Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers
Nov 26, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) watches the game against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Home » Blog » NFL Week 17 schedule: 5 best games on Sunday

NFL Week 17 schedule: 5 best games on Sunday

Matt Verderame NFL

5. Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

We start with a pair of AFC West games. The Raiders are somehow alive for a playoff berth after having something like 88 scenarios all break their way in Week 16. Now, Oakland needs to beat the Broncos and get wins from the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. It’s very plausible. If that happens, the Raiders get the sixth seed in the AFC and would likely play the Kansas City Chiefs. Amazing. Meanwhile, Denver is trying to build momentum behind quarterback Drew Lock and play spoiler. Should be good stuff.

4. Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are technically alive for the No. 2 seed in the AFC (they would need to win and have the Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots) and so they’ll play their starters. Also, this is likely the final time we see Philip Rivers in a Chargers uniform. It’s been a long, strange journey for Rivers. Does he have one more memorable performance in him, or does Los Angeles go out with a whimper at Arrowhead?

3. Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

The Steelers are still fighting for a playoff berth, and they catch a break. While the Ravens are the league’s best team at 13-2, they are resting most of their star players having already clinched everything a week early. Therefore, Pittsburgh is actually favored in the game despite being seriously undermanned at the quarterback position. If the Steelers win and the Titans lose, they will earn the AFC’s sixth and final seed.

2. Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

Another team that could be resting its players is the Texans. However, head coach Bill O’Brien says Houston will be going full tilt, even if the Chiefs win earlier in the afternoon and lock them into the fourth seed. Should the Texans win, the Titans would need the Steelers to lose, and either the Colts or Raiders to lose. It’s all setting up for a wild finish in the AFC playoff picture.

1. San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

This isn’t even a contest for the top spot this week. Seattle is 11-4 after losing at home to the Arizona Cardinals, but can still grab the NFC West title by beating the 49ers at home. San Francisco has two possible outcomes from Sunday night. With a win, the Niners are the No. 1 seed and control the NFC picture. A loss, and they are suddenly the No. 5 seed, drawing either the Philadelphia Eagles or Dallas Cowboys as the road team on Wild Card weekend.

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