Week 17 NFL Preview, Insights and Analysis
December 28, 2019
Heading into the final week of the 2019 National Football League regular season, there are five games with meaning. Of the 12 playoff teams, 10 teams have already been decided. However, there are still five teams battling for the last two remaining spots. Here is a close look at the five important contests Sunday afternoon. Keep in mind all five matches have a start time of 4:25 pm ET.
Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants
The Philadelphia Eagles have a chance of winning the NFC East with a victory or a Dallas Cowboys loss to the Washington Redskins. If the Eagles do win the division, they will get the no. 4 seed.
Why the Eagles win:
Philadelphia has already beaten the New York Giants already this season. On December 9, the Eagles won the Monday Nighter with a key 23-17 overtime win. The Eagles star in that contest was Zach Ertz, who had nine catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. However, the three-time Pro Bowl tight end is questionable for the game with a rib injury. Even if Ertz is out, expect Dallas Goedert to have a key role at the tight end spot. Goedert had 91 receiving yards last week against Dallas.
Why the Giants win:
In the Giants game against the Eagles earlier this month, the Giants almost won with Eli Manning and did not have their rising star quarterback Daniel Jones in the lineup. Last week Jones was masterful as he completed 28 of 42 passes for 352 yards and five touchdowns. Jones’s presence is key to the Giants success.
My take:
The reason why the Eagles are only at 8-7 is because of their complete inconsistency in 2019. You never know what you are going to get. The Giants are 4-11 for a reason. Philadelphia has lost to some bad teams this year, but have the momentum on defense after their 17-9 last week over Dallas to beat the Giants on Sunday.
Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys
Just like the Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys have been plagued by inconsistency. After scoring 44 points two weeks ago against the Los Angeles Rams, the Cowboys (7-8) had a chance to win the NFC East last week, but collapsed. In order to make the playoffs they need a win Sunday and an Eagles loss.
Why the Redskins win:
Redskins interim head coach Bill Callahan will try to give owner Dan Snyder one final strong impression why he should be considered as the head coach in 2020. Expect Callahan to give the Cowboys some different looks with Washington being in the spolier’s role.
Why the Cowboys win:
Kai Forbath has been perfect for Dallas in kicking field goals since joining the Cowboys in week 15. He is six for six and has successfully kicked all five convert attempts. Five of Forbath’s field goal attempts have come from a distance of 40 yards or more.
My take:
The one positive the Redskins have had in recent weeks has been the improved play of quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Fortunately for Cowboys fans, Haskins won’t play week 17 because of an ankle injury. The Cowboys are 11 point favorites. They may not cover the spread but should get the W.
Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans
This is a much bigger game for the 8-7 Titans than it is for the 10-5 Texans. With a win, Tennessee gets the final playoff spot in the AFC. Houston can still get the no.3 seed, but there is not much of a difference between being no.3 and no. 4.
Why the Titans win:
Tennessee won four straight games before losing their last two. The return of Derrick Henry to the backfield will help immensely after missing last week against the New Orleans Saints with a hamstring ailment. Henry had 86 yards against the Texans two weeks ago.
Why the Texans win:
According to the Houston Chronicle, Deshaun Watson expects to play Sunday. If he plays the full 60 minutes, Houston obviously has a great chance.
My take:
The mindset for the Titans is one of desperation, while the mindset for the Texans could be a little more relaxed and complacent. Tennessee is hungrier and gets the win on the road.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
At 8-7, the Steelers need a win and a Tennessee loss to clinch a playoff spot. The Ravens already have the no. 1 seed at 13 wins and two losses.
Why the Steelers win:
Pittsburgh has lost their last two games, but have shown signs of strong defense all year. At 275 points against, they have given up the fourth-fewest points in the AFC.
Why the Ravens win:
The Ravens are sitting Lamar Jackson Sunday, and are starting Robert Griffin III. He has more experience than all the Steelers healthy quarterbacks combined.
My take:
Like the Titans, the Steelers are in a must-win situation. The Steelers will be playing all of their starters. We are simply not completely sure what the Ravens will do. Take Pittsburgh.
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
At 7-8, Oakland still has a chance of making the postseason with a win over Denver, a Baltimore win over Pittsburgh, a Houston win over Tennessee and Indianapolis win over Jacksonville. If that took place, the Raiders would go to Houston, New England or Kansas City next week.
Why the Raiders win:
Rookie wide receiver Hunter Renfrow had a career game last week, as he caught seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in a 24-17 Raiders win over the Los Angeles Chargers. With the victory, Oakland kept their slim playoff hopes alive. If the Raiders win Sunday, they will need a similar performance from their emerging wideout.
Why the Broncos win:
A three-point favourite despite being 6-9, Denver has won three of their last four games and have a winning record at home this season at four wins and three losses. There have been some signs for improvement in Denver this season, and the Broncos could make a run for a wildcard spot in 2020.
My take:
The Broncos are a much better team at home than on the road. They also have rookie quarterback Drew Lock, who the Raiders do not know much about. The fact Denver has nothing to lose, and Oakland does, the Raiders will be the tighter team mentally on Sunday. Take Denver.
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