Christmas week signals the onset of NFL Week 17, promising the most extensive schedule of the season with exciting matchups spread across five days. The NFL has set up some thrilling games starting with the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. Adding to the spectacle is Thursday Night Football and three games on Saturday, culminating with the Sunday and Monday slates.
This enticing lineup includes not just the traditional Christmas Day clashes but also pivotal games like the late-afternoon showdown between NFC North rivals Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Washington Commanders are set for their exciting matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, featuring rookie QBs Michael Penix Jr. and Jayden Daniels, both on the verge of making postseason waves. Meanwhile, the playoff picture intensifies, with teams like the Ravens securing playoff berths last week and the Falcons fighting for the NFC South lead.
Looking at expert picks, many believe the Chiefs will maintain their dominance against the Steelers. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Chiefs average 40 points per game against Pittsburgh and have shown no signs of slowing down. Coach Andy Reid seems to have the Steelers' defensive strategy figured out, and as they chase the No. 1 seed in the AFC, Mahomes will be pivotal: "The only way the Steelers have a chance is if Mahomes is extremely hobbled by his injured ankle," reported CBS Sports.
This week, the Chiefs are predicted to secure victory with established betting lines favoring them by 2.5 points. Projections suggest the Chiefs could win by 31 to 24 over the Steelers, who will leverage the return of star receiver George Pickens to bolster their offense.
The Ravens will also look to capitalize on their mathematical edge against the Texans. Losses to the Texans' key players, especially the injury to Tank Dell, coupled with concerns over their receiving corps, may hinder the Texans’ chances. The Ravens are anticipated to claim victory by 30 to 20 as they continue their march toward the playoffs.
The early slate will also feature intriguing matchups such as the Seattle Seahawks against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, with the Seahawks holding a three-point line advantage. While the Bears recently turned their season around behind rookie Caleb Williams, Seattle remains firmly entrenched as a playoff contender.
Another anticipated game is the clash between the Chargers and Patriots. Both teams are battling for playoff spots, and the Chargers are favored by 5 points. Analysts anticipate it to be tightly contested with the Chargers edging out the Patriots 24 to 20.
The excitement of the holiday week continues with matchups like the Bengals facing off against the Broncos, where the Bengals are pegged as 3-point favorites. With quarterback Joe Burrow on a hot streak of at least 250 passing yards and 3 touchdowns over the past seven games, Cincinnati holds the edge, according to reports from Sportsline.
When it boils down to the Packers vs. Vikings matchup, the predictions show the Vikings might just have the slight edge as they favorite to win by just under 1.5 points. But the Packers have displayed resilience all season with quarterback Jordan Love leading the charge, making this pivotal contest one to watch.
The Dallas Cowboys take on the Philadelphia Eagles, where the question of Jalen Hurts's possible absence could sway the game dramatically. If able to play, expert predictions lean toward the Eagles defeating the Cowboys with significant confidence; otherwise, the Cowboys, riding momentum and improved offensive play, may surprise.
The holiday season is festive not only for holiday cheer but also for the intensity of NFL matchups, offering fans the thrill of the game and the chance to witness dramatic seasons shaping up. With playoff hopes high, teams are expected to deliver exciting performances and fanfare leading to what could be one of the wildest weeks yet.
And as we watch these contests shape the playoff picture, don’t forget to keep track of those injury reports, as they can dramatically influence the week's picks.
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