Week 17 was traditionally the final week of the regular season but the league has expanded to 18 for the first time. With two weeks of action left, the playoff races are heating up. Let’s take a closer look at the action on and hone in on the top five games of the week.
Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys
What is happening to the Arizona Cardinals? After a sparkling 7-0 start to the year, they are 10-5. And now they face the Dallas Cowboys, who just dropped 42 points in one half against the Washington Football Team, then rested their starters the entire second half.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Cincinnati Bengals
The Kansas City Chiefs just decimated the Pittsburgh Steelers last week without Travis Kelce in the starting lineup. It was a major statement win for them as they moved up to 11-4 on the season.
The Cincinnati Bengals had themselves a statement game also, beating the Baltimore Ravens for the second time this season and pulling off the sweep. Joe Burrow is now in fourth place for the most passing yards in a single game as well. Two very explosive offenses are lining up for a stellar matchup this week but which one can pull away with a much-needed win?
Los Angeles Rams @ Baltimore Ravens
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings last week but it wasn’t very pretty. Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions, so it was the defense that had to save the day with two turnovers and two sacks.
The Baltimore Ravens were smoked by the Bengals and fell out of the playoff picture for the time being but a win can get that back in the running. They may have to do it without Lamar Jackson, though, as he continues to battle an ankle injury. Plus, two of their best cornerbacks remain off the field, something that bodes well for the Rams with how well Cooper Kupp has been playing.
Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers
The Denver Broncos always seem to perform their best against division rivals and their first meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers proved that. Denver is still working with Drew Lock under center and their offense is clearly just not good enough with him there. If Denver wants to win, they have to do it defensively.
Luckily, Bradley Chubb and Patrick Surtain have been great this year and have helped them get to their 7-8 record. Meanwhile, the Chargers just got smacked around by the Houston Texans somehow and keep on proving that they are the most inconsistent team in the league.
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers earlier this season but need to get healthy if they want to sweep them. Dalvin Cook was placed on the COVID list and missed their last game. The team badly needs him active against such a talented team like Green Bay.
Meanwhile, the Packers are sitting with the best record in the league. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams look unstoppable and they’ll be out for revenge.