The holiday season will undoubtedly add a festive feel as fans come dressed in theme, wear holiday-related clothes, and experience the thrill of seeing NFL action simultaneously. Even though this week will be more of a celebration, it will be an actual turnover moment for teams in week 17 of the 2024-25 NFL season, where it will determine playoff spots and seeding. The week begins with a Christmas Day battle between Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, a matchup of significant importance as both teams are standing ahead in their division; they will fight harder to keep their momentum. This will intensify the battle and be a special treat for all on Christmas Eve. Then, week 17 will conclude with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Detroit Lions. In this game, the Lions strive for the number one seed in the NFC, while the 49ers hope to conclude their season on a high note.
The leading teams maintained ground dominance in NFL Week 16 of 2024-25. However, despite their best efforts, some teams struggled to change their fortunes. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs continued their victory path by defeating the Houston Texans by eight points. The entire game was almost neck-to-neck, but the Chiefs secured the triumph with their phenomenal performance. The Detroit Lions again used their opportunity wisely in week 16, successfully bounced back from their defeat, and won against the Chicago Bears with a dominant score of 34-17. The Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots with a narrow margin and continued their division dominance. However, the prior week was quite disappointing for the Steelers, who suffered their second straight defeat against the Baltimore Ravens 17-34. The other notable victories are the Chargers outscoring the Broncos with 34-27, and by a margin of six points, the Panthers defeated the Cardinals. In addition, in the division match, the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Washington Commanders by a scoreline of 33-36, and the Indianapolis Colts grabbed the triumph from the Titans with 38-30.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Vikings continued their winning streak by defeating the Seahawks, and with a points margin, the Raiders showcased their determination and resilience by securing a triumph over the Jaguars. The Miami Dolphins defeated the 49ers with a score of 29-17, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced the Dallas Cowboys in a late-night game, and with a points difference, the Cowboys held the triumph. With these great matches, teams experienced phenomenal victory. In contrast, some teams experienced the worst game day, such as the New York Giants, who managed to score only seven points against the Falcons, and the Jets, who only managed to score nine points, lost to the Los Angeles Rams, and the Cleveland Brown with 6-24 to the Bengals. The New Orleans Saints are yet to play against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. Overall, 2024-25 NFL week 16 is a roller coaster for all the teams.
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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
On Christmas Day, the Pittsburgh Steelers will compete against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 25, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA) in week 17 of the NFL showdown. The Kansas City Chiefs head into this season as a double-defending champion and are now trying to secure the third one. To achieve this, they are almost on the right track with a phenomenal and consistent performance so far, which made them stand ahead in the AFC West with 14 wins and only one defeat. This season, the Chiefs’ performance at their home was exceptional, with an undefeated record, and currently, they are maintaining a five-winning streak.
The Pittsburgh Steelers won their last Super Bowl title in 2009, and now they are trying harder to get back to the golden days when days were filled with glory. In the AFC North division, the Steelers are standing at the top, with ten wins and five losses, and this game is quite crucial for them as the Baltimore Ravens are standing behind them with the same record; if in case they lose the match, they may get down one to the second position. Considering home advantage and recent form, this match will be competitive, but the Chiefs might have the edge due to their recent form and offensive strength.
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are making a road trip to NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) to face off against the Houston Texans on December 25, 2024, in the highly anticipated NFL Christmas Day showdown. During the previous encounter, the Houston Texans snapped their two consecutive victories by losing their match to the Kansas City Chiefs 19-27. Despite an excellent performance from Fairbairn K., the Houston Texans could not manage the dominant performance from the Chiefs, which reduced their scoring opportunity and led the team to suffer a defeat.
The Baltimore Ravens enjoyed their second straight victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 34-17. With the help of Likely I. and Tucker J., the Baltimore Ravens took the early lead in the game, and the second and third quarters ended up in a tie; in the fourth quarter, the Houston Texans again continued their dominance by outscoring the opponent with 10-0, led them to secure their second straight win. With strong offense and defense, the Baltimore Ravens will likely have the edge over the Houston Texans in this matchup.
Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Chicago Bears will face the Seattle Seahawks on December 27, 2024, in round 17 of the 2024-25 NFL season at Soldier Field (Chicago, IL). This NFL season was a complete disaster for the Chicago Bears; with their underperformance, they are standing at the bottom of the NFC North with four wins and 11 losses. Even though their home performance was not impressive, they struggled harder to secure their first victory in their away games. They won only one match in their last ten games and are on a nine-losing streak.
On the other hand, the Seattle Seahawks are standing second in the NFC West with eight wins and seven losses; at home, they won three and lost six, and at their away games, they won five and lost only one match. They head into this matchup with two losing steaks against the Green Bay and Minnesota Vikings. Despite the solid defense and home advantage of the Chicago Bears, the Seattle Seahawks will have a higher chance of winning this game.
New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers
In an exciting NFL fixture, the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers will clash at Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) on December 28, 2024. Like the prior season, this 2024-25 NFL season is another nightmare for the New England Patriots, who are struggling to improve their position in the table. Additionally, their home game was not up to the mark. They won only one and lost five matches; at the same time, their away games also messed up with only two wins and seven losses.
On the other hand, the performance of the Los Angeles Chargers so far has been quite impressive, but if they improve their consistency, they can get the playoff spot. They stand second in the AFC West with nine wins and six losses. Below them, the Broncos are also standing with the same points, so this will be a crucial game for them to maintain their position; otherwise, once they get down, it will be their chance to qualify for the next round. Considering the recent struggle of the Patriots, the Los Angeles Chargers are favored here to win this game.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos
On December 28, 2024, the Cincinnati Bengals will take on the Denver Broncos in week 17 of NFL game 2024-25 at Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati, OH). As seven teams have entered the postseason, three seats remain vacant, giving them an exciting opportunity to keep their playoff hope alive. Now, the Cincinnati Bengals will have a chance to grab their place in the playoffs, so they have to use every single opportunity in this game against the Denver Broncos to make it happen.
At the same time, the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West division, so they must win to clinch the playoff spot. Given the Cincinnati Bengals’ potent offense and home advantage, they are favored to win this game. However, the Denver Broncos are also formidable opponents with strong defenses, making it a close match.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals will go head-to-head on December 28, 2024, at SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA). With a 30-36 overtime loss with the Carolina Panthers, the Arizona Cardinals were officially eliminated from the postseason play. In the NFC West division, the Arizona Cardinals stand third with seven wins and eight losses.
The Los Angeles Rams still hope to secure their playoff spot because they are ahead in the NFC West with nine wins, six losses, and a winning streak. The Cardinals are now out of contention for the playoffs, while the Rams are still in the hunt as they head into the final game of the regular season. Therefore, with their recent form, the Los Angeles Rams will have a higher chance of winning this game.
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
On Sunday, December 29, 2024, the New York Jets will head to Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, NY) to face the Buffalo Bills in week 17 of the 2024-25 NFL season. In week 16 of the regular season, the Buffalo Bills defeated the New England Patriots 24-21. Despite underperforming in the first quarter, the Buffalo Bills found their rhythm before the end of the second quarter, and their dominance continued until the end of the game, making them secure their second straight win. Compared to their away games this season, the Buffalo Bill’s home games were impressive, and remain undefeated with a record of 7-0.
As the Bills prepare to play the Jets this week, Josh Allen’s health will be a significant focus, as Allen suffered a hand injury against the Patriots. The New York Jets had a disastrous season with four wins and 11 losses, and both their home and away games didn’t give the result they hoped for. They have only a few more games to play before the season ends so they could have a rough afternoon against the Bills. As a result of their potent offense and home advantage, the Bills have a strong chance of winning this game. However, the Jets’ solid defense and recent form make them a formidable opponent.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans
At EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, FL), the Jacksonville Jaguars will square off with the Tennessee Titans in the forthcoming NFL action on December 29, 2024. In the AFC South division, the Jacksonville Jaguars are standing in third place with three wins and 12 losses, and the Tennessee Titans are standing behind them with the same record of three wins and 12 losses.
Over to the Jacksonville Jaguars offense, they scored 18.5 points per game, and defensively, they are standing at the bottom of the table with 26.4 points conceded per game. While the Tennessee Titans shot 18.9 points per game, and in defense, they are impressive by standing fifth with 27.8 points conceded per game. With the home advantage, the Jacksonville Jaguars might have a slight edge.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
The Minnesota Vikings welcome the Green Bay Packers at their home ground on December 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN). The Minnesota Vikings won their eighth straight victory over the Seattle Seahawks with a score of 27-24. The Minnesota Vikings outscored the opponent in the first quarter with 7-0. In the second quarter, they found scoring difficult and ended up 10-14. The following two quarters were concluded with a draw, so their first-quarter dominance was the only one that made the team continue their long winning streak, thanks to Addison J. and Reichard.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers bounced back from their defeat against the Detroit Lions and won the previous week’s match against the Seattle Seahawks by 30-13. Throughout the game, the Packers’ offense and defense were balanced, and their consistency was top-notch, which continued until the end. Considering the Minnesota Vikings’ recent form, they will have a better chance of winning this game.
New Orleans Saints vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The game between the New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders is scheduled on December 29, 2024, at Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA). In the previous encounter, the Las Vegas Raiders snapped their ten straight defeat by a 19-14 triumph to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Aidan O’Connell marked 257 passing yards in the game with the Jaguars, leading the teams with 1156, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. On the other hand, the New Orleans Saints lost to the Washington Commanders in round 15 by a narrow margin of one point.
Despite their second-half efforts, the slow-down first half gave the opponent a higher advantage, allowing them to win 20-19. The New Orleans Saints’ top scorer is Derek Carr, who had 2145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. With their recent comeback performance, the Saints are expected to show a dominant performance against the Las Vegas Raiders again.
New York Giants vs. Indianapolis Colts
At MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ), the New York Giants will lock horns with the Indianapolis Colts on December 29, 2024, in week 17 of the NFL showdown. This season is one of the worst seasons for the New York Giants, where, with 16 weeks completed, they managed to secure only two victories at their away game. Eventually, their home play was miserable, with a record of 0-8.
In addition, their last ten games were in defeat, which shows their struggle and underperformance this season. The Indianapolis Colts are second in the AFC South division with seven wins and eight losses. They head into this game with a win over the Titans by eight points. Using the upcoming opportunity wisely, they can keep their playoff dream alive. As a result, the Indianapolis Colts will win this game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers will face off on December 29, 2024, at Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL). Booth teams first met in 1995, when the Carolina Panthers were an expansion team. Until 2002, the battle between them did not develop, but in 2003, the rivalry between them heated up. In their overall series, the Carolina Panthers lead 25-23, and the team is yet to face off in the playoffs.
The most significant victory for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers was in 2021, with a score of 32-6, and for the Carolina Panthers, the most significant victory over the Buccaneers was in 2011 with 48-16. However, they’re looking over to their current form in the NFC South; the Buccaneers are standing second with 8-7, and the Panthers at the bottom of the same division with 4-11. Concerning the away game struggle of the Carolina Panthers, this game will favor a triumph for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are heading away to compete against the Cleveland Browns on December 29, 2024, at Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland, OH) in week 17 of the National Football League 2024-25. In the AFC North division, the Cleveland Browns are in the bottom place with a record of three wins and 12 losses. On the other hand, the Miami Dolphins are standing second in the AFC East division with seven wins and eight draws, and they are looking to grab the spot in the playoffs. In their last H2H meetup, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Cleveland Browns with a dominant score of 39-17.
Even though both teams ended the first quarter in a draw, the Miami Dolphins showed an utterly dominant performance in the second quarter. They demonstrated their solid defense by outscoring the Cleveland Browns 10-0. Further, they maintained their consistent performance until the end of the game, which caused the Cleveland Browns to suffer a defeat. Considering their recent form, the Miami Dolphins have the upper hand to win this game.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
In the forthcoming NFL action, the Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys on December 29, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA). During their previous divisional match, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated Washington Commanders by a margin of three points. Despite their 21-7 lead in the first quarter, the fourth quarter underperformance made the Eagles snap their nine winning streaks. However, they still stand ahead in the NFC East division with 12 wins and three losses. Their away and home games are phenomenal, making them a formidable opponent this season. This season, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense was the top, with 4,226 total yards per game and 18.9 total points conceded per game.
The Dallas Cowboys secured their second straight win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 26-24. Aubrey B. dominated the game day by leading the teams with four field goals and two extra points. In the same NFC East division, they are standing third with a record of seven wins and eight losses, whereas this season, their home game was a complete disaster for them, where they managed to secure only two wins and six losses. With the classic defense, the Philadelphia Eagles will make this game more intense, grab all the scoring opportunities from the Dallas Cowboys, and win this game.
Washington Commanders vs. Atlanta Falcons
On December 29, 2024, the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons will battle at FedEx Field (Landover, MD). The Commanders, at 10-5, currently hold the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture and will be looking to lock up their postseason spot. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been a standout for the team, with 3,045 passing yards and 23 touchdowns this season, and will be crucial in leading the Commanders’ offense.
Meanwhile, with a record of 8-7, the Falcons are flying on high after two successive victories and will be looking to sustain their momentum. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has made optimistic promises by completing 18 of his 27 throws in his first start. The expected outcome suggests that the Commanders will defeat the Falcons 27-21, leveraging their offensive strength and home-field advantage for the victory.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions
Week 17 of 2024-25 will wrap up with the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions on December 30, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA). Following their defeat with the Buffalo Bills 42-48 the prior week, the Detroit Lions performed exceptionally by defeating the Chicago Bears with a dominant score of 34-17. On the game day, they had 475 total yards, 329 passing yards, and 146 rushing yards. Currently, in the NFC North division, the Detroit Lions are standing ahead with a record of 13 wins and only two defeats, and they were undefeated at their away game with 7-0. With their impressive performance, they clinched the wild card spot; if they continue, they can reach the final spot and grab the championship.
In the offensive table, they are standing second with 32.9 points per game, but defensively, they need improvement to balance their game. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers suffered their second straight defeat to the Miami Dolphins with a score of 17-29; on the game day, the team struggled a lot with their attack, and their defense was also somewhere lagging, which helped the opponent to score more and win the game. In the NFC West division, the San Francisco 49ers stand at the bottom with six wins and nine losses. Despite their inconsistent offense, they have the second-best defense of the season, with 23.3 points conceded per game. Therefore, with the records and recent form, the Detroit Lions will emerge as the triumph over the San Francisco 49ers.