Week 17 Matchups

Week 17 :: The Intro

It’s funny. There are 15 games on the Main Slate this week (which means 15 games to dive into for the NFL Edge, and to sort through for the Player Grid); and yet, this little writeup will ultimately end up being the most important piece I put together this week.

Week 17 is always a strange one, and understanding the scenarios we are dealing with is vital to understanding how to attack the slate. The “big picture” name of the game here is to focus on teams OR OFFENSES that have something to play for.

In terms of “teams that have something to play for,” we’ll cover this below.

In terms of “offenses that have something to play for”…well, what I basically mean is this :: a few years ago, the Chiefs used Week 17 to give Patrick Mahomes his first career start. He had something to play for; and therefore, the players around him had something to play for. We want to keep an eye out for situations like this during Week 17, and we also want to keep in mind offenses that have been out of the running for a while but are continuing to play starters, and are continuing to compete at a high level (for example: if you liked Deshaun Watson and his pass catchers over the last month, nothing has changed this week). This will be a heavy focus in the NFL Edge this week, as we sort through the spots where maximum effort can be expected.

Finally :: where there is unnecessary guesswork, we want to also recognize that A) there are 15 games on the Main Slate this week (i.e., there are tons of games to choose from), and B) there is plenty of overlooked upside to tap into without needing to take on unnecessary guesswork. Will the Bucs play starters their entire game when they’re already in the playoffs and will be playing on the road in the first round regardless? I don’t know. You don’t know. And if we still don’t know by the weekend, you could say, “Why take on the unnecessary guesswork?” The name of the game is making decisions that maximize our expected returns over time — and Week 17 is ripe for such thinking.

As always, this week’s approach on-site will adjust to account for the unique elements at play on this unique slate — with less of a focus on strict matchup elements, and more of a focus on potential game flow, potential upside, and potential downside. Week 17 is a different game than other weeks — so make sure you treat it as such!

Below, we’ll detail the big-picture elements we’re dealing with at the moment (playoff scenarios, and key players resting — as known at the moment). Throughout the NFL Edge (and of course: in the Angles Pod and Player Grid), we’ll be covering everything else.

Finally, remember :: first place is all that matters in tourneys! Don’t settle for “merely good” plays this week. Hunt for players // offenses // game environments with potential to top the slate.

Let’s go!

Week 17 Angles

For the explorations below, we’ll A) focus on playoff scenarios, and B) ignore scenarios in which a tie comes into play (i.e., there are a lot of “win or tie” type of setups; to simplify our understanding, and to approach things the way these teams will be approaching things, we’ll ignore tie-driven setups).

AFC Playoff Scenarios & More ::

The Chiefs are the 1 seed already, and have already said they will be resting Patrick Mahomes. We should expect all core skill position players to play limited or zero snaps. Chad Henne will be the quarterback — sinking the value of this entire team. (The Chiefs are currently implied for only 20.25 points.)

The Bills could finish with the 2 seed or the 3 seed, but with John Brown expected to miss, Cole Beasley “week to week,” and a home game locked up for the first round of the playoffs regardless, it’s unlikely the Bills risk the health of Josh Allen or other core members. Vegas has given the Bills an implied team total of only 23.0, leaning toward the likelihood of core starters playing minimal snaps (if any).

The Steelers could finish with the 2 seed or the 3 seed, but they have already said they are resting Ben Roethlisberger this week, which indicates that most other core skill position players will also rest (or play limited snaps). The Steelers are implied for only 16.5 points. Mason Rudolph will be under center vs Myles Garrett and the Browns.

The Titans need a win or an Indy loss to take down the AFC South. If they lose and Indy wins, they can also make the playoffs with a Baltimore loss or a Miami loss. Baltimore and Miami play early, while the Titans play late; but even if both those teams lose, expect full-on effort from the Titans, as the NFL has scheduled the Colts for the late time slot alongside Tennessee, and the division title and lack of first-round travel are worth competing for.

The Colts, meanwhile, need some help :: a win and a Tennessee loss for the division, or a win and a loss from the Ravens, Browns, or Dolphins for a playoff spot. Either way, “a Colts win” is a big part of their needs here, so expect them to go all out vs Mike Glennon and the Jags. The Colts and Titans are both carrying Vegas-implied team totals of 31.75 at the moment.

The Ravens need a win to make the playoffs. If they lose, they can get in with a Cleveland loss or a Miami loss. The Ravens play the Bengals in the early time slot, so all-out effort should be expected.

The Browns need a win to make the playoffs. If they lose, they can get in with an Indy loss. The Browns play the Rudolph-led Steelers in the early time slot, so all-out effort should be expected.

The Dolphins need a win to make the playoffs. If they lose to a Bills team that will potentially be giving starters some rest, they can make the playoffs with a Baltimore loss, a Cleveland loss, or an Indy loss. The Dolphins play in the early time slot (note: the NFL does this on purpose — ensuring maximum entertainment for fans by attempting to minimize opportunities for teams to coast in Week 17), so all-out effort should be expected.

Elsewhere around the AFC, Keenan Allen is not expected to play for the Chargers, and James Robinson will be held out for the Jags.

The only teams not jockeying for a playoff spot or for playoff positioning that have a Vegas-implied team total above 21.25 are the Texans (24.25), the Chargers (23.75), the Raiders (26.75), and the Broncos (24.25). All four teams should be expected to play with maximum effort, though players who are iffy with injuries could be held out. News tends to trickle out on such spots deeper into the week.

Core teams to target in the AFC (from an “effort” // “weapons” standpoint) are the Titans // Colts // Ravens // Browns // Dolphins // Texans // Chargers // Raiders // Broncos.

NFC Playoff Scenarios & More ::

The Packers need a win or a Seattle loss to land the 1 seed. Naturally, the NFL has scheduled the Packers and Seahawks in the same time slot (the late games), so all-out effort should be expected from Green Bay this week.

The Saints need a win, a Packers loss, and a Seahawks win to force a three-way tie atop the NFC that would net them the 1 seed. The Saints play the depleted Panthers in the same late time slot in which the Packers and Seahawks are playing. All-out effort should be expected.

The Seahawks need a win, a Packers loss, and a Saints loss to force a tie atop the NFC with the Packers in which they would own the tie-breaker. All-out effort should be expected.

The winner of the Cowboys and Giants game will take down the NFC East if Washington loses on Sunday Night Football. To put that another way: the Cowboys and Giants have major incentive to win here, so expect all-out effort from both teams.

The Buccaneers have a Vegas-implied team total of 28.75 against the Falcons, but they also have more to gain by resting players than by playing them. It would be in the nature of a Tom Brady team for Bucs starters to play this entire game regardless, but keep in mind that A) this team spreads the ball around enough that there is already plenty of guesswork, B) the Falcons defense (as explored at length last week) is quite a bit better than people seem to think, and C) there is additional risk that the Bucs won’t go all-out the entire game. These players technically fall into the “all-out effort expected” bucket, but this comes with obvious caveats and risks.

The Bears are in the playoffs with a win over the Packers OR an Arizona loss to the depleted Rams. All-out effort should be expected.

The Cardinals need to beat the Rams to reach the playoffs, while the Rams need a win over Arizona or a Chicago loss to the Packers. As always: these teams are all playing in the same time slot (late games), so we should expect all-out effort from both teams (albeit with the Rams missing Jared Goff, Cooper Kupp, Darrell Henderson, and likely Cam Akers).

Elsewhere in the NFC, the 49ers are expected to be without Jimmy Garoppolo, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk, and the Panthers are expected to be without Christian McCaffrey and Mike Davis (Robby Anderson also missed practice on Wednesday this week). The Vikings will be without Dalvin Cook, while Alexander Mattison is still questionable.

Here are the top Vegas-implied team totals for NFC teams this week ::

30.5 — Vikings
28.75 — Bucs
28.25 — Packers
27.0 — Saints
26.25 — Seahawks
23.5 — Lions
23.25 — Cowboys

Slotting in the AFC teams, here are our top Vegas-implied team totals on the slate ::

31.75 — Colts
31.75 — Titans
30.5 — Vikings
28.75 — Bucs
28.5 — Ravens
28.25 — Packers
27.0 — Saints
26.75 — Raiders
26.25 — Seahawks
25.5 — Browns


Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 1:00pm Eastern

Falcons (
22) at

Bucs (
29)

Over/Under 51.0

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Notes

Key Matchups
Falcons Run D
8th DVOA/10th Yards allowed per carry
Buccaneers Run O
29th DVOA/32nd Yards per carry
Falcons Pass D
29th DVOA/16th Yards allowed per pass
Buccaneers Pass O
15th DVOA/6th Yards per pass
Buccaneers Run D
11th DVOA/5th Yards allowed per carry
Falcons Run O
20th DVOA/14th Yards per carry
Buccaneers Pass D
15th DVOA/24th Yards allowed per pass
Falcons Pass O
22nd DVOA/8th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By JM >>

Both of these teams should tilt pass-heavyOne of these teams should be expected to do much better than the otherThere are (it may even go without saying) certainly attractive plays in this gameMore importantly :: there are attractive ways to play this gameNot a prime spot for me, but there are a couple things I like

How Atlanta Will Try To Win ::

What will the shape of this game be? How about this for a starting point ::

The Atlanta defense ranks sixth in run defense DVOA, while the Tampa defense ranks first. As a . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 1:00pm Eastern

Cowboys (
22.75) at

Giants (
20.75)

Over/Under 43.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Cowboys Run D
9th DVOA/17th Yards allowed per carry
Giants Run O
31st DVOA/15th Yards per carry
Cowboys Pass D
6th DVOA/25th Yards allowed per pass
Giants Pass O
30th DVOA/30th Yards per pass
Giants Run D
29th DVOA/30th Yards allowed per carry
Cowboys Run O
15th DVOA/19th Yards per carry
Giants Pass D
19th DVOA/26th Yards allowed per pass
Cowboys Pass O
11th DVOA/14th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By Hilow >>

The winner of this contest gets into the playoffs with a Washington loss (WAS don’t play until SNF), so expect no stone left unturnedCowboys’ offense has looked #good over the previous three gamesGiants…well, not so much (have average 10.75 points per game over the previous month of play)Not much in the way of solid floor here

How Dallas Will Try To Win ::

Dallas has brought an overall 65% pass play rate on the season down to 56% over the previous three weeks (winning all three games and placing themselves in . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 1:00pm Eastern

Jets (
19) at

Patriots (
22)

Over/Under 41.0

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Notes

Key Matchups
Jets Run D
14th DVOA/11th Yards allowed per carry
Patriots Run O
23rd DVOA/24th Yards per carry
Jets Pass D
3rd DVOA/7th Yards allowed per pass
Patriots Pass O
29th DVOA/28th Yards per pass
Patriots Run D
1st DVOA/1st Yards allowed per carry
Jets Run O
32nd DVOA/13th Yards per carry
Patriots Pass D
13th DVOA/9th Yards allowed per pass
Jets Pass O
31st DVOA/31st Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By Hilow >>

Two of the bottom four teams in average plays run per game (NE: 61.1, NYJ: 59.1)Both teams amongst the top seven in rush rate with the score within seven points (NE: 51%, NYJ: 47%); both teams hold over a 50% overall rush rate over the last four weeks (second and third to only the Ravens)Frank Gore and La’Mical Perine will miss this game, opening the door for Ty Johnson and Josh Adams to lead the Jets’ backfield

How New York Will Try To Win ::

Leave it to Adam Gase . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 1:00pm Eastern

Vikings (
28.25) at

Lions (
25.25)

Over/Under 53.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Vikings Run D
12th DVOA/6th Yards allowed per carry
Lions Run O
4th DVOA/5th Yards per carry
Vikings Pass D
10th DVOA/4th Yards allowed per pass
Lions Pass O
9th DVOA/9th Yards per pass
Lions Run D
3rd DVOA/3rd Yards allowed per carry
Vikings Run O
27th DVOA/22nd Yards per carry
Lions Pass D
16th DVOA/30th Yards allowed per pass
Vikings Pass O
21st DVOA/17th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By JM >>

The Vikings like to win games on the ground...but not quite to the extent they were doing this earlier in the yearDalvin Cook is set to miss this oneMatthew Stafford's status will have a big impact on how this game looks

How Minnesota Will Try To Win ::

We’re past the point in the season where it’s necessary to lay out how the Vikings want to win ("on the ground"), or to lay out how bad the Lions are against the run (29th in adjusted line yards; 26th in DVOA); but . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 1:00pm Eastern

Steelers (
17.25) at

Browns (
27.25)

Over/Under 44.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Steelers Run D
13th DVOA/20th Yards allowed per carry
Browns Run O
21st DVOA/25th Yards per carry
Steelers Pass D
7th DVOA/29th Yards allowed per pass
Browns Pass O
26th DVOA/13th Yards per pass
Browns Run D
5th DVOA/14th Yards allowed per carry
Steelers Run O
12th DVOA/17th Yards per carry
Browns Pass D
2nd DVOA/6th Yards allowed per pass
Steelers Pass O
19th DVOA/20th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By Hilow >>

Pittsburgh is expected to rest quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey, and linebacker/defensive end TJ Watt (who is chasing the single-season sack record in Pittsburgh)Cleveland activated their wide receiver room (Rashard Higgins, KhaDarel Hodge, Jarvis Landry and Donovan Peoples-Jones) from the COVID list, only to see linebacker Malcolm Smith and cornerback Denzel Ward placed on the COVID listBrowns are win-and-in the playoffs; Steelers are guaranteed home field advantage through the Divisional Round (locked into the two or three-seed), but move into the two-seed with a win . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 1:00pm Eastern

Ravens (
29.25) at

Bengals (
15.75)

Over/Under 45.0

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Notes

Key Matchups
Ravens Run D
7th DVOA/27th Yards allowed per carry
Bengals Run O
22nd DVOA/27th Yards per carry
Ravens Pass D
1st DVOA/1st Yards allowed per pass
Bengals Pass O
14th DVOA/26th Yards per pass
Bengals Run D
28th DVOA/31st Yards allowed per carry
Ravens Run O
1st DVOA/3rd Yards per carry
Bengals Pass D
21st DVOA/32nd Yards allowed per pass
Ravens Pass O
4th DVOA/4th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By Hilow >>

Zac Taylor is coaching for little more than job security at this pointThe Ravens are win-and-in the postseasonExtensive injuries to high profile players from both sides, including Cincinnati wide receivers Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins and about half of the Ravens starting defense; keep an eye on expected activity levels for possible valueOther than that, not much to love in a likely slow-paced, grind-it-out sort of a game

How Baltimore Will Try To Win ::

Baltimore leads the league in overall rush rate at 54%, ranks dead last in situation . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 1:00pm Eastern

Dolphins (
23) at

Bills (
19.5)

Over/Under 42.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Dolphins Run D
21st DVOA/8th Yards allowed per carry
Bills Run O
5th DVOA/9th Yards per carry
Dolphins Pass D
18th DVOA/12th Yards allowed per pass
Bills Pass O
3rd DVOA/7th Yards per pass
Bills Run D
18th DVOA/28th Yards allowed per carry
Dolphins Run O
3rd DVOA/1st Yards per carry
Bills Pass D
9th DVOA/5th Yards allowed per pass
Dolphins Pass O
2nd DVOA/2nd Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By Hilow >>

Miami is virtually win-and-in for a postseason bidBuffalo is locked into the two or three seed out of the AFC, currently winning the tie-break with Pittsburgh (the Steelers are reportedly resting key starters this week against Cleveland); either way they will be playing next week in the new-look wildcard weekendBills head coach Sean McDermott indicated early this week that he will not disclose whether or not he will rest regular starters in Week 17, creating a level of guesswork for this game

How Miami Will Try To Win ::

With DeVante . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 4:25pm Eastern

Jaguars (
16.25) at

Colts (
31.75)

Over/Under 48.0

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Notes

Key Matchups
Jaguars Run D
6th DVOA/9th Yards allowed per carry
Colts Run O
9th DVOA/16th Yards per carry
Jaguars Pass D
12th DVOA/17th Yards allowed per pass
Colts Pass O
17th DVOA/15th Yards per pass
Colts Run D
24th DVOA/15th Yards allowed per carry
Jaguars Run O
26th DVOA/30th Yards per carry
Colts Pass D
14th DVOA/19th Yards allowed per pass
Jaguars Pass O
13th DVOA/18th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By JM >>

This is a big game for the Colts: one they have to win in order to keep their season aliveThe Colts should be expected to comfortably control this oneExpect the Colts to eventually grow more run-dominant throughout this game, as the Jags grow more pass-dominant

How Indianapolis Will Try To Win ::

When looking at games on paper, ahead of those games actually kicking off, it can sometimes become too easy to create a false game that plays out differently than any NFL game would actually play out. What I mean is this . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 4:25pm Eastern

Titans (
31.25) at

Texans (
24.25)

Over/Under 55.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Titans Run D
10th DVOA/7th Yards allowed per carry
Texans Run O
30th DVOA/26th Yards per carry
Titans Pass D
24th DVOA/14th Yards allowed per pass
Texans Pass O
12th DVOA/5th Yards per pass
Texans Run D
2nd DVOA/2nd Yards allowed per carry
Titans Run O
18th DVOA/21st Yards per carry
Texans Pass D
23rd DVOA/22nd Yards allowed per pass
Titans Pass O
24th DVOA/16th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By JM >>

This game boasts the highest Over/Under on the slateLots of reasons to expect points to be scored in this gameGiven pricing and expected ownership, there are a lot of interesting angles to explore here

How Tennessee Will Try To Win ::

Hey, guys — over here! I found your chalk!

Depending on what happens in the early games, this will either be a “must-win” for the Titans or a “must-win to take down the division” — and with the state of their playoff positioning unknown until after this one kicks off, we can know . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 4:25pm Eastern

Chargers (
25) at

Chiefs (
18)

Over/Under 43.0

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Notes

Key Matchups
Chargers Run D
22nd DVOA/12th Yards allowed per carry
Chiefs Run O
11th DVOA/11th Yards per carry
Chargers Pass D
30th DVOA/28th Yards allowed per pass
Chiefs Pass O
6th DVOA/19th Yards per pass
Chiefs Run D
27th DVOA/24th Yards allowed per carry
Chargers Run O
28th DVOA/28th Yards per carry
Chiefs Pass D
5th DVOA/2nd Yards allowed per pass
Chargers Pass O
16th DVOA/21st Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By JM >>

Kansas City will be resting key starters in this oneThe Chargers will be without Keenan Allen and Hunter Henry once againEverything in this game (including the Vegas total and spread) point to it being relatively lower-scoring, with "hoping to take advantage of a big play" your clearest path to a slate-breaker here

How Kansas City Will Try To Win ::

Kansas City will be “trying to win” (that is, they’ll be calling plays in an effort to move up and down the field and finish plays in the end zone), but they . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 4:25pm Eastern

Packers (
26.5) at

Bears (
22)

Over/Under 48.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Packers Run D
26th DVOA/26th Yards allowed per carry
Bears Run O
10th DVOA/6th Yards per carry
Packers Pass D
27th DVOA/18th Yards allowed per pass
Bears Pass O
23rd DVOA/23rd Yards per pass
Bears Run D
4th DVOA/4th Yards allowed per carry
Packers Run O
17th DVOA/10th Yards per carry
Bears Pass D
17th DVOA/11th Yards allowed per pass
Packers Pass O
5th DVOA/10th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By JM >>

The Packers should be in control of this game, allowing for a slow pace of play and a high time of possessionThe Bears' offense has played well since Mitchell Trubisky returned under center, but this isn't the best spot for themImportant game for both teams, and certainly some stuff to consider; but not a ton to love

How Green Bay Will Try To Win ::

The NFL always tries to schedule important divisional tilts for the last weekend of the regular season, but they ended up pretty far off the mark this year. Out . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 4:25pm Eastern

Saints (
26.25) at

Panthers (
20.25)

Over/Under 46.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Saints Run D
25th DVOA/22nd Yards allowed per carry
Panthers Run O
25th DVOA/23rd Yards per carry
Saints Pass D
11th DVOA/23rd Yards allowed per pass
Panthers Pass O
32nd DVOA/32nd Yards per pass
Panthers Run D
32nd DVOA/13th Yards allowed per carry
Saints Run O
13th DVOA/31st Yards per carry
Panthers Pass D
20th DVOA/11th Yards allowed per pass
Saints Pass O
20th DVOA/22nd Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By JM >>

New Orleans will be without Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, but they set up well for what they need to do hereCarolina will be without Christian McCaffrey and Mike Davis, and they don't set up all that well for what they need to do hereExpect a slow-placed game with low overall play volume

How New Orleans Will Try To Win ::

It might be 2021 on the calendar, but it’s still 2020 for the NFL, with Alvin Kamara placed on the Covid list for the Saints before their “must-win” game vs . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 4:25pm Eastern

Raiders (
26.5) at

Broncos (
24)

Over/Under 50.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Raiders Run D
17th DVOA/19th Yards allowed per carry
Broncos Run O
14th DVOA/18th Yards per carry
Raiders Pass D
8th DVOA/8th Yards allowed per pass
Broncos Pass O
18th DVOA/25th Yards per pass
Broncos Run D
30th DVOA/32nd Yards allowed per carry
Raiders Run O
24th DVOA/29th Yards per carry
Broncos Pass D
26th DVOA/20th Yards allowed per pass
Raiders Pass O
28th DVOA/24th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By Hilow >>

Broncos secondary remains ravaged by injuries/suspensionsDarren Waller needs six receptions to break the franchise single-season receptions recordBoth teams are already eliminated from playoff contention (but we should expect solid effort from each team, with valuable NFL reps available for teams with young players up and down their rosters)In what is likely his last game with the team (Broncos have an out in his contract after this season which would save them $7 million against the cap, and he is facing off-season discipline for a DUI), Melvin Gordon should be showcasing . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 4:25pm Eastern

Hawks (
26) at

49ers (
19)

Over/Under 45.0

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Notes

Key Matchups
Seahawks Run D
23rd DVOA/25th Yards allowed per carry
49ers Run O
2nd DVOA/4th Yards per carry
Seahawks Pass D
25th DVOA/15th Yards allowed per pass
49ers Pass O
1st DVOA/1st Yards per pass
49ers Run D
15th DVOA/18th Yards allowed per carry
Seahawks Run O
19th DVOA/20th Yards per carry
49ers Pass D
4th DVOA/3rd Yards allowed per pass
Seahawks Pass O
8th DVOA/12th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By Hilow >>

The Seahawks’ range of playoff outcomes spans from the one-seed (with a win and losses by GB and NO) to the three-seed, meaning they are playing for anywhere from one guaranteed playoff home game to three possibleSan Francisco will be without DT Javon Kinlaw, CB Richard Sherman, CB K’Waun Williams, DL Kevin Givens, and LB Dre Greenlaw on defense (all starters), and without Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk on offenseLiable to see a low 120-125 total offensive plays run from scrimmage hereNot a lot to love

How Seattle Will Try . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 4:25pm Eastern

Cards (
20.5) at

Rams (
20.5)

Over/Under 41.0

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Notes

Key Matchups
Cardinals Run D
31st DVOA/29th Yards allowed per carry
Rams Run O
7th DVOA/8th Yards per carry
Cardinals Pass D
31st DVOA/21st Yards allowed per pass
Rams Pass O
10th DVOA/3rd Yards per pass
Rams Run D
20th DVOA/16th Yards allowed per carry
Cardinals Run O
8th DVOA/2nd Yards per carry
Rams Pass D
22nd DVOA/27th Yards allowed per pass
Cardinals Pass O
25th DVOA/29th Yards per pass

Game Overview ::

By JM >>

The Rams will be without Jared Goff, Cooper Kupp, and one or two starting running backsThe Cardinals will be taking on one of the top two or three defenses in the NFLBoth teams need this win; and both teams will likely try to get there by hoping to force more mistakes out of the opponent than they make themselves

How Los Angeles Will Try To Win ::

My goal during Week 17 each year is to not overextend these writeups :: to recognize that there are 15 games on the Main Slate, and that many games . . .

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Kickoff Sunday, Jan 3rd 8:20pm Eastern

WFT (
25) at

Eagles (
18.5)

Over/Under 43.5

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Notes

Key Matchups
Commanders Run D
16th DVOA/23rd Yards allowed per carry
Eagles Run O
6th DVOA/12th Yards per carry
Commanders Pass D
32nd DVOA/31st Yards allowed per pass
Eagles Pass O
7th DVOA/11th Yards per pass
Eagles Run D
19th DVOA/21st Yards allowed per carry
Commanders Run O
16th DVOA/7th Yards per carry
Eagles Pass D
28th DVOA/13th Yards allowed per pass
Commanders Pass O
27th DVOA/27th Yards per pass

XANDAMERE’S SHOWDOWN SLANT ::
Somewhat shockingly this game has playoff implications, as if Washington wins this game, they’re in the playoffs (and even though they play Sunday night, the Cowboys and Giants are playing each other, if Washington loses, the winner of that game goes to the playoffs). Philadelphia is out, so it’s possible they may take it a bit easy. Jalen Hurts is still expected to start the game, but we can’t be 100% confident he’ll play the entire way through (I would guess he will), and they may rest guys who are dinged up . . .

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