Week 17 of the NFL season kicks off with an exciting tripleheader on Christmas Day, filled with high-stakes division rivalries. The action begins with an NFC East showdown where the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) travel to face the Washington Commanders (4-11). As both teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention, the Cowboys are seeking to end their three-game losing streak, while the Commanders look to bounce back after a recent defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The day continues with an NFC North clash between the Detroit Lions (8-7) and the Minnesota Vikings (7-8), with the Lions aiming to keep their playoff hopes alive. Lastly, the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) will host the Denver Broncos (12-3) to wrap up the festive day of football.
In the early game, the Cowboys enter as touchdown favorites against the Commanders, following a dominant 44-22 victory over Washington in their previous encounter this season. Despite struggling with injuries and inconsistency, the Cowboys possess the offensive prowess to dictate play. Insights from analysts suggest an expectation for a high-scoring affair, with total points projected over 50.5. Analysts believe that if the Cowboys can establish a comfortable lead, the Commanders will be forced to hurry their game, leading to potential turnovers and explosive plays.
For daily fantasy enthusiasts, players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are considered solid picks, as statistical trends indicate both players have favorable matchups. Prescott has averaged impressive passing stats against the Commanders in past meetings, while Lamb has consistently met or surpassed his receiving yard totals.
In the NFC North matchup, the Lions face a critical must-win situation against the Vikings. Despite having lost to Minnesota earlier in the season by just three points, the Lions outperformed the Vikings in terms of total yards and efficient passing. Analysts highlight that a cleaner performance from the Lions could give them a significant edge, especially given the new circumstances with Max Brosmer starting for the Vikings. With the Lions favored to win by 7.5 points, key players like Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs are expected to play pivotal roles in their quest for victory.
As fans gear up for an exciting day of football, the games promise to deliver drama and intensity, with teams battling not just for division pride, but for their playoff aspirations and the opportunity to finish the season strong. With a lineup of star players and potential offensive fireworks, this Christmas Day tripleheader is set to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent.