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Estimated Reading Time:28 minutes
We're diving into every matchup in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch, and injury news. The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders kick things off on Christmas Day.
Click here to jump to a game:
DAL@WAS | DET@MIN | DEN@KC | HOU@LAC | BAL@GB | SEA@CAR | ARZ@CIN | PIT@CLE | JAX@IND | TB@MIA | NE@NYJ | NO@TEN | NYG@LV | PHI@BUF | CHI@SF | LAR@ATL
Dallas Cowboys (-8) vs. Washington Commanders
Storyline of the game: Can the Cowboys’ offense end the season hot?
Though the Cowboys’ season has been a disappointment from an objective point of view — making the playoffs was the end goal in Dallas — there’s still a lot of reason for optimism, and a lot of that lies in the performances of the offense in 2025. Through 16 weeks, the Cowboys are sixth in EPA per play and fifth in success rate, and Dak Prescott (88.6 grade; 4th) has been on a heater. Prescott is second in passing yards, third in touchdown passes and second in big-time throws.
In Week 16, the Cowboys were held to just 17 points, but had a 53.4% success rate against the Chargers. They face the 4-11 Commanders on Christmas Day, and another strong showing on offense to end the season would be a positive sign. First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer has done an excellent job with the offense, and the Cowboys will be in a good position heading into the offseason.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys WR George Pickens vs Commanders CB Mike Sainristil
Cowboys receiver George Pickens (87.0 grade; 6th) has been one of the standout performers in 2025 in his first season with Dallas. Pickens has caught 88 passes for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns, and is likely to receive some well-earned All-Pro buzz toward the end of the year. Pickens' chemistry with Prescott has been on point from Week 1, with Pickens earning Prescott’s trust as a receiver who can make tough catches downfield — his 11 receptions of 20 yards or more are fifth among receivers.
The Commanders haven’t had many bright spots on defense: The unit ranks dead last in EPA per play, but second-year corner Mike Sainristil (54.7 grade; 83rd) has shown flashes despite a tough year in coverage. Sainristil has allowed 58 catches for 652 yards while also surrendering nine touchdowns, but also has four interceptions and five pass breakups. Prescott will likely pick on Sainristil on the perimeter, and depending on whether he sinks or swims, that matchup could be the deciding factor.
Additional News
Detroit Lions (-6) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Storyline of the game: The Lions' slim, slim playoff hopes
The 29-24 Week 16 loss to the Steelers was the ultimate dent in the Lions’ playoff hopes. Now 8-7, the Lions have just a 4% chance of making the postseason. They need to win out and hope the Packers lose out; that’s the only way the Lions can make the postseason for the third successive season. The Lions’ struggles lie with the defense in recent weeks — they’re 30th in EPA per play allowed since Week 9, and allowed 230 rushing yards against the Steelers.
To make the playoffs, the Lions have to start by beating the 7-8 Minnesota Vikings, who have won three games in a row. It’s a long and unlikely road the Lions have to walk, but Dan Campbell will likely rally his team to get the job done.
Matchup to watch: Lions’ pass protection vs Vikings' pass blitz
Even without the likes of Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler in the trenches, the Lions’ offensive line is still a strength. Jared Goff (78.5 grade; 12th) has been pressured on just 35.6% of his dropbacks in 2025, and the play of tackle Penei Sewell (94.9 grade; 1st), as well as rookie guard Tate Ratledge (69.1 grade; 23rd), has been a big reason for the solid protection numbers.
However, Detroit takes on the Vikings, who blitz on 61.8% of their defensive snaps. If there’s any way to get after this offensive line in the passing game, it’s through blitzes and stunts. Since Week 9, the Lions have the fifth-highest pressure rate allowed when defenses stunt, and the ninth-highest pressure rate permitted when teams blitz. Expect the Vikings to do what they usually do under Brian Flores.
Additional News
- Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable.
Denver Broncos (-13) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Storyline of the game: Did the Broncos need to get punched in the mouth?
The Broncos’ league-best 11-game win streak came to a halt against the Jaguars in Week 16 in a 34-20 loss. Denver got pushed around by Jacksonville in a way we haven’t seen much of in 2025, but it could be a blessing in disguise. A loss, though one with not too much consequence, could unlock another side of the Broncos — one created through adversity and the need to bounce back.
The Broncos could still lose the top spot in the AFC West, so stepping back onto the field and taking care of the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 would serve as a reminder that they’re one of the best teams in the NFL in 2025. The Chiefs, who are down to their third-string quarterback, are the perfect opponent for a get-right game.
Matchup to watch: Broncos WR Courtland Sutton vs. Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson
Note: This matchup was written before Watson was placed on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday.
After a slow start to the season, the Broncos’ passing game has looked like a more well-rounded unit in recent weeks — and the play of Courtland Sutton (77.9 grade; 23rd) has been a big reason why. Over the last month, Sutton has caught 24 of 37 targets for 323 yards and three touchdowns, earning an 80.2 overall PFF grade.
Sutton has been the fulcrum of the Denver passing attack and will get a lot of attention from Chiefs corner Jaylen Watson (74.9 grade; 15th). Watson has netted a 69.4 PFF coverage grade in 2025, allowing 34 catches for 430 yards when targeted — but has yet to yield a touchdown in coverage. He has three pass breakups and two interceptions on the year, and is a big, physical corner who’ll press Sutton at the line of scrimmage.
Additional News
- Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) is doubtful for their Week 17 matchup vs. the Chiefs.
Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-2)
Storyline of the game: Two AFC teams on the cusp of contention
The Texans and Chargers are two of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, both on win streaks of four games or longer with eyes on the playoffs. The Chargers confirmed their playoff spot in Week 16, while the Texans are all but in — though a win in Week 17 would seal their spot.
Houston and Los Angeles are in similar positions — two teams with strong defenses and excellent quarterbacks — with offenses that haven’t quite hit their final form yet, in large part due to struggling offensive lines. If either team can figure out the protection, they could go from a group that could make a little bit of noise in the playoffs to a serious Super Bowl contender.
Matchup to watch: Texans’ pass rush vs. Chargers’ pass protection
When one of the best pass-rushing teams in the NFL takes on one of the worst offensive lines at protecting its quarterback, you know it’s going to be a long game. The Chargers’ offensive line has the highest pressure rate allowed in 2025, while the Texans have the third-highest pressure rate in the league. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (83.2 grade; 7th) has been excellent, but has been sacked the third-most times in the NFL (49).
The pass-rushing duo of Will Anderson Jr. (91.9 grade; 3rd) and Danielle Hunter (88.4 grade; 5th) has combined for 162 pressures and 26 sacks in 2025, and they will likely have a field day against the Chargers’ offensive line. Can Herbert continue to defy belief?
Additional News
- Chargers RB Kimani Vidal (neck) is questionable.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers (-3)
Storyline of the game: The Ravens need to play mistake-free football
The Ravens are 7-8 and on the brink of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021. To avoid that ignominy, the Ravens must win out and hope the Steelers lose to the Browns in Week 17. That’s their route in. But for that to happen, the Ravens also need to play mistake-free football over the next two games. In their last six contests, the Ravens have turned the ball over 12 times and have the third-most collective giveaways in the NFL (22).
Mental lapses, fumbles and errors have cost the Ravens in big spots. Now, they head on the road to Lambeau Field to take on a Packers team that could be without Jordan Love (88.5 grade; 5th). They need to correct the errors.
Matchup to watch: Ravens RB Derrick Henry vs. Packers’ run defense
Though fumbles have been an issue for Ravens running back Derrick Henry (72.7 grade; 27th) in 2025, and the Ravens’ offensive line hasn’t always been at its best, the veteran has still been a major producer in 2025. Henry has 1,253 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. More specifically, since Week 9, Henry boasts 743 rushing yards and six touchdowns while compiling an 80.0 overall PFF grade, and his 16 runs of 10 yards or more are fourth-most in the NFL.
Henry has been the focal point of the Ravens' offense, even as the unit has struggled at times this season. But too often, the Baltimore offense will drift away from Henry while he’s hot, and that’s where the mistakes are made. The Packers’ defense is 15th in success rate and 19th in success rate against the run. The Ravens can make a dent on the ground.
Additional News
- Packers QB Jordan Love (concussion) and RB Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) are questionable.
Seattle Seahawks (-7) vs. Carolina Panthers
Storyline of the game: Can the Panthers improbably clinch the NFC South in Week 17?
After defeating the Buccaneers 23-20 in Week 16, the Panthers now own sole possession of the NFC South. Despite that, they still have just a 46% chance of winning the division, but they head into Week 17 against the Seahawks with a chance to seal the division for the first time since 2015. If the Panthers can beat the Seahawks and the Buccaneers fall to the Dolphins, it’ll make their Week 18 showdown a dead rubber match — which would be the best-case scenario for the Panthers.
The Panthers have been playing excellent ball over the last few weeks, and are 10th in offensive EPA per play since Week 11. Bryce Young (71.2 grade; 24th) has been more aggressive, too. The Seahawks provide arguably the toughest test in the NFC.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks’ pass rush vs. Panthers QB Bryce Young
Young started the season slowly for the Panthers, but since Week 11, he’s turned a corner. His 85.3 overall PFF grade is sixth among quarterbacks, and his 7.2% big-time throw rate is also sixth. Young is airing the ball out, too, having completed 10-of-16 pass attempts for 20 yards or more for 313 yards and six touchdowns — earning a perfect 99.9 deep PFF passing grade.
The Seahawks’ pass rush has the fifth-highest pressure rate in the NFL and the fourth-most sacks. Seattle is going to pin its ears back and look to get after Young, who has a 64.2 grade when pressured in 2025. Young has been good in a pressured pocket, having thrown seven touchdowns with 10 big-time throws when under duress — the fifth-most among quarterbacks.
Additional News
- Panthers T Ikem Ekwonu (knee) is questionable.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-7)
Storyline of the game: Are the Cardinals nearing the end?
With both teams already eliminated from playoff contention, there’s nothing on the line in the Cardinals vs. Bengals Week 17 matchup on the surface. However, could the Cardinals be heading toward another reset? It already feels likely that former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray (72.1 grade; 20th) will not be on the team in 2026, but could there be more changes on the way in the form of head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort?
Gannon has been on the hot seat after starting the season strong before losing 12 of his next 13 games. The Cardinals have a 15-34 record since Gannon took over, and they’ve failed to build on the success of an 8-9 record a year ago. Is the writing on the wall, or could a win against the Bengals help cultivate a little more faith for the coach and front office?
Matchup to watch: Cardinals CB Will Johnson vs. Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase
Despite the Cardinals' struggles, rookie corner Will Johnson (67.0 grade; 35th) has looked like a steal as a second-round pick. Johnson has allowed 31 catches on 50 targets for 311 yards and has nine pass breakups, the most among all rookie cornerbacks in the NFL in 2025. As advertised, Johnson is a physical corner with excellent size and instincts, and he has the potential to become one of the top cornerbacks in the league.
Facing off against Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase (87.6 grade; 5th) is going to provide a barometer of Johnson’s growth in Year 1. Chase is one of the elite receivers in the NFL, having caught 110 passes for 1,256 yards and five touchdowns. Of late, Chase has 31 catches for 395 yards since Joe Burrow (90.7 grade; 2nd) returned in Week 13.
Additional News
- The Cardinals placed CB Garrett Williams (Achilles) and DI Walter Nolen (knee) on season-ending injured reserve.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Cleveland Browns
Storyline of the game: The Steelers can clinch the AFC North with a win
After the Steelers’ Week 13 loss to the Bills, it felt like the tide was turning in the AFC North, and that the Steelers would be on the brink of their first losing season since 2003. In typical Steelers fashion, though, they’ve rallied down the stretch and are now one win away from winning the AFC North for the first time in five years. A victory against the Browns on the road in Week 17 would seal the deal, although the Steelers have lost in their last three trips to Cleveland.
The Browns are 3-12 on the season but have played numerous good teams close in 2025. They won’t make life easier for their bitter rivals — especially with the division crown on the line. But the Steelers have ground out three impressive wins in a row, and are hitting their stride.
Matchup to watch: Steelers’ run game vs. Browns’ run defense
It’s a small sample size, but in the last two weeks, we’ve seen a much more competent and explosive rushing attack from the Steelers. In wins against the Dolphins and the Lions, the Steelers earned a 45.2% rushing success rate and are third in EPA per rushing play. The running back duo of Kenneth Gainwell (76.3 grade; 20th) and Jaylen Warren (79.5 grade; 13th) has combined for 10 explosive rushes in the last two weeks, the fifth-most in the league.
Repeating that rushing success in Week 17 will be a tough test. The Browns are one of the best defenses in the NFL, and are second in rushing success rate and seventh in EPA per rush allowed. The Steelers will have their work cut out.
Additional News
- Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt (lung) remains questionable after missing the last two games.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-6.5) vs. Indianapolis Colts
Storyline of the game: Can the Jaguars continue to excel?
The Jaguars have won six consecutive games and ended the Broncos’ 11-game win streak in Week 16 with a resounding 34-20 win. They’re one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, and given the fact that there isn’t one squad that has separated itself from the competition in the AFC, there’s every reason to believe the Jaguars could be contenders.
Trevor Lawrence (81.5 grade; 9th) has been playing lights out over the last four weeks, earning a 94.0 overall PFF grade while scoring 14 total touchdowns (12 passing, two rushing). He’s taken his game to another level, and the Jaguars’ offense as a unit is 11th in EPA per play. The Colts have fallen by the wayside in recent weeks, and though they’re still a tough team, the Jaguars should look to win if they want to keep being taken seriously.
Matchup to watch: Jaguars’ pass rush vs. Colts’ pass protection
The Colts’ offensive line is a banged up unit right now, currently missing three starting linemen; with 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers under center, that’s a worrying prospect. So far, the Colts have done a good job to protect Rivers — who has an average time to throw of 2.41 seconds, by far the lowest in the league in the last two weeks. Rivers has been pressured on just 27.7% of his dropbacks, but the Jaguars’ defense blitzes at the 10th-highest rate in the NFL.
With the Colts struggling with injuries up front, the Jaguars’ pass rush could pounce. Jaguars edge defender Josh Hines-Allen (85.0 grade; 8th) has been a disruptor all season, with 82 pressures (3rd) and eight sacks in 2025. Rivers has compiled a 41.9 overall PFF grade when pressured, and if the Jaguars can get in his face, the veteran could struggle.
Additional News
- Colts CB Sauce Gardner (calf) is questionable.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-5.5) vs. Miami Dolphins
Storyline of the game: The Buccaneers need early-season Baker Mayfield back
The Buccaneers’ second-half collapse has left them on the brink of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Through the first six weeks of the year, Baker Mayfield (71.1 grade; 25th) compiled an 82.6 overall PFF grade, throwing 12 touchdowns against one interception with the fourth-highest big-time throw rate (7.0%) in the NFL — carrying an injured Tampa Bay team to a 5-1 record.
Mayfield’s play across the last couple of months has been one of the biggest reasons for the Buccaneers' slip. They’ve lost seven of their last nine games, and Mayfield’s 59.6 grade is 36th out of 40 qualifiable quarterbacks. With the Buccaneers being closer to full health on offense, and the playoffs on the line, Mayfield has to step up. He has the highest uncatchable pass rate (27.1%) in the NFL since Week 7.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Dolphins CB Rasul Douglas
Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (70.4 grade; 45th) returned to the field in Week 15, and has immediately become the focal point of the Tampa offense. In his two games back, Evans has caught 11 of 19 targets for 163 yards and a touchdowns, notching a 78.7 overall PFF grade while earning nine more targets than the next-closest receiver.
Evans' chemistry with Mayfield has been off the charts in the last two years, and his presence can hopefully get the best out of the former No. 1 pick. But, he’ll face a tough test against Dolphins corner Rasul Douglas (78.5 grade; 5th). Douglas has allowed just 34 catches on 62 targets for 315 yards — he also has seven pass breakups and two interceptions on the season.
Additional News
- The Buccaneers opened the practice window for DI Calijah Kancey (pectoral), although he remains on IR.
New England Patriots (-13.5) vs. New York Jets
Storyline of the game: Will the Patriots clinch the AFC East in Week 17?
The Patriots have exceeded all expectations in 2025. They currently lead the AFC East with a 12-3 record, and secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2021. Now, with a win against the Jets in Week 16, the Patriots can claim their first AFC East title in seven seasons. Quarterback Drake Maye (86.8 grade; 7th) has been excellent in his second season in the NFL, and another strong performance and a win could push him closer to his first MVP award.
The goal for the Patriots is getting the job done against the Jets on the road. The Jets have struggled all season, but a late-season matchup against a weak divisional opponent always has the chance to be a trap game. If the Patriots stick to the task, they could head into Week 18 with a division title and a shot at the top seed in the AFC.
Matchup to watch: Patriots QB Drake Maye’s deep passing vs. Jets’ coverage
Maye has been sensational in 2025, and his ability to stretch the field with his deep passing ability has unlocked an extra rung for the Patriots’ offense. The second-year signal-caller has the second-most completions of 20 yards or more in 2025, and has thrown for the fifth-most touchdowns on deep passes — earning a 99.3 deep PFF passing grade.
The Patriots will look to take advantage of a Jets secondary that’s surrendered the eighth-most explosive passing plays in 2025. On top of that, New York has yet to snag an interception on the season. A large part of that is luck, but the Jets don’t have the horses to consistently play well in coverage, and Maye’s ability to push the ball downfield is going to prey on that.
Additional News
New Orleans Saints (-2.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
Storyline of the game: A battle of two exciting rookie quarterbacks
There hasn't been much to shout about for the Saints and Titans in 2025. The two teams have combined for eight wins this season, and were eliminated from playoff contention long ago. However, the performances from their rookie quarterbacks — Tyler Shough (75.3 grade; 17th), and Cam Ward (59.8 grade; 37th) — have left their respective franchises feeling optimistic.
Shough has been a revelation under center for the Saints since stepping into the starting role, while Ward — the 2025 No. 1 overall pick — has impressed despite poor surroundings in Tennessee. Both quarterbacks will be looking to put on a show in the penultimate game of the season, while looking to prove to their franchises — and the rest of the league — that they're in safe hands moving forward.
Matchup to watch: Saints WR Chris Olave vs. Titans CB Darrell Baker Jr.
Shough's play in his rookie season has been elevated by receiver Chris Olave (75.6 grade; 29th) quietly having his most productive season in the NFL. Olave has caught a career-high 92 passes (5th) for 1,044 yards (7th) and eight touchdowns (sixth) in 15 games. The stud has been the needle-mover for Shough in the passing game — his 10 catches of 20 yards or more are seventh-most in the NFL.
Olave and the Saints’ offense will aim to take advantage of Titans corner Darrell Baker Jr. (56.4 grade; 78th) as often as possible in their matchup. Baker has been targeted 51 times, more than any other Titans cornerback in 2025, yielding 35 receptions for 490 yards and five touchdowns in coverage.
Additional News
- Saints DI Bryan Bresee (knee) is unlikely to play in the team’s Week 17 clash vs. the Titans.
New York Giants (-0.5) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Storyline of the game: The battle for the No. 1 pick
The Raiders and Giants are both 2-13 heading into the final two weeks of the season with seemingly nothing to play for. However, the stakes are high ahead of the Week 16 matchup; whoever loses will be in pole position to hold the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Giants drafted quarterback Jaxson Dart (66.6 grade; 32nd) with the 25th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and will seemingly feel comfortable with him under center for the foreseeable future after a rookie season with flashes. Could they be tempted by the prospect of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, or is the lure of trading the top pick for a treasure chest of picks too enticing?
Conversely, the Raiders are in a peculiar spot. Veteran Geno Smith (62.0 grade; 34th) is still ultra talented but has gone through vacillations in his first season in Las Vegas. A lot of the Raiders’ problems can be traced to play-calling and poor offensive line play, but Smith will be 36 in 2026. If the Raiders are presented with the top pick in the draft, balking at the likes of Mendoza might be a mistake.
Matchup to watch: Giants’ run defense vs. Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty
After an up-and-down rookie season, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (72.0 grade; 29th) had one of, if not his best, game of the season against the Texans in Week 15. Jeanty carried the ball 24 times for 128 yards and a touchdown, adding a catch for 60 yards and a score. The 2025 first-round pick looked explosive against one of the best defenses in the NFL, forcing a season-high 10 missed tackles and averaging 4.42 yards after contact per attempt.
Jeanty will look to carry that success into his matchup against the Giants’ run defense in Week 16. The Giants have allowed more explosive run plays than any defense, and have the worst PFF run-defense grade (41.3). If there’s any game a running back would want to build momentum, it’s this one.
Additional News:
- Giants T Andrew Thomas (hamstring) is questionable.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Buffalo Bills (-1)
Storyline of the game: A potential Super Bowl matchup?
Neither the Eagles nor the Bills have been at their best in 2025. The Eagles have failed to consistently move to the rhythm of their own offense for large stretches of the season, while the Bills have one of the worst defenses in the NFL against the run (49.4 PFF run-defense grade; 28th). But in a season where no single team has pulled away from the pack, the path to the Super Bowl feels more wide open than ever before.
Naturally, both teams are still considered big hitters, and their matchup in Week 16 will have a big-fight feel. There’s every chance that Philadelphia and Buffalo could face off in the Super Bowl. The Bills will likely have to fight their way through the postseason as a wild-card team, but the Eagles have already wrapped up the NFC East. Could Sunday be a quick glimpse into the future?
Matchup to watch: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley vs. Bills’ defense
The 2025 season hasn’t been as successful for Eagles star Saquon Barkley (66.6 grade; 46th) as the previous campaign. Barkley crossed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fifth time in his career, but has seen a dip in yards per carry, yards after contact per attempt and explosive rushes.
In the last three weeks, though, Barkley has earned more carries and has had his most productive stretch of the season as a result. Since Week 14, Barkley has carried the ball 63 times for 332 yards and three touchdowns with more missed tackles forced (17) and rushes of 10 yards or more (10) than any other running back.
Barkley has an excellent chance to carry on his strong form into Week 17. The Bills’ run defense has struggled to hold up its end of the bargain in 2025. Since their Week 7 bye, the Bills are 30th in EPA allowed per run play and have relinquished the fifth-most explosive runs in the league.
Additional News
Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers (-3)
Storyline of the game: Can the Bears win the NFC North in Week 17?
By the time the Bears take the field in Week 17, they could already have wrapped up the NFC North for the first time since 2018. A Packers loss to the Ravens at Lambeau Field would secure the division for the Bears — but regardless, a tough win on the road will seal the deal.
While the rest of the NFC North has fallen away, the Bears have stayed strong. After an 0-2 start, the Bears have won 11 of their last 13 games, with Caleb Williams (75.7 grade; 16th) looking sharp in Ben Johnson’s offense. The future is bright for the Bears, but so is the present. Even if the Bears don’t prevail against the 49ers in Week 17, they might not need to.
Matchup to watch: Bears’ play-action offense vs. 49ers’ defense
A key reason for the Bears’ improvement on offense has been the use of play action. The Bears are 16th in EPA per play on play-action passes, and Williams has attempted a play-action pass on 34.5% of his dropbacks, earning an 83.5 overall PFF grade — the eighth-highest among quarterbacks. Moreover, his 6.1% big-time throw rate is fifth-highest.
The Bears have married the play-action pass game with their rushing attack to create one of the better offenses in the NFL. The 49ers’ defense has handled play action well in 2025 despite the myriad of injuries suffered. The defense is eighth in EPA per play-action play, and 14th in success rate. Can Johnson scheme ways to beat the 49ers’ defense?
Additional News
- Bears WRs Luther Burden III (ankle) and Rome Odunze (foot) are both questionable.
Los Angeles Rams (-8.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons
Storyline of the game: Can the Rams recover from their Week 16 loss?
The Rams were dealt a huge blow in the race for the NFC West title in Week 16, losing 38-37 to the Seahawks in overtime. The defeat to the Seahawks, as well as the 49ers defeating the Colts, means the Rams fell to the sixth seed in the NFC. If the season were to end today, they’d be facing the Eagles on the road, which is a tough prospect.
The Rams need to bounce back from their Week 16 loss in a big way. They face the Falcons, who have nothing but pride to play for in Week 17.
Matchup to watch: Rams WR Puka Nacua vs. Falcons CB A.J. Terrell
Rams star Puka Nacua (95.9 grade; 1st) has been on a historic run in 2025. The former fifth-round pick has caught a league-leading 114 passes for 1,592 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the NFL in yards per route run (4.02) and contested catches (25) despite missing one game.
Nacua is a nightmare matchup for any cornerback, but Falcons’ CB A.J. Terrell (53.0 grade; 93rd) has as good of a chance as any to at least hamper Nacua’s production. Terrell has allowed 29 catches on 48 targets for 338 yards and three touchdowns in coverage. The former first-round pick has been one of the NFL’s leading lockdown corners, and his 16.1 snaps per reception is the 10th-lowest among cornerbacks in 2025.
Additional News
- Rams T Rob Havenstein will not be activated from IR ahead of the Rams’ Week 17 matchup vs. the Falcons.