NFL Week 17 Preview: Schedule, storylines and matchups to watch
2YNE9BD Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. The Vikings won in overtime 30-27. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
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The NFL playoff picture is coming into focus, and Week 17 is packed with matchups that could shape the postseason landscape.
From divisional showdowns with major implications to teams fighting for their playoff lives, this week has it all. Our comprehensive preview has the full schedule, key storylines and the matchups to watch as the league enters its final stretch of the regular season.
Click here to jump to a game:
Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) @ Chicago Bears
Storyline of the Game: Hawks Fighting for Playoff Lives
Seattle’s playoff hopes hinge on the outcome of this week’s games as they head into a critical matchup with the Bears. Following two straight home losses, the Seahawks need a win and a Rams loss to set up a winner-take-all Week 18 clash for the NFC West crown.
Conversely, a loss would likely seal Seattle’s fate and eliminate them from playoff contention, while both teams winning or losing this week would send the NFC playoff picture into chaos, with tiebreakers determining the final standings.
The Bears, meanwhile, continue to struggle under interim head coach Thomas Brown. Since his elevation, Chicago ranks 29th in EPA per play on offense and dead last in EPA allowed per play on defense, failing to show significant improvement in any facet of the game.
Matchups to Watch: Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet vs. Bears’ front seven
With Kenneth Walker III still dealing with an ankle injury, Zach Charbonnet is expected to carry the load for Seattle’s ground game. The rookie running back has performed well in Walker’s absence, earning an 85.8 PFF rushing grade this season. Charbonnet’s ability to create explosive plays (11 explosive rushes and six touchdowns) and fight through contact (4.5 yards after contact per carry) makes him a potent weapon.
This could spell trouble for a Bears defense that has been abysmal against the run. Over the last month, Chicago’s run defense grades as the worst in the league (46.8), with over 74% of their run plays earning a negative grade. If the Seahawks can exploit this weakness, they’ll have a significant edge in this must-win game.
Additional News
Bears LT Braxton Jones (ankle) will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious injury in Week 16.
Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle) remains questionable on a short week following his early exit in Week 16.
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