It is important to understand the big picture of these teams both in terms of their inner workings and their perceptions entering this week::
Texans – A lot of different scenarios could play out in Week 17 and 18 for the Texans, but the bottom line is that if they win Saturday they clinch a playoff berth. Their backfield could be a little tough to predict, as Woody Marks is back to full practices and has no injury designation, but is joined by veteran Nick Chubb and the impressive Jawhar Jordan in a matchup with a shaky Chargers run defense. Houston is also going to get a couple of key defenders back on the field this week after a shaky performance against the Raiders.
Chargers – The Chargers have already clinched a playoff berth but can win the AFC West by winning their last two games and could potentially end up as high as the No. 1 seed, depending on what happens with the Jaguars and Patriots over the last two weeks. This is essentially a playoff game for them. Their wide receivers torched the Cowboys last week but have a stark change in matchup this week, as Dallas ranks 31st in PFF coverage grade and Houston ranks third. Four wide receivers are involved for the Chargers and all of them saw five or six targets last week. Running back Kimani Vidal missed two practices with a neck issue and then was limited on Thursday to earn a questionable tag, but it’s looking like a tough hill for him to climb to be active this week.
Ravens – Baltimore ruled QB Lamar Jackson out for this week due to a back injury and will once again turn to Tyler Huntley to lead them. This likely means a run-heavy game plan that involves both Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell, along with a relatively conservative passing attack. Baltimore must win this game and have the Steelers lose to the Browns on Sunday to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Packers– Green Bay clinched a playoff berth when the Lions lost on Thursday and starting QB Jordan Love will NOT play this week as the team gives him a week to recover from his concussion suffered in the first half against the Bears. This leaves the highly agile and exciting Malik Willis under center for this primetime matchup. The Packers do still have an outside shot at winning the NFC North if they win their last two games and the Bears lose their last two.
