NFL Week 17 schedule: 5 teams on upset alert

With every contenders trying to avoid a bad loss, we look at which five teams should be on upset alert in the NFL Week 17 schedule.

5. Tennessee Titans (-3.5) vs. Miami Dolphins

The Titans are the better team, but this is an intriguing matchup. Miami has a pair of terrific corners in Byron Jones and Xavien Howard, who can go against A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. Ryan Tannehill, who has already thrown 14 interceptions this year, needs to be careful or the Dolphins could get a couple of scores and/or short fields from the defense. Meanwhile, Miami is hot, riding a seven-game winning streak into town with destiny in its own hands. Win out and make the playoffs.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (-3) at Washington Football Team

This is a key battle for the Eagles, who might only need one more win to make the playoffs. That said, a clean sweep of Washington this Sunday followed by the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18 would ensure Philadelphia of a surprise voyage to the postseason. For Jalen Hurts, this is a massive chance to earn at least one more year as the starter while trying to prove himself. Win these games, and he’s likely there in 2022, but it won’t be easy. Washington was humiliated last weekend by Dallas and will want to prove its not a pushover.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5) vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos have already pounded the Chargers once this season and now try to go for the season sweep. With Drew Lock starting for the injured Teddy Bridgewater, there’s a chance Los Angeles rolls by getting a few interceptions. However, Lock is also more apt to make a few big plays. Denver’s defense is also one of the league’s best and can match up with the Chargers’ firepower at receiver. Should be a fascinating AFC West battle.

2. Seattle Seahawks (-7) vs. Detroit Lions

The Seahawks are playing for nothing and wondering whether they’re going to have Russell Wilson back for another season. The Lions, meanwhile, have won two of their previous four games and are fighting hard to build for 2022. Detroit looks very motivated even though it was eliminated long ago. Don’t sleep on the Lions being a problem for the Seahawks.

1. Cleveland Browns (-3.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers

Why are the Browns favored? The Steelers have the better record and this is probably Ben Roethlisberger’s last game for Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. This line should be flipped.