Brock Purdy has never had two bad outings in a row since entering the NFL. And that’s not likely to happen. Following a somewhat embarrassing loss against the Baltimore Ravens, the 49ers will certainly want to demonstrate once again that they are the best team in the NFL. The odds are good as San Francisco will face the Washington Commanders, the team that has allowed the most points since the start of the season. However, things had started well for Ron Rivera’s troop, who will undoubtedly have to find a new job at the end of the season. But problems with offensive depth and a fire sale at the trade deadline undermined the Commanders’ slim chances of making the playoffs. The 49ers will make short work of their rivals. It is not even said that Purdy, McCaffrey and company will finish the match, a question of saving themselves for the playoffs.
According to the NFL website, the probability of seeing the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs is estimated at 87%. With a 9-6 record, Josh Allen’s team no longer has much room for error. Especially if she wants to play at home in the playoffs. However, no one on earth would get as much pleasure out of ruining Bills players’ New Year’s Eve as Bill Belichick. His return to the Patriots helm next season is less and less certain. So he has nothing more to lose. Neither do the Pats, for that matter. So, they can only play spoilsport. They beat the Denver Broncos last week, gave the Kansas City Chiefs a run for their money the week before, and won against the Pittsburgh Steelers the week before that. Against all odds, the Patriots are playing better and better. In fact, just scoring touchdowns is noteworthy for them this season. We have been repeating it since the start of the campaign, the Bills are fragile, even if recently, Allen and his teammates have regained composure and confidence. But we’re not in for a surprise this year… And the Pats actually beat the Bills earlier this season.
There will be several delicious duels to get your teeth into in this 17th week of activities. Say what you want about the NFL, but the league has a way of making the fun last until the very end, especially this year. This Saturday’s duel between the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be spectacular. The one between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be particularly decisive. The game between the Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks will have big repercussions. The one between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings will be extremely emotional. Despite this, the not-to-be-missed match will be played on Sunday afternoon, between the Dolphins and the Ravens. The stakes are simple, but devilishly important: first place in the American Association, the assurance of playing at home until the Super Bowl and a bye in the first round. Both teams behaved like champion teams last week. The Dolphins were tactically impeccable against the always threatening Cowboys. And the Ravens were flawless against the dangerous 49ers. This duel at the top will pit two confident quarterbacks necessary to the success of their team, but above all two defenses capable of shaking any opponent with turnovers. The Ravens will come into this game with an overdose of confidence after blowing away the best team in the NFL. Especially since Lamar Jackson is all fired up. Then, despite the division title within their reach, the Dolphins have a knack for making life difficult against teams with a record above .500 this season.
