NFL Week 17 Preview: Schedule, storylines and matchups to watch

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The NFL playoff picture is coming into focus, and Week 17 is packed with matchups that could shape the postseason landscape.

From divisional showdowns with major implications to teams fighting for their playoff lives, this week has it all. Our comprehensive preview has the full schedule, key storylines and the matchups to watch as the league enters its final stretch of the regular season.

Click here to jump to a game:

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles (-9)

Storyline of the Game: The Eagles Aim to Secure NFC East Title

The Eagles’ Week 16 stumble dealt a significant blow to their chances of securing the NFC’s top seed. While a slim path to the No. 1 spot remains, Philadelphia will need a series of favorable outcomes, including losses by both Detroit and Minnesota. More immediately, a win against Dallas—or a Washington loss—will crown the Eagles as NFC East champions.

Meanwhile, the Commanders’ victory over Philly in Week 16 officially ended the Cowboys’ playoff hopes. Despite the elimination, Dallas, winners of four of their last five, will look to play spoiler against their divisional rival. Expect the Cowboys to bring intensity to this matchup.

Matchups to Watch: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts vs. Cowboys Secondary

Jalen Hurts’ status remains uncertain as he begins the week in concussion protocol, and the Eagles need their star quarterback not only on the field but at his best. Hurts hasn’t logged a big-time throw since Week 10, which could be problematic against a Dallas defense that has turned a corner in recent weeks.

The Cowboys’ resurgence in coverage is due in large part to the return of Micah Parsons to the pass rush and DaRon Bland’s stellar play in the secondary. Since Week 12, Dallas ranks second in EPA per dropback allowed, presenting a stiff challenge for Philadelphia’s offense.

Additional News:

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts enters concussion protocol following his exit in Week 16.
With Kenny Pickett also banged up, questions swirl around Philadelphia’s quarterback situation heading into Week 17.

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (-10)

Storyline of the Game: Bills Clawing for Playoff Seeding

The Bills face a pivotal Week 17 with playoff positioning on the line. A Chiefs victory on Christmas Day caps Buffalo‘s ceiling at the AFC’s two-seed, but a loss paired with a Ravens win could trigger a cascade of events dropping them to the three-seed—making this matchup crucial to maintain control of their postseason fate.

For the Jets, there’s little left to fight for in terms of standings, but the chance to derail a division rival’s aspirations should provide ample motivation. Despite a lingering knee injury, Aaron Rodgers remains resolute, stating, “There is no way I’m not playing.”

Matchup to Watch: Bills RB James Cook vs. Jets Front-Seven

Josh Allen may dominate headlines, but James Cook has emerged as a linchpin of Buffalo’s offensive success. Ranked ninth among running backs with an 84.5 rushing grade, Cook has been in stellar form, surpassing 100 rushing yards in three of his last four games and scoring four touchdowns in that span.

The Jets’ run defense, however, has been a consistent liability. Ranking 26th in the NFL with a 57.1 team run defense grade, they’ve also allowed a league-high 94 missed tackles on runs. Cook’s recent success, combined with New York’s struggles, sets the stage for a critical advantage for the Bills.

Additional News

Bills LB Baylon Spector placed on IR
Jets T Olumuyiwa Fashanu placed on IR
Aaron Rodgers’ future remains in focus amid swirling reports. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers addressed the speculation: “Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first,” referencing a report from The Athletic highlighting the influence of Woody Johnson’s teenage sons on the Jets organization.

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-1)

Storyline of the Game: Divisional Pride on the Line

With both teams eliminated from playoff contention, the focus shifts to pride in the AFC South. Tied at 3-12, the loser of this game is poised to finish last in the division standings.

The Jaguars edged out the Titans in their Week 14 matchup with a narrow 10-6 victory, rallying with a 10-point fourth quarter after being shut out through three frames. Expect both teams to approach this rematch with determination as they fight to end disappointing seasons on a positive note.

Matchup to Watch: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Titans CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.

Brian Thomas Jr. has been a beacon of hope for Jacksonville's future, showcasing his playmaking ability down the stretch. The rookie wideout has earned an impressive 80.3 PFF receiving grade this season and delivered standout performances in recent weeks, amassing 19 receptions for 237 yards and three touchdowns over his last two games.

Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Tennessee’s first-year cornerback, faces a tough challenge in containing Thomas. Struggling for consistency, Brownlee has posted a 54.3 PFF coverage grade while allowing 8.4 yards per coverage target, making this a potential mismatch to watch closely.

Additional News:

Jaguars T Walker Little (ankle) ruled out for Week 17.

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8)

Storyline of the Game: Bucs on the Bubble Fighting to Get In

The Buccaneers’ Week 16 loss snapped their four-game win streak and put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. Currently on the bubble, Tampa Bay can reclaim the NFC South lead with a win and a Falcons loss on Sunday night. If Atlanta wins, the Bucs won’t be eliminated but will find themselves in a tiebreaker quagmire involving Washington.

Carolina, meanwhile, embraced the spoiler role in Week 16 by extinguishing Arizona’s slim playoff hopes. The Panthers now turn their attention to another divisional foe with playoff aspirations. While their victory pushed them to the projected No. 8 draft pick, the Panthers are seeing promising growth from their young core—something fans can rally behind.

Matchups to Watch: Panthers HB Chuba Hubbard vs. Bucs Front-Seven

Chuba Hubbard has been a bright spot for Carolina despite their elimination from playoff contention. The Panthers’ back is coming off his best game of the season, rushing for over 150 yards and two touchdowns, earning an 87.6 PFF rushing grade—his highest of the year.

The last time these teams met in Week 13, Tampa Bay’s front seven dominated Hubbard, holding him to just 43 rushing yards and forcing his first fumble of the season. Hubbard’s struggles contributed to his season-low 49.2 rushing grade in that matchup.

Additional News:

Bucs S Jordan Whitehead designated to return from IR.
Panthers QB Bryce Young (hamstring) logs a full practice to start the week.

Las Vegas Raiders (-1) @ New Orleans Saints

Storyline of the Game: NFL draft Position on the line

The Raiders snapped a 10-game losing streak in Week 16, earning a win that prompted head coach Antonio Pierce to declare, “We don’t do this to lose.” The victory bumped Vegas outside the projected top five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but with their first game as road favorites this season, the Raiders don’t seem poised to back down quietly.

The Saints, meanwhile, are coming off a 34-0 primetime shutout loss to the Packers, marking the NFL’s first shutout of 2024. With a roster plagued by injuries, New Orleans faces significant challenges in closing out what has been a frustrating season.

Matchup to Watch: Saints RB Kendre Miller vs. Raiders Run Defense

With Alvin Kamara sidelined last week, the Saints turned to second-year running back Kendre Miller to inject life into their ground game. Despite limited opportunities, Miller has impressed, earning an 83.0 PFF rushing grade this season.

The Raiders, for all their struggles, have displayed solid run defense. Ranked 12th in the league with a 69.6 team run defense grade, they’ve shown consistency in earning positive grades on nearly 65% of their run defense snaps.

Additional News

Raiders TE Brock Bowers made history as the first rookie tight end to record 100 catches and the third to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara remains questionable, potentially missing his second straight game.

Indianapolis Colts (-7.5) @ New York Giants

Storyline of the Game: Colts Need Help to Secure Playoff Berth

The Colts head into Week 17 on the brink of elimination. Wins by both the Broncos and Chargers on Saturday would officially end their postseason hopes before they even take the field. A loss by either team would keep Indianapolis alive, but their playoff prospects remain slim at just 13%, per PFF’s model, requiring a chaotic series of events to go their way.

The Giants, long out of the postseason race, are now focused on salvaging some pride and developing chemistry ahead of what promises to be a transformative offseason. Drew Lock is expected to start under center but remains limited by an injury early in the week.

Matchup to Watch: Colts Offensive Line vs. Giants Run Defense

Indianapolis’ offensive line has been a cornerstone of their success, earning a top-five team run-blocking grade (76.2). This strength has bolstered Jonathan Taylor’s late-season surge and kept the Colts competitive.

For the Giants, the absence of interior lineman Dexter Lawrence (83.8 run defense grade) has been glaring. Last week, they surrendered 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns to Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson. Since Week 14, the Giants rank 25th in team run defense grade (56.6), leaving them vulnerable to Taylor and the Colts' ground game.

Additional News:

Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers and RB Tyrone Tracy missed practice to start the week.
Colts signed G Mark Glowinski to the active roster.

Miami Dolphins (-6.5) @ Cleveland Browns

Storyline of the Game: Dolphins' Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

The Dolphins face an uphill battle to keep their postseason dreams alive. By kickoff, Miami may already be eliminated if the Chargers and Broncos secure victories on Saturday. A loss by either team would leave the door open for the Dolphins, but only if they can win out—starting with a challenging road trip to Cleveland, where winter weather looms large.

The Browns, meanwhile, have seen their season unravel, mustering just 13 points over the last two games. Cleveland is currently in line for the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with little left to play for beyond individual performances and development.

Matchups to Watch: Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs. Dolphins Pass-Rush

Cleveland’s reliance on Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been rocky, particularly in protecting the pocket. The rookie quarterback was sacked five times in Week 16, with a significant portion of the pressure attributed to his own struggles to navigate the rush.

Miami’s pass rush has been inconsistent but productive of late, ranking among the top seven in sack rate (8.3%) over the past three games. This matchup could prove pivotal in determining whether the Dolphins' defense can keep the team afloat.

Additional News:

Browns ED Myles Garrett reached 100 career sacks, tying Hall of Famer Bruce Smith for the fourth-fastest all-time to do so.
Per Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins may release veteran DL Calais Campbell if eliminated, allowing him to join a playoff-bound team.
Dolphins ED Bradley Chubb (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (-1.5)

Storyline of the Game: Crucial NFC North Playoff Preview

The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Vikings fight to keep their NFC North title hopes alive and remain in the hunt for the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. To stay in the race, Minnesota must take care of business at home against the Packers. A loss, coupled with a Lions victory, would hand the division crown to Detroit. A win, however, puts the pressure back on Detroit heading into a potential Week 18 showdown for the division.

The Packers are equally motivated, with a chance to turn the NFC playoff picture upside down. A road upset in Minnesota could create a ripple effect that positions Green Bay to snatch the fifth seed. Riding a 5-2 stretch over their last seven games, the Packers have found their form and look ready to spoil the Vikings’ plans.

Matchups to Watch: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson vs. Packers CB Jaire Alexander

Justin Jefferson has elevated his game during the critical stretch of the season, ranking fourth in PFF receiving grade (90.2). His December dominance includes an exceptional 3.03 yards per route run and five touchdowns, positioning him as one of the NFL’s premier threats heading into the playoffs.

Jaire Alexander remains a question mark after being a late scratch in Week 16 despite practicing fully during the week. If he’s unavailable again, it could spell disaster for a Packers secondary relying on Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon to contain Jefferson’s explosive playmaking ability.

Additional News:

Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) exited in Week 16, and his availability for this week is uncertain.

Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders

Storyline of the Game: NFC Playoff Hopes Rest on Two Rookie Quarterbacks

The Falcons’ decision to hand the reins to rookie Michael Penix Jr. paid off in Week 16, as the team not only secured a critical win but also took control of the NFC South. Atlanta can clinch the division with a victory this week if Tampa Bay falls earlier in the day. However, a loss would create chaos in the playoff race and potentially cost the Falcons their postseason dreams.

Meanwhile, the Commanders are equally invested in the Buccaneers' result. A Tampa loss would lock in Washington's first playoff berth since 2020, but this team’s fate ultimately rests in its own hands. A win on Sunday Night Football guarantees a postseason spot, regardless of other outcomes.

Matchups to Watch: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Commanders Front-Seven

In Penix Jr.’s first start, the Falcons leaned heavily on Bijan Robinson to power their offense. The rookie running back delivered a strong performance, rushing for 94 yards, with a whopping 76.6% of that production coming after contact. Robinson’s ability to create yards in tough situations has made him a critical component of Atlanta's offense.

The Commanders’ front-seven has struggled mightily against the run, ranking 29th in EPA per run allowed. Their 65.3% negatively graded run defense snaps are the fifth-worst in the league, leaving them vulnerable to Robinson’s explosive potential.

Additional News:

Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) reaggravated the injury that previously sidelined him for five games this season.

Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers

Storyline of the Game: Lions’ Revenge Tour Faces a Pivotal Junction

There’s poetic justice on the table for the Lions this week. Clinching the NFC North crown and the conference’s top seed on the same field where their Super Bowl dreams were shattered in the 2023 NFC Championship Game would be the ultimate redemption.

That scenario hinges on the outcome of the Vikings-Packers clash earlier in the day. A Vikings loss sets the stage for Detroit to solidify its revenge narrative with a win on the road, completing the most memorable chapter in their resurgence.

For the 49ers, that NFC Championship now feels like a distant memory. A slew of injuries has derailed their season, leaving them at 2-5 since their Week 9 bye and likely heading toward a top-12 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Matchups to Watch: Lions RT Penei Sewell vs. 49ers ED Nick Bosa

The Lions’ offense thrives on its ground game, with Penei Sewell anchoring the line as one of the league’s premier run blockers. Sewell has earned a 90.6 run-blocking grade, the second-highest among tackles this season, and continues to pave the way for Detroit’s dominant rushing attack.

The 49ers will counter with Nick Bosa, whose return has been critical to a defense struggling for consistency. Bosa’s 77.6 run-defense grade ranks in the top 10 among edge defenders, thanks to a 19.2% positively graded play rate against the run. This battle in the trenches could dictate the game’s outcome.

Additional News:

Detroit has waived LB David Long.

Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) @ Chicago Bears

Storyline of the Game: Hawks Fighting for Playoff Lives

Seattle’s playoff hopes hinge on the outcome of this week’s games as they head into a critical matchup with the Bears. Following two straight home losses, the Seahawks need a win and a Rams loss to set up a winner-take-all Week 18 clash for the NFC West crown.

Conversely, a loss would likely seal Seattle’s fate and eliminate them from playoff contention, while both teams winning or losing this week would send the NFC playoff picture into chaos, with tiebreakers determining the final standings.

The Bears, meanwhile, continue to struggle under interim head coach Thomas Brown. Since his elevation, Chicago ranks 29th in EPA per play on offense and dead last in EPA allowed per play on defense, failing to show significant improvement in any facet of the game.

Matchups to Watch: Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet vs. Bears' front seven

With Kenneth Walker III still dealing with an ankle injury, Zach Charbonnet is expected to carry the load for Seattle’s ground game. The rookie running back has performed well in Walker's absence, earning an 85.8 PFF rushing grade this season. Charbonnet’s ability to create explosive plays (11 explosive rushes and six touchdowns) and fight through contact (4.5 yards after contact per carry) makes him a potent weapon.

This could spell trouble for a Bears defense that has been abysmal against the run. Over the last month, Chicago’s run defense grades as the worst in the league (46.8), with over 74% of their run plays earning a negative grade. If the Seahawks can exploit this weakness, they’ll have a significant edge in this must-win game.

Additional News

Bears LT Braxton Jones (ankle) will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious injury in Week 16.

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle) remains questionable on a short week following his early exit in Week 16.

Los Angeles Chargers (-4) @ New England Patriots

Storyline of the Game: Chargers Control Their Playoff Destiny

The first game on the flexed Saturday slate presents the Chargers with a golden opportunity to clinch a playoff berth in Jim Harbaugh’s debut season as head coach. However, offensive inconsistency remains a pressing concern, as the Chargers have failed to eclipse 17 points in three of their last four games, ranking 24th in EPA per play in December.

The Patriots, meanwhile, are on a five-game skid, but a gritty performance last week in Buffalo showed their resolve despite being out of the playoff picture. While their chances of playing spoiler are slim, other AFC contenders will be hoping the Pats can delay the Chargers' playoff aspirations and set the stage for a dramatic Week 18.

Matchups to Watch: Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins vs. Patriots' Front Seven

The Chargers’ recent offensive woes are tied closely to the absence of J.K. Dobbins, who has been on IR since Week 13. Without him, Los Angeles ranks 28th in EPA per rush. Before his injury, Dobbins had been performing well, earning a 70.6 PFF rushing grade over the previous four games.

New England’s chances of pulling off the upset will depend on their ability to limit the run, which has been a major weakness of late. Since December began, the Patriots rank last in EPA allowed per rush, having been gashed by the likes of Jonathan Taylor, James Conner and James Cook in recent weeks.

Additional News:

Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins (knee) has been designated to return from IR, opening his 21-day practice window.
Los Angeles signed S Eddie Jackson to the practice squad.

Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals (-3)

Storyline of the Game: Major Implications for AFC Playoff Field

The AFC playoff picture tightens as every hopeful team eyes this high-stakes matchup. If the Chargers secure a win earlier in the day, only one playoff spot will remain unclaimed. A Bengals victory wouldn’t guarantee their place but would pull them within a game of Denver while securing the head-to-head tiebreaker. Still, Cincy would need plenty of other results to fall their way to sneak into the postseason.

The Broncos’ path is more straightforward: win, and they’re in. This clash features a battle between the Bengals’ explosive passing attack — boasting the second-highest team passing grade this season — and the Broncos’ elite coverage unit, which ranks third in team coverage grade. With windy and rainy conditions expected, adjustments may be necessary on both sides.

Matchups to Watch: Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II

This game’s significance is matched by a marquee duel between two of the NFL’s best.

Broncos All-Pro corner Pat Surtain II has delivered another stellar season, holding the league’s top coverage grade (86.5). He’s been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, allowing just 0.55 yards per coverage snap and a 55.1 passer rating when targeted.

He’ll face his biggest test in Ja’Marr Chase, the NFL’s leader in receptions (108), receiving yards (1,510), and touchdowns (16). Chase’s explosiveness is particularly dangerous after the catch, where he leads the league with over 6.8 yards after reception per play.

Additional News

Wind and rain are forecasted in Cincinnati on Saturday.
Broncos CB Riley Moss (knee) is set to return following a three-game absence.

Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams (-6.5)

Storyline of the Game: LA Staring Down Chance to Close Out NFC West

The Rams will have their eyes on Thursday’s Seahawks game, where a Seattle loss could virtually lock up the NFC West for Los Angeles. However, the task remains simple for LA: take care of business and secure control of their destiny with a win.

For the Cardinals, Week 16’s crushing overtime defeat to Carolina sealed their fate, eliminating them from playoff contention. After holding the division lead before their Week 11 bye, Arizona has crumbled with four losses in five games since. Now, their sole motivation is to play spoiler to a division rival.

Matchups to Watch: Rams WR Puka Nacua vs. Cardinals CB Sean Murphy-Bunting

Nacua has been instrumental in the Rams’ offensive revival, putting together a dominant season highlighted by his league-leading 92.3 receiving grade. He’s been unstoppable, averaging an incredible 3.49 yards per route run.

Murphy-Bunting will face a significant challenge in this matchup. The veteran corner has struggled in coverage throughout 2024, earning a 60.9 PFF coverage grade that ranks 98th among 117 qualifying corners.

Additional News:

Cardinals LT Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) and RT Jonah Williams (knee) have been ruled out.