Eleven games have spreads of four points or fewer, and nine home teams are catching points as underdogs. Mix in late-season motivations, banged-up rosters, along with winter weather, and escaping Week 16 could be the most impressive feat for poolies this year.

That includes two marquee games that will hit us before Sunday. The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks play what could be an NFC West title game when the two meet on Thursday Night Football. The Green Bay Packers look to shake off injuries to Micah Parsons and Christian Watson by sweeping their season series with the Chicago Bears on Saturday.

As I now try to keep this momentum rolling through the holiday slate, injuries are going to make Week 17 a little tricky, as a number of injured quarterbacks are dampening the overall crop of games. In part because of those injuries,

The Bears are one of the breakout teams of 2025. They are very likely to win the NFC North after a thrilling Week 16 overtime win against the Packers. The Bears built their record in the first half of the season with a lot of close wins against bad teams, but they have played better over the past month. And they still have a shot at the No. 1 seed.

A full look at the Dallas Cowboys' arsenal in the 2026 NFL draft and current first-round order entering Week 17.

The Lions need this game to have any playoff chance, but it won't be easy on the road. Minnesota has played outstanding defense. The problem is the Vikings have rookie Max Brosmer playing for the injured J.J. McCarthy. That could be an issue, even against a Lions defense that has struggled.