NFL Week 17 Picks: Playoff-Bound Teams That Will Choke at Home

Teams like the Denver Broncos have a chance to lock in a playoff spot in front of their fans this week. However, due to their shaky play in their recent games, and the pressure of playing at home, it will result in these teams choking away a chance at playing in postseason. 

Denver Broncos

About two weeks ago, the Broncos were a sleeper team to go deep in the playoffs. However, after a two-game losing streak where the Broncos were outscored 81-37, it looks like the defense is wearing down and Tim Tebow has run out of games to bring this team back. 

Why They’ll Miss Out on the Playoffs

The Broncos play host to the Kansas City Chiefs and a returning Kyle Orton, who the Broncos ran off earlier this year. 

When the Chiefs and Broncos met up in Week 10, Denver was able to put the game away 17-7 mid-way in the fourth quarter. However, that was before Kansas City had a quarterback that could move the ball in Orton. 

Percentage the Broncos Miss Playoffs: 70 percent

The Denver defense has given up 35 or more points in three of their last four games. They cannot be trusted to hold this Chiefs offense off of the scoreboard. The end result will be a nightmare finish to what was a dream season. 

Cincinnati Bengals 

The Bengals have won two straight games to get themselves back into playoff contention. However, those two wins have come against two of the worst teams from the NFC West division. 

Against teams that have clinched playoff spots this year, the Bengals are 0-5. 

Why They’ll Miss Out on the Playoffs

The Bengals play host to the Baltimore Ravens, who will be looking to lock up the AFC North division, and a first-round bye. 

The last time the Ravens squared off with the Bengals in Week 11, Baltimore took the lead mid-way through the second quarter and never let the Bengals come within seven points for the remainder of the game. 

Baltimore’s defense held Cincinnati’s Cedric Benson to only 41 yards on 15 carries, and forced Andy Dalton to throw for a season high three interceptions. 

Percentage the Bengals Miss Playoffs: 85 percent

Cincinnati has a lot of young talent on their team, which is good. However, they have failed to beat better teams when they have played them this year. 

New York Giants

The Giants have lost five of their last seven games, behind an offense that has only scored more than 20 points in four of those seven games. Yet somehow they have a shot to win the NFC East division on Sunday. 

Why They’ll Miss Out on the Playoffs

In their last meeting just three weeks ago, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo went off on the Giants secondary for 321 yards and four touchdowns with a passer rating of 141.3. 

Romo is dealing with a hurt throwing hand, however, during their last game, the Giants were only able to hit the Cowboys quarterback just four times. 

Percentage the Giants Miss Playoffs: 65 percent

If this game was away from Met Life stadium the Giants would be in a better spot to win this game. However, they are 3-4 at home this year, and have lost by seven or more points in three of those four losses. 

These three home teams will disappoint their home fans this Sunday by dropping what is a playoff game. They will have their fanbase saying after the loss, “Maybe next year.” 

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