NFL Week 17 Preview: Upsets Help the Playoffs Come into Focus

A look at the games:

Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings: I know that Adrian Peterson is out, but the Vikings won't just roll over. They lost their chance at "winning" the No. 1 pick with the win over the Washington Redskins yesterday, and I am not quite sure they are confident in Christian Ponder.

By losing that opportunity, I see the Vikings coming out with some fire. Christian Ponder, Percy Harvin and Toby Gerhart will be too much for the Bears, who have simply been a shell of themselves since Jay Cutler went down.  

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints: Newton and Co. bring a fight to every game they play. With a win over the Falcons on Monday Night, the Saints will be in position to get a bye if the San Francisco 49ers lose (I have the 49ers winning).  

The 49ers vs. St. Louis Rams game is at 1:00 p.m. just like the Saints'. The Saints know the 49ers are playing St. Louis, and I am thinking the Saints are expecting a 49ers victory. They have locked up the No. 3 seed, so I can definitely see Cam Newton closing out his stellar rookie season with a win over the resting division champs in their house.  

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers: After locking up the No. 1 seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the banged-up Packers will more than likely rest. The Lions on the other hand are still playing for a seed. A win and they are the No. 5 seed, but a loss plus an Atlanta win and they are the No. 6 seed. I like what the Lions are playing for.

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams: A win by the 49ers and they get a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed. Plus, it's St. Louis...
 

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins: For some reason, after the letdown last week against the New York Giants, I see the Jets rebounding, almost entirely for the drama. They'll be resting all their hopes on Kansas City to beat the Broncos or the Chargers to beat the Raiders, while hoping the Houston Texans (who have locked up the No. 3 seed) show up against a Tennessee Titans team that needs a win.
 

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots: A Patriots win, and they are the No. 1 seed.  Oh yeah, and they have No. 12 back there, and no deficit is out of his grasp. He is The Surgeon.

Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles...Eagles...Eagles. Comin' around just in time to save Andy Reid's job but not in time for the playoffs. This team is scary when it doesn't matter...

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars: Hmmm...what do the Colts do? How can they sell losing to the players? If Caldwell isn't returning, do you think he cares about next year's draft pick? I am picking the Colts.

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans: This is a big one, and I think the Texans will take a foot off of the gas for at least two quarters. And I think the Titans will capitalize on it, but all for naught as I still see both AFC West leaders winning. This would also eliminate the NY Jets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons: With the loss on Monday Night Football, this is Atlanta's shot to get things rolling for the playoffs, all the while still competing with the Lions for that No. 5 seed so they don't have to go back into the Superdome for the second time in two weeks.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have playoff hope, while the Ravens are playing for a bye. This should be runner-up for game of the week. Since it isn't winner take all, give me the Bengals in an upset!

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns: The Steelers have a much better draw than the Ravens in Week 17, and I think that makes all the difference. The boys in black and gold will get the bye.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos: Tim Tebow playing for all the marbles. Yes, please!

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders: The Chargers were playing as good as anyone coming into Week 16, but that display was ugly. The Chargers have nothing to play for, because I think Norv Turner has already lost his job. Raiders win, but due to the Bengals upset, it is all for naught.

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals: Ho hum. Give me the Cardinals since both were eliminated last week and Arizona is playing at home...

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants: The winner-take-all game of the week—enough said. I like the Giants at home.