The final week of the 2019 NFL regular season has arrived, and many postseason scenarios remain to be determined.
Only one NFC playoff berth has yet to be awarded — the NFC East championship. The Philadelphia Eagles can clinch the division title and the No. 4 seed with a win at the New York Giants. If the Eagles lose, the Dallas Cowboys can steal the last playoff spot with a victory over the visiting Washington Redskins.
Meantime, the San Francisco 49ers look to clinch the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed at the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night. The Seahawks, who have reunited with popular running back Marshawn Lynch, also can win the division with a victory, but will need help from the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints in order to get the top seed.
Over in the AFC, the final playoff spot remains up for grabs, and the Tennessee Titans can clinch it with a win against the Houston Texans. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders also remain in contention if the Titans lose in Houston.
The Baltimore Ravens are locked into the AFC’s top seed, but the New England Patriots can clinch the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye with a win over the visiting Miami Dolphins. If the Pats stumble, the Kansas City Chiefs can sneak into the No. 2 spot with a win against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.
You can find all the Week 17 NFL postseason scenarios and complete playoff picture here. To see which games will be shown on network TV in your area, visit our Week 17 game maps article here.
Without further ado, here are your NFL game previews for Sunday, Dec. 29:
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Records: Packers 12-3, Lions 3-11-1
Line: Packers by 12½
Satellite radio: Packers feed on Sirius 138 (streaming 811), Lions feed on Sirius 83 (streaming 810)
Packers’ keys: Run effectively with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams and attacking the underbelly of the Lions’ defense with running backs in the passing game should work splendidly. QB Aaron Rodgers can stretch the defense with deep shots to WR Geronimo Allison and TE Jimmy Graham.
Lions’ keys: If they are to pull off a wildly improbable upset, it will come from the defense making big plays. CB Darius Slay is capable of doing that but needs help from the likes of youngsters CB Amani Oruwariye and S Tracy Walker. The offense around rookie QB David Blough is missing several key pieces, but WR Kenny Golladay remains one of the NFL’s premium red-zone weapons.
Who wins? Packers are vying for playoff seeding. Packers 37, Lions 13
— Jeff Risdon
GB@Det / NYJ@Buf / Cle@Cin / LAC@KC / Chi@Min / Mia@NE / Atl @TB / NO@Car / Was@Dal / Oak@Den / Ari@LAR / Phi@NYG / Ind@Jax / Pit@Bal / Ten@Hou / SF@Sea
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Records: Jets 6-9, Bills 10-5
Line: Bills by 1½
Satellite radio: Jets feed on Sirius 113 (streaming 823), Bills feed on Sirius 134 (streaming 803)
Jets’ keys: The Bills are locked into the No. 5 AFC playoff seed, which means the Jets likely will see a lot of QB Matt Barkley in place of starter Josh Allen.
Bills’ keys: Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has to continue to be creative. The Bills should keep the Jets on their toes with deep passing plays and trickery, as they did against the Patriots.
Who wins? The Bills have nothing on the line, and the Jets are hoping to build momentum heading into the offseason. Jets 24, Bills 13
— Nick Wojton
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Records: Browns 6-9, Bengals 1-14
Line: Browns by 2½
Satellite radio: Browns feed on Sirius 211 (streaming 807), Bengals feed on Sirius 136 (streaming 806)
Browns’ keys: Cruise on the ground. It’s no secret RB Nick Chubb is in the midst of a spectacular season. It’s also no secret the Cincinnati defense is horrendous against the run.
Bengals’ keys: Stop turning the ball over. QB Andy Dalton had thrown more picks than scores through 11 games, including four against New England in Week 15.
Who wins? Difficult to trust Bengals and first-year coaching staff to not make critical mistakes. Browns 24, Bengals 21
— Chris Roling
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Records: Chargers 5-10, Chiefs 11-4
Line: Chiefs by 8½
Satellite radio: Chargers feed on Sirius 111 (streaming 816), Chiefs feed on Sirius 121 (streaming 815)
Chargers’ keys: DE Joey Bosa and LB Melvin Ingram must keep Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes off balance. Los Angeles’ secondary can’t let WR Tyreek Hill get loose for big plays. The Chargers’ offense can help the defense by having RB Austin Ekeler churn yards while milking the clock.
Chiefs’ keys: Need Mahomes to connect with Hill and TE Travis Kelce and force the Chargers’ weak red-zone offense to keep pace. DT Chris Jones and DE Frank Clark must get upfield and hit QB Philip Rivers while also stopping the Chargers’ run game.
Who wins? Andy Reid doesn’t like entering the playoffs flat. Chargers will get Kansas City’s best. Chiefs 34, Chargers 16
— Mark Lane
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Records: Bears 7-8, Vikings 10-5
Line: Vikings by 1½
Satellite radio: Bears feed on Sirius x (streaming x), Vikings feed on Sirius x (streaming x)
Bears’ keys: Defense putting pressure on offensive line and QB Mitchell Trubisky exposing the secondary. The Vikings have had trouble with mobile quarterbacks.
Vikings’ keys: Put pressure on Trubisky early and make it a long day for a player who already has had a long season.
Who wins? Vikings haven’t beaten the Bears since 2017. RB Dalvin Cook won’t play, but Minnesota generally plays well at home. Vikings 23, Bears 16
— Kyle Ratke
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Records: Dolphins 4-11, Patriots 12-3
Line: Patriots by 15½
Satellite radio: Dolphins feed on Sirius 137 (streaming 818), Patriots feed on Sirius 81 (streaming 820)
Dolphins’ keys: Miami’s hopes on offense will rest upon the scrambling abilities of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, combined with strong play from WR DeVante Parker and TE Mike Gesicki. On defense, Dolphins must pressure Tom Brady and bully the Patriots’ offensive line, which has had issues this season.
Patriots’ keys: Quick passing attack while hammering the ball with RB Sony Michel. They also can build on holding the Bills to 4 yards per carry.
Who wins? The Patriots have newfound swagger after Week 16. Patriots 33, Dolphins 10
— Henry McKenna
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Records: Falcons 6-9, Bucs 7-8
Line: Bucs by 1½
Satellite radio: Falcons feed on Sirius 98 (streaming 801), Bucs feed on Sirius 119 (streaming 829)
Falcons’ keys: Stick to the Matt Ryan-Julio Jones connection. Jones had only 68 yards in the first matchup between these two teams but has gained more than 130 in each of the last two weeks, both victories.
Buccaneers’ keys: Jameis Winston has shown enough progress under Bruce Arians to justify at least one more year, and he has a chance to become the eighth quarterback in league history to eclipse 5,000 passing yards in a season, although he’ll be without his top two wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Who wins? While injuries have depleted the receiving corps, Tampa Bay’s offense should come out hot. Buccaneers 37, Falcons 27
— Colin Liotta
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Records: Saints 12-3, Panthers 5-10
Line: Saints by 12½
Satellite radio: Saints feed on Sirius 108 (streaming 821), Panthers feed on Sirius 135 (streaming 804)
Saints’ keys: The Panthers have been historically bad defending the run, so RB Alvin Kamara and backup RB Latavius Murray figure to be productive.
Panthers’ keys: RB Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns, but New Orleans has been tough against the run, so using him as a receiver more is advisable. Another key will be improved pass protection.
Who wins? The Saints have won five of the teams’ last six meetings and are in contention for one of the top two seeds in the NFC. Saints, 33, Panthers 20
— Tim Weaver
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Records: Redskins 3-12, Cowboys 7-8
Line: Cowboys by 10½
Satellite radio: Redskins feed on Sirius 113 (streaming 831), Cowboys feed on Sirius 134 (streaming 808)
Redskins’ keys: Another exemplary effort from rookie WR Terry McLaurin, who is 81 receiving yards short of 1,000. QB Dwayne Haskins (ankle) is out, meaning Case Keenum is back.
Cowboys’ keys: Find some semblance of a passing attack that has been absent particularly on the road. QB Dak Prescott suffered a shoulder injury a few weeks ago, and his lack of accuracy has contributed to the offense’s struggles, as have numerous drops.
Who wins? Cowboys go to the playoffs with a win and an Eagles loss, but look for Dallas’ disappointing season to end with yet another letdown, which could lead to a coaching change. Redskins 27, Cowboys 24
— K.D. Drummond
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Records: Raiders 7-8, Broncos 6-9
Line: Broncos by 3½
Satellite radio: Raiders feed on Sirius 211 (streaming 824), Broncos feed on Sirius 136 (streaming 809)
Broncos’ keys: QB Drew Lock should be able to air it out against an Oakland secondary that ranks in the bottom 10 of the NFL. On defense, OLB Von Miller will look to reach double-digit sacks for the sixth consecutive season. He needs three and will be facing QB Derek Carr, sacked 18 times in 10 career games against Denver.
Raiders’ keys: RB Josh Jacobs is still battling a shoulder injury but had 113 scrimmage yards and two TDs in the first meeting.
Who wins? Broncos will have momentum coming off a 27-17 win over the Lions last week, and Lock is 3-1 as a starter. Broncos 31, Raiders 24
— Jon Heath
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Records: Cardinals 5-9-1, Rams 8-7
Line: Rams by 7½
Satellite radio: Cardinals feed on Sirius 111 (streaming 800), Rams feed on Sirius 121 (streaming 817)
Cardinals’ keys: QB Kyler Murray must be at his best after barely completing 50% of his passes for 163 yards in Dec. 1 game.
Rams’ keys: Move the ball in ways besides bootlegs and screen passes. Los Angeles must get the ground game going, which has been almost nonexistent last two weeks.
Who wins? Rams have won five in a row against the Cardinals, all by at least 16 points. Rams 30, Cardinals 20.
— Cam DaSilva
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Records: Eagles 8-7, Giants 4-11
Line: Eagles by 4½
Satellite radio: Eagles feed on Sirius 138 (streaming 825), Giants feed on Sirius 83 (streaming 822)
Giants’ keys: Prevent QB Carson Wentz from going wild against an inexperienced secondary that lacks SS Jabrill Peppers (injured reserve) and CB Janoris Jenkins (previously released).
Eagles’ keys: Wentz should be set up for a field day against the Giants’ secondary, but Philadelphia can’t rely on the pass. Defense must take advantage of QB Daniel Jones’ fumbling issues.
Who wins? Eagles clinch NFC East with a victory. Eagles 34, Giants 20
— Dan Benton
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Records: Colts 7-8, Jaguars 5-10
Line: Colts by 3½
Satellite radio: Colts feed on Sirius 108 (streaming 813), Jaguars feed on Sirius 135 (streaming 814)
Colts’ keys: Run Marlon Mack, who gashed the Jaguars for 109 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts (7.79 per carry) in their last meeting. Jags allow 139.8 yards per game, 28th in the league.
Jags’ keys: Start fast. Colts’ defense that ranks in the top 10 against the rush figures to put pressure on QB Gardner Minshew II.
Who wins? Colts should have no issues running on the Jags — no team really has. Colts 28, Jaguars 14
— James Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Records: Steelers 8-7, Ravens 13-2
Line: Steelers by 2½
Satellite radio: Steelers feed on Sirius 137 (streaming 826), Ravens feed on Sirius 81 (streaming 802)
Steelers’ keys: Stop the run. QB Devlin Hodges was benched during the Week 16 loss to the Jets but re-entered the game after Mason Rudolph was injured, can single-handedly lose this game if he has another multi-interception day.
Ravens’ keys: Sustain long drives and wear out a defense capable of making game-changing turnovers.
Who wins? Though Baltimore will play some backups with the No. 1 seed clinched, it should have enough. Ravens 24, Steelers 20
— Matthew Stevens
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Records: Titans 8-7, Texans 10-5
Line: Titans by 4½
Satellite radio: Titans feed on Sirius 133 (streaming 830), Texans feed on Sirius 82 (streaming 812)
Titans’ keys: Pass rush must find ways to affect the quarterback. DT Jurrell Casey will need to generate interior pressure to shut down the run game. RB Derrick Henry needs to get more touches in the red zone.
Texans’ keys: Stay healthy. The Texans already have won the AFC South, and the game is irrelevant to their playoff seeding.
Who wins? The Titans need the win as part of the tiebreaker scenario to get into the playoffs. Fun fact: The Texans’ last wild-card playoff win, in 2016, was preceded by a loss to the Titans in Week 17. Titans 27, Texans 16
— Mark Lane
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
TV: 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday, NBC
Records: 49ers 12-3, Seahawks 11-4
Line: 49ers by 3½
Satellite radio: 49ers feed on Sirius 81 (streaming 827), Seahawks feed on Sirius 83 (streaming 828)
49ers’ keys: QB Jimmy Garoppolo and Co. must exploit Seattle’s depleted defense, which will be doing everything in its power to get to the quarterback.
Seahawks’ keys: Like 49ers, Seahawks will be fighting for the division crown. Having beaten San Francisco on the road this season, Seattle has the mental edge. After losing RBs Chris Carson and C.J. Prosise, Seattle will need to rebuild its ground attack – could newly signed Marshawn Lynch make a difference? – and QB Russell Wilson must win it.
Who wins? The roaring crowd at CenturyLink Field will be a huge assist. Seahawks 30, 49ers 28
— Liz Mathews
Lines by BetMGM.com
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