We’re in the NFL Week 17, but the road to the playoffs is still pretty unclear. In fact, according to Michael Signora of the NFL, “24 teams are still in contention for a trip to the Super Bowl, which ties for the most with two weeks remaining in 20 years, since a record 26 in 2004.”
So, this upcoming NFL Week 17 schedule means so much to so many teams. By the time the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, the playoff picture should be much more set than it is now.
The NFL has just two weeks of regular season games left, and so far, only eight teams have been eliminated overall: four teams in the NFC and four teams in the AFC. Even the Chicago Bears have a 1% chance of making it to the playoffs, according to the New York Times. Don’t laugh. Okay, you can laugh.
What are the must-see games for NFL Week 17? Also, what are the Week 17 playoff clinching scenarios?
The games kick off with Saturday’s (Dec. 30) Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys game in Dallas. This game is huge and has major implicatiosn for both the Lions and Cowboys. Then, on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), we have the Miami Dolphins against the Baltimore Ravens, with both teams still hungry for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Also on Sunday, the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will go head-to-head to determine the winner of the NFC South.
Let’s look at Saturday’s big NFC matchup between the Lions and Cowboys. The Lions have won their division for the first time since 1993, after their 30-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Dallas has lost two games in a row, which isn’t sitting well with fans, to say the least. Their most recent was a loss to Miami, 22-20, on Christmas Eve. Also, three teams are currently tied for the No. 1 seed in the NFC: 49ers (11-4), Eagles (11-4) and Lions (11-4). How amazing is it to see the Lions in there? What a Cinderella story.
The oddsmakers have the Lions losing to the Cowboys by six points. That’s a huge spread. I don’t see the reasoning for that, but whatever. One thing is for sure: This is going to be one of the most watched games of the weekend.
On Sunday, if the Ravens beat the Dolphins, they’ll clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC. I can’t see anyone else being the No. 1 seed in the AFC, really. But, the Dolphins are strong, so this could be an upset. Miami is only a slight road underdog. Also, on Sunday, the Buccaneers can clinch the NFC South with a win over the Saints.
What’s the full NFL Week 17 schedule of games? Also, how do you watch NFL Week 17 games?
Thursday, December 28, 2023 Game:
New York @ Cleveland, 8:15 PM, PRIME VIDEO
Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
Saturday, December 30, 2023 Game:
Detroit @ Dallas, 8:15 PM, ABC / ESPN / ESPN+
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Sunday, December 31, 2023 Games:
New England @ Buffalo, 1:00 PM, CBS
Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
Atlanta @ Chicago, 1:00 PM, CBS
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Las Vegas @ Indianapolis, 1:00 PM, CBS
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Los Angeles @ New York, 1:00 PM, FOX
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Arizona @ Philadelphia, 1:00 PM, FOX
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM, FOX
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
San Francisco @ Washington, 1:00 PM, FOX
FedExField, Landover, MD
Carolina @ Jacksonville, 1:00 PM, CBS
EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Miami @ Baltimore, 1:00 PM, CBS
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
Tennessee @ Houston, 1:00 PM, FOX
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Pittsburgh @ Seattle, 4:05 PM, FOX
Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
Los Angeles @ Denver, 4:25 PM, CBS
Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
Cincinnati @ Kansas City, 4:25 PM, CBS
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Green Bay @ Minnesota, 8:20 PM, NBC
U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN