It’s time for the NFL Week 17 picks, and there are some incredibly important games to watch for the AFC and NFC playoff pictures.
Matchup
Dallas Cowboys
11-4
Tennessee Titans
7-8
Thursday, Dec. 29
8:20 p.m. ET
The Titans have no quarterback and no motivation. Could be a blowout for the Cowboys.
Pick: Dallas 27, Tennessee 6
Matchup
Arizona Cardinals
4-11
Atlanta Falcons
5-10
If you’re considering watching this game, know you have hit rock bottom, then driven down about 50 meters, and slammed into the core of the earth.
Pick: Atlanta 20, Arizona 17
Matchup
Carolina Panthers
6-9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7-8
This is somehow for the NFC South title. If the Bucs win, they’re in. If Carolina wins, then it has a Week 18 showdown with the Saints to earn a playoff berth.
Pick: Tampa Bay 19, Carolina 17
Matchup
Chicago Bears
3-12
Detroit Lions
7-8
Detroit needs to win out and get some help. It starts with beating the Bears in their home finale. Chicago always fights, but the Lions are better.
Pick: Detroit 34, Chicago 27
Matchup
Cleveland Browns
6-9
Washington Commanders
7-7-1
Carson Wentz is back as the starter, which is nothing but terrific news for the Browns. Washington was a mess with Wentz. Still, this is Cleveland, and Deshaun Watson has been awful.
Pick: Washington 23, Cleveland 20
Matchup
Denver Broncos
4-11
Kansas City Chiefs
12-3
This feels like a game where Denver barely tries, because the fight has been completely taken out of it. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are trying for the AFC’s top seed.
Pick: Kansas City 38, Denver 13
Matchup
Indianapolis Colts
4-10-1
New York Giants
8-6-1
The Giants clinch a playoff spot right here. The Colts aren’t beating anybody, let alone a postseason contender, with Nick Foles.
Pick: New York 17, Indianapolis 15
Matchup
Jacksonville Jaguars
7-8
Houston Texans
2-12-1
Houston beat the Jaguars earlier this year, but don’t expect a repeat. Jacksonville is playing its best ball at the right time.
Pick: Jacksonville 30, Houston 20
Matchup
Miami Dolphins
8-7
New England Patriots
7-8
Miami is in complete freefall at the moment. The Patriots can’t score, but this feels like a game where New England gets a pick-six to put it over.
Pick: New England 22, Miami 17
Matchup
New Orleans Saints
6-9
Philadelphia Eagles
13-2
The Eagles aren’t going to mess around. They’ll clinch home-field advantage and give themselves a Week 18 bye.
Pick: Philadelphia 33, New Orleans 20
