The Week 17 NFL schedule is already here, which means it’s time to make a bold prediction for each game on tap. All 32 teams are playing, which means we’re making bold predictions for 16 games from Thursday to Monday.
With several exciting matchups on the way, let’s dive into the action-packed slate ahead.
Related: NFL Power Rankings 2025: Week-by-Week NFL Evaluations of All 32 Teams
Quinnen Williams’ 3 Sacks Help Cowboys Beat Commanders
When the Cowboys traded Micah Parsons, many wondered what their plans were on defense. Just ahead of the NFL trade deadline, we learned some of those plans after Dallas traded for Quinnen Williams. Yet, he’s recorded just 1.5 sacks in five games as a Cowboy. After dealing a first and second round pick for the defensive tackle, it’s time for a breakout game, like recording a career-high three sacks.
Justin Jefferson’s 150-Yard Game Propels Vikings Past Lions
Last week saw Jefferson record his first game of over 80 yards since Week 5. This time, he won’t have J.J. McCarthy throwing him the rock, but Max Brosmer understands the game plan; we just haven’t seen him execute it yet. However, putting on a strong showing by funneling Jefferson a high volume of targets would help put Brosmer back in the good graces of coaches. Who knows, Jefferson might even break a few off for major gains.
Broncos Beat Chiefs by 40 Points
The Chiefs are down to two quarterbacks who have never started a game and have thrown a combined 16 passes. Meanwhile, Denver is looking to overcome last week’s close loss, and they’ll be eager to beat down on a division rival. Considering the vast difference in expected QB play here, this one could get ugly quickly.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Week 17 Update Sees Brock Purdy Climb
C.J. Stroud’s 350-Yard Game Lifts Texans Past Chargers
C.J. Stroud has led seven consecutive wins, but this one will be tougher, considering the Chargers are on track to reach the playoffs and they have a top-ten defense. Houston’s defense will put the Texans offense in advantageous situations, and Stroud will be ready to capitalize with just his second 300-yard game of the season.
Lamar Jackson’s 300-Yard Game Helps Ravens Soar Past Packers
After being forced out of action in last week’s loss, Jackson will surely be playing at less than 100%. Plus, with the Ravens needing to win out just to have a chance at the postseason, there’s no chance Jackson sits out. While he may not be running around like crazy, not having Micah Parsons chase him allows Jackson to sit in the pocket and slice up the Packers’ defense through the air.
Related: 2025 NFL Report Card: Grading All Teams Before Week 17
Trey McBride’s 120-Yard Game Fuels Cardinals Past Bengals
The Cardinals haven’t gotten a win in the past seven games. Jonathan Gannon is literally coaching for his job, and a win over a similarly hungry Bengals team would instill some confidence back in a locker room of desperate need. To do so, they may need Trey McBride to have another statement game that helps remind everyone he’s one of the NFL’s premier tight ends, just as he did two weeks ago with his 134-yard game.
Myles Garrett’s Record-Setting Game Helps Browns Beat Steelers
Just a sack away from breaking Michael Strahan’s officially-recognized 22.5 sack season, and 1.5 sacks away from breaking Al Baker’s 23-sack season, Garrett has a huge opportunity ahead. Although Aaron Rodgers looked a bit spry on the run last week, Garrett now gets to chase around a 42-year-old, which should help him set a new single-season sack record.
Cam Ward’s 300-Yard Game Carries Titans Past Saints
Cam Ward is showing more growth by the week, with three consecutive multi-passing touchdown games after not having any previously. He still doesn’t have a 300-yard game, but that could happen this week against a Saints team that is still working out their kinks too. Plus, while Tyler Shough is playing much better as of late too, Ward should get a few extra opportunities with the Saints’ scoring offense ranking just 29th in points per game.
Philip Rivers’ 4 TD Game Lifs Colts Past Jaguars
The last time Rivers had a game with four touchdown passes was back in 2016. Yet, considering he more than doubled his passing yardage from his first to his second start, we imagine he has another gear to unlock. Plus, with the Colts’ playing with their postseason hopes on the line, it’s now or never for this team.
Baker Mayfield’s 420-Yard Game Helps Bucs Beat Dolphins
The Buccaneers haven’t lived up to expectations this year, and injuries have played a major role. But now that Baker Mayfield’s receiving corps has returned to health, it’s time to see what they’re all capable of. We imagine the Bucs will have a pass-heavy attack on Sunday, which could lead to a huge day from Mayfield and company in a now-or-never scenario.
TreVeyon Henderson’s 150-Yard Game Helps Patriots Crush Jets
Drake Maye just had his new personal best passing game last week. Now it’s time for another one of TreVeyon Henderson’s big games. Two weeks ago, he went off for 148 rushing yards against Buffalo. Yet, the Jets have an even worse rushing defense, which means Hendo could go off for 150 or more.
Rico Dowdle’s 3 TD Game Helps Panthers Beat Seahawks
For the second season in a row, Rico Dowdle is on pace for new career-bests. Yet, he’s only had one game with multiple touchdowns. If the Panthers want to keep up with the high-scoring Seahawks, they’ll need Dowdle to come through in a big way, like with a new career-best three-touchdown day.
Jaxson Dart’s 300-Yard Game Helps Giants Stomp Raiders
The Giants were clearly afraid to let Jaxson Dart air it out last week in the high winds at the Meadowlands. It should be a different story this week in Las Vegas’ closed-roof stadium. While his pass-catchers have often let him down, we expect the Giants to let their first-round rookie air it out more to see what he’s capable of. It could lead to a new career-high 300 passing yards for Dart.
Josh Allen/James Cook Combine for 6 TD in Bills Win Over Eagles
The Bills might just have the NFL’s best QB/RB duo in Josh Allen and James Cook. Both are capable of going off at any time. This week, they may need both at their best, taking on the defending Super Bowl champs. But it’s a great tune-up game before the playoffs.
Rome Odunze’s 2 TD Day Helps Bears Maul 49ers
The last time Rome Odunze had a two-touchdown day came back in a Week 2 loss. He also hasn’t had a 100-yard game in five weeks. It’s time for the former first-round pick to remind us of why the Bears made him a top-ten pick.
Bijan Robinson’s 180-Yard Game Lifts Falcons Past Rams
One of the top running backs in the NFL today, the Falcons will need Bijan Robinson at his best to take down a red-hot Rams team. Yet, Kirk Cousins has brought more stability to Atlanta’s offense, and this time it could be Robinson’s day to shine.
