playoff clinching scenarios this weekend. The simplest scenarios to understand are those for the Bengals, Colts, & Titans. For these teams, it’s essentially “win and you’re in.” Now that we know what’s on the line, let’s dive into the games.
Browns (7-8) at Steelers (7-7-1): Monday Night Football
Ben Roethlisberger is 6-0 at home on Monday Night Football heading into what is likely the final home game of his career. Will Big Ben keep this impressive streak alive, or will Myles Garrett & the Browns have the last laugh? Playoff hopes for both of these teams are growing slim, and yet both teams still have a shot at the division title heading into Week 17. To do that though, one of these teams needs to win out & have a lot of help along the way to make it into the tournament. Both teams are motivated to give it their all in this primetime divisional affair.
Rams (11-4) at Ravens (8-7)
Huge win for the Rams over the Vikings last week, as the win gives them a chance to clinch the #1 seed & NFC West division title should they keep playing well down the stretch. Meanwhile, the Ravens just got blown out by the Bengals (again) and the team looks lost at sea. Ravens QB Tyler Huntley returns from the COVID List this week, but it’s not looking good for Lamar Jackson. The Rams would clinch the NFC West title this week with a win & a Cardinals loss. Neither team is lacking in motivation heading into their most important game of the year.
Cardinals (10-5) at Cowboys (11-4)
Boy, the Cardinals have really fallen off haven’t they? After losing to the lowly Lions two weeks ago, the team turned around & lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Colts last weekend. Despite all of that, they somehow clinched a playoff berth last weekend despite the tough loss. Conversely, the Cowboys just clinched the NFC East title with a dominant win over Washington. Surprisingly, the Cardinals still have a chance to win their division too. The Cowboys are currently the NFC’s #2 seed, meaning that they are still in contention for the #1 seed. This is a battle of NFC heavyweights that could also be a potential playoff preview for these teams.
Chiefs (11-4) at Bengals (9-6)
There are big-time AFC playoff implications resulting from the outcome of this game. A win here for the Bengals would give them their first AFC North division title since 2015. The Chiefs are also in it to win it, as they would secure the AFC’s #1 seed with a win & a Titans loss. Patrick Mahomes vs. Joe Burrow in the biggest game of the year? Sign me up for all of that.
Dolphins (8-7) at Titans (10-5)
“The Dolphins (8-7) are the first team in NFL history to win seven consecutive games and lose seven consecutive games in the same season.” They haven’t lost since Halloween, but they also haven’t played anyone of significance (except for the Ravens) since then either. We’re going to find out a lot about the Dolphins the next couple weeks as they finish their season by playing against the Titans & Patriots. Meanwhile, the Titans have seemingly righted the ship after winning their primetime game against the 49ers & jumping into the AFC’s #2 seed. It’s possible for them to clinch the AFC South division title this weekend by winning this game.
Raiders (8-7) at Colts (9-6)
Last but not least, let’s talk about how the Raiders are still alive in the playoff hunt. They’ve overcome all odds to be in position to make the playoffs; although I have my doubts that they’ll be able to do it. The team needs to win out & needs plenty of help along the way to secure their first playoff berth since 2016. This is a “win & you’re in” scenario for the Colts, who would secure a playoff spot with a victory. They also have an outside shot at winning the division should they win out & the Titans lose out. Will MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor carry the team to glory this weekend? Also, will Carson Wentz return from the COVID list in time?