NFL: Preseason-Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers
Aug 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; A helmet from a San Diego Chargers player in a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Home » Blog » NFL Week 17 schedule: 5 teams that need to win the most

NFL Week 17 schedule: 5 teams that need to win the most

Matt Verderame NFL

The NFL Week 17 schedule is packed with important games, and we break down the five teams who need a win badly.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles might seem like a curious choice when there’s a litany of others ways to go. However, Philadelphia is 8-7 and with a win over the floundering Washington Football Team, would be in great position going into Week 18 when it visits the Dallas Cowboys. For second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts, making the postseason would bolster his case to remain the starter next year, even with the Eagles having three first-round picks to use in a trade for a star.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati only has to win one of its final two games — at most — to win the AFC North for the first time since 2015. Of course, beating the Chiefs this weekend at Paul Brown Stadium won’t be an easy task, but it would give Cincinnati the option of either attempting to play for a higher seed in Week 18, or give the starters a bye week before the postseason. If the Bengals lose, they’ll have to play next weekend on the road against the Cleveland Browns. Not fun.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Staying in the same game, Kansas City has plenty on the line. In Week 18,  the Chiefs visit the Denver Broncos, who are likely going to be completely out of the AFC playoff picture by the end of this weekend. Should Kansas City beat Cincinnati this Sunday, the Chiefs would be almost assured of being the AFC’s top seed, giving them the lone bye. It’s a huge opportunity.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

One can make an argument the Chargers should have the top spot here, but they’re certainly deserving of top billing either way. Los Angeles had the most ridiculous loss of Week 16, losing to the lowly Houston Texans while giving up 41 points. If the Chargers have any chance of making the playoffs, they’ll need to beat the Broncos at home this weekend and then pound on the Las Vegas Raiders in the season finale. It’s a ton of pressure (self applied) for Justin Herbert and Co.

1. Cleveland Browns

The Browns started this season with grand ideas of being a Super Bowl contender. Now, at 7-8, they’re simply trying to make it into the postseason. According to 538’s model, Cleveland would have a 41 percent chance of making the playoffs with wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, and then the Bengals in Week 18. It all starts with the division, and in this case, could end with it as well.

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