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Linus O'Howell

NFL Week 17 Preview and Predictions: Part 1

(11-4) Dallas Cowboys @ Tennessee Titans (7-8)


The Tennessee Titans’ season may as well be over after they suffered a home loss to the Houston Texans. As it stands, the Titans sit second in the AFC South and if the season ended today, they would somehow miss the playoffs. As for Dallas, they picked up a win over the Philadelphia Eagles (40-34) that keeps them in the fight for the NFC East and a potential number 1 seed. As it stands, the Cowboys sit second in the NFC East and if the season ended today, they would rank as the number 5 seed which is just ridiculous. Overall, I am picking the Cowboys to win this one. Last week's win over Philly gave them the belief that they are one of the best football teams in the entire league and they can challenge for the Super Bowl. Two wins going into the playoffs is crucial for them. The only thing I have to say about the Titans is they are going to extend their losing streak to 6.



(4-11) Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons (5-10)


The Atlanta Falcons' hopes for a playoff spot basically ended after they suffered their 4th successive defeat last week (9-17 in Baltimore). As it stands, the Falcons sit bottom of the NFC South and if the season ended today, they would finish as the third-worst team in the NFC. As for Arizona, they suffered their 5th consecutive loss last week (19-16 vs Tampa Bay). As it stands, the Cardinals sit bottom of the NFC West and if the season ended today, the Cardinals would end up as the second-worst team in the NFC. Overall, I am picking the Falcons. Neither team is very good and both teams are just waiting for the season to end. The Falcons win because they are at home.



(3-12) Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions (7-8)


The Detroit Lions were dealt a big blow in their playoff hopes last week in Carolina (23-37). As it stands, the Lions sit second in the NFC North and if the season ended today, they would miss out on the playoffs by just 1 win. As for Chicago, they were thrashed by the Buffalo Bills last week (35-13) and their losing run is now up to 8 games (worst in the NFL). As it stands, the Bears sit bottom of the NFC North and if the season ended today, they would finish as the worst team in the NFC and the second-worst in the entire league. Overall, the Lions should win this game. Last week's loss hurt them but a loss this week would end them. The Bears have nothing to play for and if anything, a loss would actually help them out more than a win.



(4-11) Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs (12-3)


The Kansas City Chiefs made it 12 wins for the season after a solid 24-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. As it stands, the Chiefs sit top of the AFC West and if the season ended today, they would take the number 2 seed. As for Denver, they had a horrible Christmas, They lost 51-14 against the Los Angeles Rams and then the next day, head coach Nathaniel Hackett got fired. As it stands, the Broncos sit bottom of the AFC West and if the season ended today, the Broncos would finish as the second-worst team in the AFC. Overall, I expect the Chiefs to pick up the W. Sometimes in these situations, I say it’s going to be a much closer contest than people expect. I’m not saying that this time though as I expect Kansas to run circles around Denver.



(8-7) Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (7-8)


The New England Patriots suffered another crucial loss last week, this time against the Cincinnati Bengals (22-18). As it stands, the Patriots sit third in the AFC East and if the season ended today, they would just miss out on the playoffs. As for Miami, they missed a big opportunity to put themselves on the brink of the playoffs with a loss against the Green Bay Packers (26-20). As it stands, the Dolphins sit second in the AFC East and if the season ended today, they would take the number 7 seed. Overall, I am going to go with the Patriots. The Pats are on a two-game losing streak and they look almost destined to miss out on the postseason altogether but I’ve got faith in them to at least win this game. The Dolphins have lost all of their four previous games and they just look like a mess right now. A win here would pretty much seal their spot in the playoffs though.



(4-10-1) Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants (8-6-1)


The New York Giants fell short last week in Minnesota but their playoff hopes are still in their hands. As it stands, the Giants sit third in the NFC East and if the season ended today, they would take the number 6 seed. As for Indianapolis, they didn’t really put up much of a fight against the LA Chargers last time out and their losing run is now up to 5 games. As it stands, the Colts sit third in the AFC South and if the season ended today, they would finish as the third-worst team in the AFC. Overall, I only see the Giants winning this game. The Giants should win this game comfortably and secure themselves a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2016.



(6-9) New Orleans Saints @ Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)


Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles suffered a defeat to the Dallas Cowboys that could well hurt their confidence going into the playoffs. As it stands, the Eagles still sit top of the NFC East and if the season ended today, Philly would take the number 1 seed. As for New Orleans, they picked up a win in Cleveland that keeps them in the NFC South race. As it stands, the Saints only sit third in the NFC South and if the season ended today, they’d be short of the playoffs. Overall, I am picking Philly to win this one. The Eagles did lose last week but that was to one of the best teams in the league. Sadly for Saints fans, they just aren’t in that category. Philly win to seal the number 1 seed in the NFC.



(6-9) Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)


Carolina goes to Tampa Bay in the biggest game of both teams’ seasons. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up a big victory in Arizona to keep hold of first place in the NFC South. As it stands, the Bucs sit top of the NFC South and if the season ended today, they would take the number 4 seed. As for Carolina, they pulled out a surprise victory over the Detroit Lions to keep themselves well in the fight for the NFC South. As it stands, the Panthers sit second in the NFC South and if the season ended today, they would miss out on the playoffs. Overall, I am going with Tampa Bay. For me, whoever wins this game wins the division. I'm going with the Bucs because I just think that Tom Brady will put out a magical performance. Also, the Panthers are 1-5 on the road this year.

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