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Most intriguing game every week on the 2017 NFL schedule

Week 5: New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns, 1:00 ET

Hard Knocks

We know. Your first thought is, “ewwww.”

But this game is featured because the loser could be in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 pick in 2018. These teams were so bad last season that it is not crazy to think either one or both could be sitting at 0-4 when they take the field in Week 5.

At least the buck stops here if that is the case. One of these teams has to win. This is provided the unexpected doesn’t happen and the two parties force a tie. Wouldn’t that be a thriller?

Predicting which team will win right now is about as difficult as guessing which quarterbacks will be under center on October 8. Looking into the crystal ball, the potential scenarios are nearly endless. Right now in the midst of OTAs, Josh McCown and Cody Kessler are the front runners.

Should McCown become injured, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg wait in the wings for the Jets.

Behind Kessler is Kevin Hogan, Brock Osweiler and rookie DeShone Kizer for Cleveland. As crazy as it sounds, Osweiler is actually impressing the Cleveland brass right now.

Ultimately, the goal for both clubs would be to not lose to a bad team. Or would it? Both the Browns and Jets could already be plotting for that No. 1 draft pick in 2018.

This game has train wreck written all over it. And the fan bases for each franchise are so loyal, there likely won’t be an empty seat to be had.

Week 6: San Francisco 49ers @ Washington Redskins, 1:00 ET

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

This matchup pits some key personnel against their former teams when the Redskins play host to their old offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan,.

Hopefully by this point in the season, Shanahan’s 49ers won’t be flying across the country sporting a 0-5 record.  If so, quarterback Kirk Cousins and Co. will have the distinct advantage, especially returning from a restful Week 5 bye.

On the 49ers side, we will assume at this point quarterback Brian Hoyer will be the man under center. He will be slinging the ball to his No. 1 wideout Pierre Garcon. The 30 year-old receiver spent his last five seasons playing for Washington.

As for Cousins, it was heavily rumored earlier this year that he wished to join Shanahan in San Francisco. That’s water under the bridge now as Cousins will spend at least one more year playing in Washington under his franchise tag.

Tight end Vernon Davis will be catching passes from Cousins. He was the sixth overall pick by the 49ers in 2006.

For the reasons mentioned above, this game should be an entertaining one peppered with just a few sprinkles of awkwardness.

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