Biggest Bills concern? Will Steelers or Ravens win AFC North? Week 17 expert takeaways
Also: The NFC South title is down to the Bucs or Panthers. And if the Raiders inevitably win the No. 1 pick, what should they do?
Each Sunday, three of The Athletic_’s NFL writers react to the biggest news, plays and performances from the day’s games._
The NFL Week 17 Sunday slate was smaller than normal, following three games on Christmas Day and two on Saturday. Yet, Sunday’s early window still had drama.
Untimely losses by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers on Sunday mean the final two playoff spots in the 14-team field will be determined by winner-takes-all games in Week 18.
The Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens will face off for the AFC North division title, following Pittsburgh’s stunning 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Buccaneers and Panthers will battle for the NFC South title after the pair lost Sunday to the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks, respectively.
Also in the early window: The New England Patriots took the first step toward clinching the AFC East with an easy 42-10 win over the New York Jets. If the Buffalo Bills lose to the Philadelphia Eagles later, the Patriots lock up the division title.
Finally: Keep an eye on the New York Giants (2-13) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-13) in the late window, as both teams contend for the 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 pick.
NFL writers Mike Jones, Ted Nguyen and Dan Pompei share their thoughts on the Week 17 developments.
Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers had a chance to clinch a playoff berth Sunday with a win over the lowly Browns. Yet the Steelers lost, dropping their record to 9-7 and setting up a one-game showdown vs. the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) for the AFC North title. Who do you think emerges as the division winner next week and why?
Pompei: If we consider what happened Saturday and Sunday, we will see the Ravens in the playoffs. However, if we give more consideration to what happened the previous month or so, the Steelers should prevail. A lot depends on the availability and effectiveness of Lamar Jackson, who has been sidelined for four games this season and hasn’t played anywhere near as well as he did a year ago. It wouldn’t be surprising to see vintage Rogers with the season on the line.
Jones: If Jackson is healthy and able to play at a high level, and if the Ravens can get their running game going like they did Saturday night against Green Bay, then Baltimore has a good shot at winning. Yet, if Jackson remains limited and can’t really put pressure on the defense with his mobility, then Baltimore’s chances take a hit.