NFL Week 17 Predictions: Contenders and Pretenders

Now that the smoke has begun to clear and the playoff seeding begins to take shape, it's time to separate the teams that plan on winning the tournament from those who are just happy to be in the dance. 

Still, when separating these teams, it is important not to look solely on the results of Week 17. Not only are a lot of teams not playing their best players, but they may be "saving" certain plays and strategies until the games that really count. 

Without further adieu, here are your Week 17 contenders and pretenders.

Green Bay Packers: Contender

To put up a record-breaking offensive performance like they did against the Lions with a backup quarterback was beyond impressive. While it is no secret that Flynn is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL, to bench the best player in football and not miss a beat is quite stunning.  

Of course, the issue for the Packers lies on the defensive side. This unit is a shadow of last year's elite unit and has gone on to be one of the worst defenses in football. 

They have proven they can win a shootout, but can they win three shootouts in a row? They might have to if the Pack plan on repeating. 

Baltimore Ravens: Pretender

To be honest, I really don't have a lot of concrete evidence to back up the fact that I think the Ravens are not a true contender. 

Maybe it's their easy schedule, but this team hasn't had a lot of "quality" wins against good opponents. Yes, they beat the Steelers twice, but since Week 1, this team has been anything but consistent, especially on offense. 

I just can't see this team walking into Foxborough and outscoring the Patriots. 

New Orleans Saints: Contender

No team has been more impressive over the past month than the Saints. They are just surgical on offense and have more balance than anyone in football. Brees is making a strong case to unseat Aaron Rodgers as league MVP. 

Their defense is also making some improvements, mostly in terms of their philosophy. It is as if they know they can outscore opponents, so they are starting to play more and more conservative to frustrate teams into mistakes. This is a far cry from the aggressive style of coordinator Gregg Williams.

Right now, the only thing that can slow down the Saints is the weather, as they are a completely different team when forced to play outside. Having to make a trip to Lambeau may be their downfall.  

Pittsburgh Steelers: Pretender

The Steelers are in the same boat as their divisional rivals. I just can't trust Roethlisberger to stay healthy enough to be the same, excellent quarterback throughout the playoffs. 

Their defense has given up more big plays than usual, and they are having a tough time stopping good running teams. 

I know they already beat the Patriots earlier in the year, but I can't see them doing that again with a hobbled Big Ben. 

San Franscisco 49ers: Contender

I may be higher on the 49ers than most, but I can't ignore the team that has the best defense in football.

The big question for the 49ers all season has been whether or not they can beat the Packers or Saints in a low-scoring, "close to the vest" kind of game. I happen to think they can. 

We have seen the Packers stumble when their offense isn't clicking on all cylinders. What team is better suited to disrupt an elite offense than the 49ers?

New England Patriots: Contender

We all know about their offense. Rob Gronkowski may be the most difficult man to cover in football. 

The question is whether or not their defense can continue to be just "good enough" to win games against elite teams. 

Losing Andre Carter was a big loss, but this team can outscore the Ravens or Steelers to get into the big dance. 

Detroit Lions: Pretender

It's not that I don't think the Lions are a good team. They have a lot of strengths. It's their glaring weaknesses that will keep this team from making a run. 

When you can't run the ball or stop the run it puts a lot of stress on every other facet of your game to work. While Stafford has done an admirable job making up for his lack of run support, it is no way to make a playoff run. 

It would be one thing if they had a great pass defense to make up for their inability to stop the run, but when you let a backup quarterback have a record-breaking day, you can't be a unit that's to be trusted. 

Houston Texans: Pretender

What the Texans have done this year, despite their injuries, is beyond admirable. There is a lot to like about this team, as they have an excellent defense and two great backs that run behind the best offensive line in football. They will get an added boost to their offense with Andre Johnson returning. 

Still, I just can't see T.J. Yates winning a Super Bowl. 

I wouldn't be surprised at all if they won one playoff game, but to beat several elite teams in a row with Yates at the helm is just not realistic.