With the regular season of the NFL quickly coming to a close and the playoff picture becoming clearer, some teams are running out of time to make a statement. As we head into the penultimate week of the 2024 campaign, there are still a few uncertainties to be resolved. Over a third of the league has already been eliminated from postseason contention, leaving only a limited amount of relevance for some teams as they finish disappointing seasons and look ahead to 2025.
Despite this, there are significant stakes for several teams fighting for playoff berths and advantageous seeding. This weekend features a Saturday tripleheader, adding to the excitement of Week 17. Here are our bold predictions for the upcoming games:
– Michael Penix, Jr. is set to shine and outperform Jayden Daniels in a highly anticipated matchup. While Daniels has been a standout rookie for the Washington Commanders, Penix Jr., the rookie quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, is poised to make his mark after a strong performance in his first start. With the Falcons needing a win to stay in playoff contention, Penix Jr. is expected to have a breakout game against Washington.
– Penix Jr. is predicted to throw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns in a prime-time showdown between rookie quarterbacks. His performance will showcase why the Falcons selected him in the first round of the draft and help secure an upset victory over the Commanders.
– The Cincinnati Bengals, who have had an up-and-down season, are poised to face some challenges in their playoff push. Despite a potential loss to the Denver Broncos, other results could work in their favor. However, the Bengals will need to secure a victory in their final game to maintain their position in the playoff race and potentially spoil the division title hopes of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As the regular season winds down, the excitement and intensity of the NFL only continue to build, with every game holding significant implications for the teams involved.
In a potential playoff scenario for the Cincinnati Bengals, a matchup against the Buffalo Bills as the No. 7 seed would be a significant test, marking one of the most intriguing 2-7 matchups since the league expanded its postseason format. The Bengals’ path to the playoffs hinges on a combination of results, including the need for the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins to stumble in their final two games. The irony of crucial losses befalling these teams at the same time the Bengals faltered in a game within their control epitomizes the season’s cruel twists for Cincinnati. Despite quarterback Joe Burrow’s standout performance, the Bengals find themselves on the cusp of missing out on the postseason.
For Cincinnati to secure a playoff berth, they must also rely on the Denver Broncos falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 – a scenario where the Chiefs may opt to rest key players. Additionally, the Bengals must secure a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers to complete this unlikely postseason miracle. However, the first hurdle lies in ensuring that all outcomes in Week 17 align favorably for Cincinnati, except for their own game, where victory is essential.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers, despite their 4-11 record, have displayed resilience following their Week 12 bye week. Their ability to play spoiler was evident in their recent victory over the Arizona Cardinals, eliminating them from playoff contention. Facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers aim to continue their role as disruptors within the division. The Buccaneers, who narrowly defeated the Panthers in overtime weeks ago, face challenges with injuries to key defensive players such as Christian Izien, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Jamel Dean. This vulnerability presents an opportunity for the Panthers’ Bryce Young to capitalize on his late-season form and potentially upset the Buccaneers, aiding the Atlanta Falcons in the process.
The upcoming matchups in Week 17 offer intriguing storylines and playoff implications for several teams. As the regular season concludes, uncertainties loom over which players and teams will shine in these pivotal games. Stay tuned for the unfolding drama as the NFL season reaches its climax.
