NFL Week 17 Picks: Gauging the Likelihood of Every Upset Scenario

Can any of the following upset scenarios come to fruition in Week 17 of the NFL season?

Let's break down the matchups.

Carolina Panthers (6-9) at New Orleans Saints (12-3)

The Saints need a win to give themselves a chance at getting a first-round bye, but they should know pretty early what kind of chance the Rams have at beating the 49ers.

If San Francisco gets up big, the Saints could pull some of their key guys. We know that Cam Newton will be playing a full 60 minutes, so there's a chance for the Panthers to get to seven wins. 

Buffalo Bills (6-9) at New England Patriots (12-3)

Think Bill Belichick and Tom Brady don't want a little revenge for what happened earlier this season? I wouldn't overlook that factor.

And in the end, the Patriots are still trying to secure home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. It won't be easy for the Bills to beat the Patriots twice in a single season.

San Francisco 49ers (12-3) at St. Louis Rams (2-13)

The 49ers need a win to get a first-round bye, so there will be no relaxing in Week 17. If (or when?) the 49ers get a big lead, however, Jim Harbaugh might take some of the key guys out.

Very little chance for the Rams to finish with anything more than two wins.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11) at Atlanta Falcons (9-6)

It'd be nice for the Buccaneers to show a pulse for a coach that has backed them throughout this mostly embarrassing season. Raheem Morris is on the hot seat, but a win over the Falcons could (emphasis on could) save his job.

I don't think it happens. The Falcons need a win and a Lions' loss to get the No. 5 seed. Not having to go to the Superdome is worth playing for in Week 17.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) at Cleveland Browns (5-10)

Did the Browns instill a little confidence in themselves over that second half against the Ravens? Maybe, maybe not.

The difference-maker in this game will be the availability of Ben Roethlisberger. If he plays, the Steelers get to 12 wins. If he can't, the Browns have a chance to pull off the upset.