Previewing the NFL's Week 17 'Win to Clinch' Divisional Games
It's Week 17. That means nothing but divisional games remain between now and the postseason.
For some teams, winning the final divisional game is their ticket to the playoffs. Conversely, some teams are fighting for a first-round bye and a guaranteed home game.
Here is a preview of the three games that will determine the 2014 NFC South, NFC North and AFC North champions.
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Carolina Panthers (6-8-1) at Atlanta Falcons (6-9)
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, Dec. 28, at 4:25 p.m. ET
Watch: CBS
The two best teams in the NFC South will take the field Sunday in Atlanta with a playoff berth on the line. The winner will host the No. 5 seed in the NFC on Wild Card Weekend.
Atlanta and Carolina previously met in November with the Falcons coming out on top 19-17. Matt Ryan led a fourth-quarter drive culminating in a Matt Bryant game-winning field goal with 2:08 remaining.
Since that meeting, the Falcons have been battle-tested—hosting Cleveland, Arizona and Pittsburgh while traveling to Green Bay and New Orleans. Atlanta finished 2-3 during that stretch.
They won the big games against Arizona and New Orleans. They competed against Cleveland, Green Bay and Pittsburgh but dropped those games by a combined 15 points.
Meanwhile, Carolina played a lighter schedule—traveling to New Orleans and Minnesota while hosting Tampa Bay and Cleveland. Carolina finished 3-1 during that stretch, tossing it back into the playoff conversation.
The key is that Atlanta played three playoff-caliber opponents to Carolina's zero since the November meeting. The game being in Atlanta also gives the Falcons an edge.
Expect Matt Ryan to build off his four-game hot streak (1,368 yards and nine touchdowns) Sunday. Carolina's inability to stop Julio Jones along with costly turnovers will deny the Panthers their second consecutive playoff appearance.
Prediction
Falcons 27, Panthers 19
Detroit Lions (11-4) at Green Bay Packers (11-4)
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
(Detroit has not won in Wisconsin since 1991)
When: Sunday, Dec. 28, at 4:25 p.m. ET
Watch: FOX
Midway through the 2014 season, it seemed inevitable that Detroit and Green Bay's Week 17 meeting would be for the NFC North title. That feeling turned out to be quite prophetic.
The Lions won the previous meeting in Week 3, 19-7.
But Detroit has made a habit of winning tight games. Six of its 11 wins have been by seven points or less.
Meanwhile, Green Bay has been unbeatable at home. Aaron Rodgers has thrown 23 touchdowns without an interception in seven home games.
Detroit will look to rush four linemen and drop seven into coverage. If the Lions create pressure up front, it will force Rodgers to make quick throws into traffic. Last week in Buffalo, Rodgers struggled with that scheme.
To counter, Green Bay will need to run the ball successfully with Eddie Lacy. In Week 3, Lacy only rushed 11 times for 36 yards and lost a fumble that was recovered for a score.
Since then, Lacy has been a force both rushing and receiving. Expect Lacy and Rodgers to do just enough to edge the Lions and take the NFC North title for the fourth-consecutive season.
Prediction
Packers 27, Lions 23
Cincinnati Bengals (10-4-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
When: Sunday, Dec. 28, at 8:30 p.m. ET
Watch: NBC
Both AFC North clubs are coming off huge victories against AFC West opponents.
The Steelers defense helped carry them to a 20-12 win over the Chiefs, while the Bengals stunned the Broncos on Monday Night Football 37-28. Both wins clinched playoff berths.
The momentum each team carries into the Sunday night matchup will be critical in determining a division champion.
The Steelers have a slight edge in that category courtesy of their 42-21 win at Cincinnati in Week 14. This time the game is in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are 5-2 this year. However, the Bengals' dominant defensive performance against the explosive Denver offense should instill fear into Pittsburgh fans.
In a game of this magnitude, the team with better quarterback play will win.
Ben Roethlisberger has played far better football this year with 30 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. Dalton has 17 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions.
Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown have wreaked havoc on opposing defenses all year and should be effective against a Bengals team on short rest.
A.J. Green's arm injury suffered during MNF could leave him at less than 100 percent Sunday.
Expect the Steelers to have the edge at home and take advantage of an Andy Dalton-led team that makes too many mistakes in big games.
Prediction
Steelers 30, Bengals 17
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