What's My Motivation - Week 17
December 26th 2014 - Special K
I have gone game by game to determine each team's motivation for week 17.
1. Cowboys at Redskins - 1:00 PM
The Cowboys can still earn a first-round bye. However, they would need both the
Seahawks to lose at home to the Rams and the Cardinals to lose at San Francisco.
After the Cowboys big win last week at home against the Colts, this game has
letdown written all over it. With both Romo and Murray not at 100%, I expect
them to start the 1st half and then rest.
2. Bill at Patriots - 1:00 PM
Even though history has shown that Belichick likes to play to win in week 17,
this year is different.
The Patriots have clinched home field throughout the playoffs. It would be
foolish to play Brady all game against this Bills defensive front. I expect the
Patriots to play it safe against the Bills and treat this as an early preseason
game.
3. Jaguars at Texans - 1:00 PM
The Texans need help from the Chiefs and Browns to sneak in as the 6th seed.
4. Colts at Titans - 1:00 PM
The Colts appear to be locked into the 4th playoff seed and will play the loser
of the Steelers/Bengals game next week. With nothing to play for, I would expect
the Colts to treat this as a final preseason game and rest the starters in the
2nd half.
5. Browns at Ravens - 1:00 PM
The Ravens are in with a win and a Chiefs victory over the Chargers.
6. Chargers at Chiefs - 1:00 PM
The Chargers are in with a win over the Smith-less Chiefs.
The Chiefs have a long shot at making the playoffs.
If Chase Daniels can pull off the win, they also need the Ravens and Texans to
lose.
7. Jets at Dolphins - 1:00 PM
This is most likely Rex Ryan's last game with the Jets. It looks like Philbin
will be coming back next year for the Dolphins.
8. Bears at Vikings - 1:00 PM
Cutler is back under center. That is really the only significant news here.
9. Saints at Bucs - 1:00 PM
The Bucs are playing to secure the 1st round pick :)
10. Eagles at Giants - 1:00 PM
Only pride on the line in this football game.
11. Lions at Packers - 4:25 PM
Both teams are playing for a 1st round bye in the playoffs. The Lions have not
won in Wisconsin since 1991 so the Lions could be motivated to end that streak.
The loser will most likely be the 6th seed and play at Dallas next weekend.
12. Raiders at Broncos - 4:25 PM
With a win, the Broncos clinch a 1st round bye.
13. Panthers at Falcons - 4:25 PM
The NFC South division title is at stake. Sadly, the winner will host a playoff
game next week.
14. Rams at Seahawks - 4:25 PM
The Seahawks are playing to secure the #1 seed in the NFC. With a Seahawks loss
and a Cardinals win, the Seahawks could go from a #1 seed to the #5 seed.
15. Cardinals at 49ers - 4:25 PM
This is most likely Harbaugh's last game as head coach of the 49ers. The
Cardinals could sneak into the #1 seed with a Seahawks loss and a win against
the 49ers. More importantly, the Cardinals are using this game to get Lindley
more reps with the playoffs nearing.
16. Bengals at Steelers - 8:30 PM
AFC North division title on the line here. The winners gets #3 seed and a home
game next week.
The loser most likely plays the Colts next week.
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