In Week 17, the 49ers get an opportunity to bounce again in opposition to a nasty Washington staff, whereas the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks proceed their push for a playoff spot. The Cardinals, in the meantime, stay within the operating for the No. 1 general choose within the 2024 NFL Draft.
Los Angeles Rams (8-7) at New York Giants (5-10): The Rams could be the NFC staff no different playoff staff needs to see within the postseason. They’ve received 5 of their previous six video games, with the one loss in that stretch coming in additional time to powerhouse Baltimore. The offense, led by a wholesome QB Matthew Stafford, is eighth within the NFL in factors (23.8 PPG) and has scored at the least 28 factors in 5 consecutive video games.
In his previous six video games, Stafford has thrown for 15 touchdowns to solely two interceptions, and has a passer score of 100 or higher in 5 consecutive video games. He had topped the 100 mark in simply considered one of his first 9 video games previous to that stretch. In opposition to a Giants protection ranked twenty seventh in factors allowed (24.7), count on one other huge sport from him.
PREDICTION: Rams 30-14
Arizona Cardinals (3-12) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-4): The return of quarterback Kyler Murray has not executed a lot to vary Arizona’s fortunes offensively or within the standings. The Cardinals are 2-4 in his six begins, averaging 20 factors per sport.
Murray has put up pedestrian numbers, coming into Week 17 with a passer score of 81.9, putting him thirty fifth, sandwiched between dismal Desmond Ridder of the Falcons and Kenny Pickett of the Steelers. That’s not what the Cardinals need from their $230 million quarterback, who has opened the door for Arizona to think about taking a QB on the high of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Issues might get ugly for Murray at Philadelphia, which goals to safe home-field benefit within the playoffs. The Cardinals will rating in opposition to a Twenty fifth-ranked protection (24.4 PPG), however they will not sluggish Philadelphia’s seventh-ranked offense (26.1 PPG).
PREDICTION: Eagles 38-17
San Francisco 49ers (11-4) at Washington Commanders (4-11): Quarterback Brock Purdy’s MVP possibilities took a success Monday night time in opposition to Baltimore after he threw 4 interceptions, however he ought to have a bounce-back efficiency in opposition to Washington, which is permitting 261.6 passing yards per sport (second worst within the league) and 30.2 factors per sport (worst within the league).
San Francisco’s protection, which is permitting simply 17.8 factors per sport (third finest within the NFL), ought to stifle an offense that has benched beginning quarterback Sam Howell in back-to-back weeks. This sport is not going to be aggressive as Washington continues its second-half slide below head coach Ron Rivera. The 49ers are nonetheless in play for the No. 1 seed and residential discipline within the playoffs.
PREDICTION: 49ers 34-6
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) at Seattle Seahawks (8-7): The Seahawks have stored their playoff hopes alive with consecutive last-minute wins in opposition to Philadelphia and Tennessee. The Steelers, in the meantime, have allowed 21.5 factors per sport over the previous 4 weeks. With QB Geno Smith again wholesome along with his gifted complement of huge receivers, Seattle ought to prolong its profitable streak to a few.
Due to accidents, the Steelers will not have their high three center linebackers (Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander and Elandon Roberts). In the meantime, beginning security Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) might miss the sport and fellow beginning security Damontae Kazee is suspended for the rest of the season.
PREDICTION: Seahawks 28-24
