2017 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 17
Carolina Panthers (11-4) at Atlanta Falcons (9-5)
As luck would have it for the Seahawks, I’m predicting the Falcons drop the ball in Week 17, losing to the Panthers and watching their playoff hopes go down the drain. It’s a sad development for the defending NFC champions, but it is what it is.
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It may seem like Carolina doesn’t have a ton to play for, but they do. Playing at the same time as the Saints, they’ll have their eyes on the NFC South title. A Saints loss and a win by the Panthers vaults them to the top of the division, which comes with a home game in the Wild Card round. Carolina could also secure a first-round bye if the Vikings happen to lose to the Bears.
So look for Cam Newton and Co. to come out firing on all cylinders. The Falcons haven’t been the same team in 2017, relying way too heavily on Julio Jones to carry the load. Against the Panthers’ elite defense, though, they’ll fail to get enough going on offense, falling just short in the final minutes. Say goodnight to their postseason dreams.
Had the Falcons been in any other division, they’d likely be in the playoffs right now. Unfortunately, the NFC South has been a battle royale all season long, forcing them to face the music of their offseason losses. Meanwhile, the Panthers do their part to potentially win the division.
Prediction: Panthers win 20-17