Football Week 17 Key Matches

The NFL season is well underway and it's safe to say that the key matches in week 17 of the regular football campaign will be a huge part of determining who goes into the playoffs with a good chance to win. For betting fans of the NFL, you can go check https://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/super-bowl/futures for all the odds and bets you need before watching any NFL game. Let's take a look at a few of them here.

1) New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

One of the best rivalries in NFL history is renewed this Sunday when Tom Brady and his New England Patriots head to Miami Dolphins, where they have a chance to clinch the AFC East.

Miami have fallen short this season but are still desperate for points because they are firmly in contention for a wildcard position. If they can win, it will seriously dent the chances of New England making it back to back Super Bowl appearances.

New England have a very healthy lead at the top of the East though and need just one win

2) Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers

Detroit will be looking to play the role of spoilers this week when they travel to Green Bay Packers. The Packers have a very good shot at making the playoffs and will be keen to stay in contention with two wins from their final two games.

3) Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles

The Washington Redskins are currently 3rd in the NFC East with a 5-8 record while they are just one game behind the leaders. They have an opportunity to put themselves right back into contention with wins in the final two games.

4) Pittsburgh Steelers @ Houston Texans

Pittsburgh and Houston are both in the AFC South race and will be looking to end the regular season with a win to keep their hopes of a playoff berth alive.

5) New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers

Saints will be looking to win the NFC South with a win over Carolina Panthers this week and could relegate their opponents to wildcard contention.

New Orleans have been very impressive lately while Carolina have been a bit inconsistent, dropping below .500 after eight straight wins in the middle of the season.

6) Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Minnesota are currently leading the NFC North with a 9-4 record while the Bears are in close contention for wildcard spots with a 6-7 record.

Chicago has been very competitive this season but I don't think they will be able to get the better of Minnesota who I expect to win this game and stay top of the division.

7) Oakland Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers

Oakland have seen their season fall apart in recent weeks and are now struggling to stay above .500 as a result. They will need to win at least one of their final two games but it won't be easy this week against a Los Angeles Chargers team that is very good at home.

8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys

Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold one of the wildcard spots in the NFC but they will need to win this game and their final one too if they want to guarantee themselves a postseason berth.

Dallas are still very much alive in the race for the NFC East despite three straight losses. They will be looking to get back on track this week and keep themselves in contention while also dealing a blow to the playoff hopes of Tampa Bay.

9) Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia have been playing very good football lately while Washington are now out of the playoff race.

Philadelphia have won three games in a row and will be looking to make it four by beating Washington here at home.

10) Cleveland Browns @ Denver Broncos

Both teams are now out of playoff contention but will want to finish the season strong to build momentum for next year and beyond.

Denver have won two in a row and should be able to make it three against their lowly opponents here even if they will be without their best player as they prepare for the playoffs.

11) San Francisco 49ers @ Houston Texans

Even though they are in last place, San Francisco has been playing better in recent weeks. They will need to win this game and their final one too in order to have any chance of reaching the postseason.

Houston are still very much alive in the race for the AFC South but they won't find it easy here against an inconsistent San Francisco team.

12) New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans

Both teams are out of playoff contention and will be focused on solidifying their positioning for next year here.

New York will want to win this game and their final one if they are to stand any chance of reaching the playoffs while Tennessee might not be too concerned about the result.

13) Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers

Minnesota are still in with a chance of reaching the postseason but need to win this game and their final one too if they want to do so.

Carolina are hoping to make it back to the postseason after narrowly missing out last year. They will want to do well in this game to build momentum for next season but might not play their best side here.

14) Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

The AFC North is still up for grabs and both teams will want to win this game as well as their final one in order to secure the division.

Cincinnati is far from certain of making the postseason but they should be able to beat a Steelers side that has been a bit inconsistent in recent weeks.

15) Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions

Both teams are out of playoff contention and will want to finish the season on a high note.

Detroit have been playing better recently but Chicago's defense has been very good in recent weeks and I think they should be able to get a result against an inconsistent Lions side that is not 100% focused.

16) Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Both teams are out of playoff contention and I think it will be the home team who gets the better of this game.

Jacksonville's defense has been great lately but their offense has been pretty poor recently. Even though they will be playing at home, I don't think they can get a result against an impressive Colts side that has won three in a row.

17) Denver Broncos @ Washington Redskins

Denver are still alive in the race for the postseason but need to win this game and their final one too for any chance of doing so.

Washington won't be involved in the postseason and they will want to finish as strong as possible as their season has been a disappointment overall.

 

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