After a one-week hiatus, the panel returns to predict five intriguing Week 17 matchups. Not only are all five games intra-divisional affairs, but every game has potential playoff implications, as well.
In the AFC, the four division winners and six playoff teams have already been determined, but seeds No. 1-4 are still up for grabs. If the Texans win, Houston will clinch the No. 1 AFC seed and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. If the Texans lose, the Broncos and/or Patriots can "steal" their bye by winning on Sunday. If Baltimore wins and New England loses, the Ravens will earn the No. 3 seed.
The winner of Sunday night's Redskins-Cowboys game will take the NFC East crown and the NFC's No. 4 seed. If the Cowboys lose, they will be eliminated from playoff contention. If the Redskins lose, Washington can then only make the playoffs with a Minnesota loss AND Chicago loss.
An NFC West team will surely occupy one of the two NFC wildcard spots, as the 49ers and Seahawks have both clinched playoff berths. The second wild card could go to the Vikings, Bears, Redskins or Giants. The Vikings are in control of their own destiny. If Minnesota beats Green Bay, no matter what else happens around the league, the Vikings are in the postseason. If Minnesota loses and Chicago wins, the Bears will take the last wildcard spot. The Giants have an outside shot at making the playoffs, but they must win, and Dallas, Minnesota and Chicago all have to lose.
Although the Falcons have already secured the NFC's top seed, the other first-round bye can go to the Packers or 49ers. If the Packers win, they'll get the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. If the Packers lose and the 49ers win, the No. 2 seed will go to San Francisco. It's even possible (though highly unlikely) that the Seahawks could get the first-round bye. For that to happen, the Seahawks would have to win, while the Packers and 49ers would both have to lose.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-11) @ New York Giants (8-7)
Jeremy Bergman: Eagles 19, Giants 17
A perfect storm is forming around the Meadowlands this Sunday. The Giants are cold as ice - and so is the turf. The Eagles have nothing to play for except to spoil their rival's dim playoff hopes, so they have nothing to lose. With Nick Foles injured, enter Mike Vick, who will be playing to redeem his season and his career. Vick and Andy Reid will leave Philadelphia on the highest of notes during one of their lowest of seasons, and drag the G-Men into the offseason with them.
Evan Budrovich: Giants 21, Eagles 14
With their backs against the wall, the New York Giants will defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in a slugfest. Michael Vick will struggle in his first game back in over four weeks for Philadelphia, throwing two huge turnovers. The Giants, meanwhile, will get a tremendous game out of Eli Manning, propelling them to an eerily similar-to-2011 9-7 finish.
Aaron Fischman: Eagles 26, Giants 23
Vick's first start in seven weeks adds intrigue to this matchup. Also, the Giants' defense is struggling badly. Did you know that the Giants haven't beaten the Eagles in New York since Sept. 30, 2007? The Giants could definitely beat a poor Eagles squad, but I'm still surprised it's been so long since the Giants got a home win against Philadelphia.
Jacob Freedman: Eagles 24, Giants 19
The Eagles have come full circle, with LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick set to start after the former succumbed to injuries for a third of the season while the latter succumbed to awful on-field performances. Both played in the squads' last meeting, and the Eagles prevailed. Eli Manning has only gotten worse in his performance the last two weeks, and an inexplicably inconsistent Giants squad will trip over the finish line to experience the worst Super Bowl hangover: a postseason spent watching on the couch.
Max Meyer: Giants 24, Eagles 23
In what should be Andy Reid and Michael Vick's final games as Philadelphia Eagles, the whole team should play hard in this NFC East rivalry game. The Giants are in a tailspin and need this win to keep their playoff hopes alive. I see Reid making a classic time-management gaffe that will give the Giants the win.
Law Murray: Giants 24, Eagles 21
Since the Eagles' bye in week 7, they have allowed 21 TD passes and intercepted only one pass in nine games, giving up at least 21 points in every game during the 1-8 streak. For a Giants team that needs to win for any shot of the playoffs, I would be surprised if QB Eli Manning fails to put up any kind of offense for the third straight week. The Eagles have scored more than 30 points only once all season, so I don't expect QB Michael Vick to blow up all of a sudden, even against the postseason-unworthy defense of the Giants.
Matthew Tufts: Giants 20, Eagles 7
Philadelphia has been absolutely terrible this year; New York should come away with an easy win to finish the season. It will be the end of the road for the Giants though, who need too much help from other teams (including a Chicago loss) to make the playoffs.
Houston Texans (12-3) @ Indianapolis Colts (10-5)Bergman: Colts 23, Texans 20
Only two weeks ago, the Colts held Houston's high-powered offense to one touchdown and five field goals. If not for a rare blocked punt returned for a touchdown, Indy would have stayed in the game long into the second half. Now with Chuck Pagano back, emotions and points will be running high early, as Indy will have to make adjustments to their new coach. But like Luck and Chuck do, the dynamic duo will lead the Colts from a late deficit to knock the Texans out of home-field and set themselves up for a strong postseason run.
Budrovich: Texans 17, Colts 16
With home-field advantage still at stake, the Houston Texans will go into Indianapolis and defeat the Colts. J.J. Watt may not break the sack record, but his impact on the contest will be enormous. Andrew Luck will mount a serious fourth-quarter comeback in the losing effort. Both teams will hope to stay healthy for what should be a promising postseason for the victor, while the loser has a tough road ahead.
Fischman: Texans 31, Colts 27
Although the Texans' offense looked miserable last Sunday, Houston's Arian Foster should run all over Indianapolis for the second time in three weeks. A Houston victory will give the Texans home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and mark the franchise's first ever win in Indianapolis. Interestingly enough, if the Colts are able to get the home win in coach Chuck Pagano's return (by the way, congratulations to him on his recovery), the Texans could be passed by the Patriots and Broncos and not even receive a first-round bye.
Freedman: Texans 35, Colts 17
The Texans have something to play for, while the Colts do not. In a low-pressure matchup for the return of Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, I expect Indianapolis to experiment with some defensive schemes and not play Andrew Luck nor a weary Reggie Wayne the entire game. Houston can ensure home field advantage until the Super Bowl with a win, so expect a hard-fought first half before the Colts pump the brakes and prepare for their return to the postseason.
Meyer: Texans 31, Colts 28
The Texans have to win this game to keep their bye-week. The Colts are locked in at the #5 seed. Since the Texans have a lot more to play for in this game, it will show and the Texans will win. But, it will be an emotional return for Colts coach Chuck Pagano though, and his Colts will come to play.
Murray: Texans 27, Colts 17
The Texans say that RB Arian Foster is healthy after his irregular heartbeat episode. We'll find out in a big game for the Texans against the 32nd-ranked run defense of the Colts (allowing 5.1 yards per run, gave up 352 yards rushing at Kansas City). The Texans haven't lost consecutive games all season, and a win gives them the AFC #1 seed. While Colts rookie QB Andrew Luck set the rookie record for passing yards in a season and is coming off his first consecutive games without an INT, he has completed less than half of his passes for four straight weeks. He'll be on the run all game as Texans DE J.J. Watt seeks to set a new sacks record.
Tufts: Texans 28, Colts 17
The return of Chuck Pagano will provide a great deal of motivation for a Colts team that is locked into a wild card slot. However, while Indianapolis may choose to rest some starters in the second half, Houston - who is competing with New England for a first-round bye - will be playing all of its starters until the game appears decided.
Chicago Bears (9-6) @ Detroit Lions (4-11)
Bergman: Bears 41, Lions 14
The Bears' defense has the most interceptions (23) and TDs off interceptions (8) of any team this year. Matthew Stafford has thrown the fifth most interceptions in the league (16), many of which have come during Detroit's recent seven-game losing streak. That's a recipe for disaster, unseen since Marc Sanchez met the butt of his offensive lineman.
Budrovich: Bears 35, Lions 21
In a must-win game for the Chicago Bears, the old reliable defense will make big plays to clinch the victory. Once the Bears contain single-season receiving yard record-holder Calvin Johnson, the rest will fall into place for Chicago. On the offensive end, expect numerous Cutler-to-Marshall connections to defeat the inspired Lions.
Fischman: Bears 23, Lions 20
There's no way the Bears will limit Calvin Johnson to three catches for 34 yards like they did on Monday night in Week 7. While Detroit has a good chance of eliminating the Bears from playoff contention given Chicago's offensive struggles, I think the Bears' defense will lead the franchise to its first postseason in three years. If the Bears don't win, they will have lost six of their final eight games. Offseason priority No. 1 will once again be finding a decent second receiver. By the way, pay close attention to Megatron's yardage. He needs 108 yards to become the first ever NFL player with 2,000 receiving yards in a season.
Freedman: Bears 28, Lions 17
We finally got another glimpse of the turnover-happy Bears' defense last Sunday, as the Bears had a fumble recovery and an interception return for a touchdown. You'd better believe Matthew Stafford will direct every other throw Calvin Johnson's way, but Charles Tillman is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFC and held Megatron to a season-low three catches in their first meeting. Unfortunately for Detroit, Johnson is about their only potent offensive weapon, while a healthy Matt Forte and quietly brilliant Brandon Marshall have enough to push the Bears to 10 wins and a playoff spot if the Vikings fall in Green Bay.
Meyer: Bears 27, Lions 17
The Bears beat the Lions earlier in the season, and with their season on the line, they should beat one of the most disappointing teams in football easily. However, despite the Bears having two Pro Bowl cornerbacks, I see Calvin Johnson extending his record by surpassing 2,000 receiving yards on the season in this game.
Murray: Bears 21, Lions 16
The Bears are as vanilla and predictable as it gets on offense; I feel dumb picking them to win because it's hard to see how they score. But the Lions are extremely predictable as well, perhaps more than the Bears. Against this defense, that usually equals takeaways. Lions WR Calvin Johnson needs 108 yards to become the first player to gain 2,000 yards receiving in a season, but he has a tough task to get there. The Bears held Megatron to a season-low 34 yards on Monday Night Football, and the Lions turned it over four times in that one. I don't doubt Megatron getting to 2K, but I do think the Bears get multiple turnovers and find a way to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Tufts: Bears 21, Lions 13
The Bears need to prove why they lead the league in takeaways when they travel to Detroit. If the Bears can slow down Calvin Johnson, force Matthew Stafford into a couple of turnovers, and get some help from the Packers, they will find themselves still playing in January.
Green Bay Packers (11-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (9-6)
Bergman: Vikings 30, Packers 27
In what will be the game of the day, the lead will trade hands throughout with Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson taking repeated shots in the air and on the ground respectively. Despite Green Bay's recent hot streak, the energy in the Dome and Minnesota's ability to control the ball on offense will be the deciding factors in the Vikings' victory on Sunday, setting up a Wild Card rematch in Green Bay next week. And just for kicks and giggles, A.D. will get that 208th rushing yard, breaking the season record.
Budrovich: Vikings 24, Packers 17
Adrian Peterson will defeat the Green Bay Packers. I predict that AP will not rush for 208 to break the record; however, the Vikings will win the game. Christian Ponder played outstanding in Houston and has the home crowd to rally the troops in a must-win contest. Aaron Rodgers has been tremendous in the second half of the season, but I have a feeling Minnesota will pull this one out.
Fischman: Packers 24, Vikings 14
Adrian Peterson only needs 102 rushing yards to reach the 2,000-yard plateau. I believe he'll do that easily. Although I don't think it'll happen, it's even possible for AP to break Eric Dickerson's single-season mark with 208 rushing yards Sunday. It's fun watching players try to break records, but one man will probably not be enough to launch the Vikings into the playoffs. Green Bay will be hungry to secure a first-round bye.
Freedman: Vikings 23, Packers 21
The Vikings can clinch a playoff berth with a win here, and I expect Adrian Peterson to go wild once again. Peterson might not get the 208 yards he needs to break the NFL single-season rushing record, but he ran for 210 yards against the Packers a couple of weeks ago. Although star linebacker Clay Matthews will play this time around for Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers will air it out playing indoors in Minnesota, but the Packers' weak pass protection and Minnesota's relentless running attack will make it close. Give me the Vikings on a last-second boot from Pro Bowl kicker Blair Walsh.
Meyer: Packers 35, Vikings 27
The Vikings need a win to make the playoffs, while the Packers need a win for a bye-week. Adrian Peterson should have a great game, but I don't think he breaks the record. And I don't think Christian Ponder will break the Packers secondary. Quarterback play is the difference, as Aaron Rodgers keeps the rival Vikings out of the playoffs.
Murray: Packers 24, Vikings 20
The Packers have won four straight and nine of their last ten, despite shuffling through backs, receivers, and linemen all season. The Vikings have won three straight, with their last loss coming at Green Bay. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson had 210 rushing yards in that game, and he needs 208 to break the rushing record. The Vikings are 0-6 when they lose the turnover battle, and QB Aaron Rodgers hasn't thrown multiple INTs in a game since winning Super Bowl XLV. I don't think QB Christian Ponder will make the plays necessary to beat Rodgers.
Tufts: Packers 27, Vikings 17
Despite a nearly unstoppable Adrian Peterson and the Packers' mediocre run-defense, Minnesota will not be able to keep pace with Green Bay. The Packers have too many weapons through the air offensively and are vying for a first-round bye.
Dallas Cowboys (8-7) @ Washington Redskins (9-6)Bergman: Cowboys 32, Redskins 27
Tony Romo is having an MVP-caliber year, almost single-armedly leading the Cowboys back from the depths of the NFC to the brink of the playoffs. All that stands in their way is a heated, but most likely freezing, matchup against Washington. With NBC grinning ear-to-ear with storylines and ad money galore, the Boys and Skins will have an old-fashioned shootout, culminating in a draw-droppingly clutch drive by Romo, reaffirming his place among the NFL's best quarterbacks.
Budrovich: Cowboys 31, Redskins 25
With all the pressure on Big D to perform, Tony Romo will break his historically soft shell and lead the Cowboys to the playoffs. This Dallas team is playing lights out offensively especially with Romo and Dez Bryant. If the Boys contain a hobbled RGIII, who fared poorly on Thanksgiving, the Cowboys will be playoff bound. The loss will send Redskins fans home sad in the short term, but excited for what lies ahead.
Fischman: Cowboys 34, Redskins 31
These teams light up the scoreboard, but give up a ton of points (and passing yards) in the process. Don't forget that DeMarco Murray didn't play in Dallas' 38-31 Thanksgiving loss to the Redskins. Washington has been better in close games, and the game will be played in D.C., but I have a strange feeling Dallas will win with a late field goal. While I'd like to watch Washington in the postseason, whether or not the Skins make the playoffs this year, their future is awfully bright with Griffin III and Morris to build around.
Freedman: Cowboys 27, Redskins 21
Tony Romo has thrown for 757 yards in his last two games, to go along with six touchdowns and no turnovers. In his prior matchup against the Redskins' 30th-ranked pass defense, he threw for 441 yards. Not to mention that with 21 catches in his past two games, Dez Bryant is the best wide receiver in the NFC right now not named Calvin Johnson. The Cowboys are actually 4-3 on the road, with wins over the Giants and Bengals, and on Sunday, the Redskins' storybook season will finish with a bitter ending as Romo leads the Cowboys back into the playoffs.
Meyer: Redskins 27, Cowboys 24
I'm sorry, but I can't pick Tony Romo and the Cowboys to win any win-or-go-home game, especially after watching RG3 tear the Cowboys apart on Thanksgiving. Expect the Redskins running attack to propel them into the playoffs.
Murray: Cowboys 28, Redskins 27
In 2008, the Cowboys lost to the Eagles in Week 17 in a winner-takes-all. Last year, the Cowboys lost to the Giants in the same scenario. It has to end sometime, and I think the Cowboys will fight their way to a division championship. The key is turnovers and when they happen. If the Cowboys fall behind to Washington and let Redskins rookies QB Robert Griffin III and RB Alfred Morris establish the run, it's curtains for Dallas. The Cowboys turned the ball over three times in that game, but that's their only multi-turnover game since midseason. Romo has 16 TD passes and only 3 INTs since then, and has equalizing RB DeMarco Murray this time, who they hope finds the end zone. The Cowboys are 6-0 when Murray scores a rushing TD.
Tufts: Redskins 24, Cowboys 20
Forget about "Tony Romo fails in pressure situations." Forget about Robert Griffin III being a rookie - he hasn't played like one this season. Washington has momentum and just needs to keep playing its style of football. If RGIII and the Redskin offense can mix it up and keep the Dallas defense guessing, they'll emerge as NFC East Champions.
Playoff Seeding Predictions
AFC
Bergman: 1. Denver Broncos; 2. New England Patriots; 3. Houston Texans; 4. Baltimore Ravens; 5. Indianapolis Colts; 6. Cincinnati Bengals
Budrovich: 1. Houston Texans; 2. Denver Broncos; 3. New England Patriots; 4. Baltimore Ravens; 5. Indianapolis Colts; 6. Cincinnati Bengals
Fischman: 1. Houston Texans; 2. Denver Broncos; 3. New England Patriots; 4. Baltimore Ravens; 5. Indianapolis Colts; 6. Cincinnati Bengals
Freedman: 1. Houston Texans; 2. Denver Broncos; 3. New England Patriots; 4. Baltimore Ravens; 5. Indianapolis Colts; 6. Cincinnati Bengals
Meyer: 1. Houston Texans; 2. Denver Broncos; 3. New England Patriots; 4. Baltimore Ravens; 5. Indianapolis Colts; 6. Cincinnati Bengals
Murray: 1. Houston Texans; 2. Denver Broncos; 3. New England Patriots; 4. Baltimore Ravens; 5. Indianapolis Colts; 6. Cincinnati Bengals
Tufts: 1. Houston Texans; 2. Denver Broncos; 3. New England Patriots; 4. Baltimore Ravens; 5. Indianapolis Colts; 6. Cincinnati Bengals
NFC
Bergman: 1. Atlanta Falcons; 2. San Francisco 49ers; 3. Green Bay Packers; 4. Dallas Cowboys; 5. Seattle Seahawks; 6. Minnesota Vikings
Budrovich: 1. Atlanta Falcons; 2. San Francisco 49ers; 3. Green Bay Packers; 4. Dallas Cowboys; 5. Seattle Seahawks; 6. Minnesota Vikings
Fischman: 1. Atlanta Falcons; 2. Green Bay Packers; 3. San Francisco 49ers; 4. Dallas Cowboys; 5. Seattle Seahawks; 6. Chicago Bears
Freedman: 1. Atlanta Falcons; 2. San Francisco 49ers; 3. Green Bay Packers; 4. Dallas Cowboys; 5. Seattle Seahawks; 6. Minnesota Vikings
Meyer: 1. Atlanta Falcons; 2. Green Bay Packers; 3. San Francisco 49ers; 4. Washington Redskins; 5. Seattle Seahawks; 6. Chicago Bears
Murray: 1. Atlanta Falcons; 2. Green Bay Packers; 3. San Francisco 49ers; 4. Dallas Cowboys; 5. Seattle Seahawks; 6. Chicago Bears
Tufts: 1. Atlanta Falcons; 2. Green Bay Packers; 3. San Francisco 49ers; 4. Washington Redskins; 5. Seattle Seahawks; 6. Chicago Bears
Season Standings
Matthew Tufts 51-23
Max Meyer 55-26
Evan Budrovich 52-28
Jeremy Bergman 50-31
Jacob Freedman 50-31
Aaron Fischman 48-33
Law Murray 37-33
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