NFL Week 17 Preview: Panthers, Seahawks, and Key Matchups Shape Playoff Picture
Week 17 of the NFL season features crucial games impacting playoff positioning, including Panthers vs Seahawks, Bengals vs Cardinals, Browns vs Steelers, Colts vs Jaguars, Dolphins vs Buccaneers, Jets vs Patriots, and Titans vs Saints. Kickoff times are around 12pm CST, 1pm EST, and 6pm GMT.
The Carolina Panthers lead the NFC South and can clinch the division title by defeating the Seattle Seahawks, provided the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the Miami Dolphins. The Buccaneers are expected to rebound after a 45-21 loss to the Bengals last week and could potentially force a division title decider against the Panthers in the following week.
Seattle is currently pursuing the NFC No.1 seed. However, they face challenges from injuries with left tackle Charles Cross and safety Coby Bryant sidelined. Josh Jones will start at left tackle, and Ty Okada will replace Bryant in the secondary.
In the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers aim to secure the division title with a win over the Cleveland Browns. The Browns' offense ranks 31st in EPA per play, and they will be without Quinshon Judkins, who is out on injured reserve with a dislocated right ankle and fractured right fibula. Myles Garrett of the Browns could break the franchise's single-season sack record of 22.5 by recording one sack in Week 17.
These matchups and injury updates highlight the high stakes and competitive landscape heading into the final week of the regular season.
