Over the years, we have seen incredible variance in Week 17 that makes it virtually unpredictable. With that said, I’m going to try to take my best crack at some of the oddities we may see this weekend. I’ll give you eight predictions that the general public would give 10 to 1 odds of happening. Shoot me your bold predictions on twitter and I’ll let you know what I think!
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#8 Sean Mannion will be a top 12 QB
We haven’t seen Mannion play in the pros outside of a few blowout snaps and preseason games against fringe NFL talent. What we do know, however, is that he was masterful in college and will be playing in Sean McVay’s offense this weekend against one of the worst secondaries in football. I’m not recommending starting him in your playoff games over Case Keenum or Blake Bortles, but don’t be surprised if he outperforms both on his way to a QB1 performance.
Final Prediction: 19 for 25, 238 yards, 3 TD
#7 Dede Westbrook will be a top 15 WR
Marqise Lee will be out once again this week and Keelan Cole has been limited in practice with a sprained ankle. Granted, he is expected to play and Allen Hurns will be trickled into the offense in his return, but Dede is 100% and is expected to play the entire game. He should see 8 or more targets against this bottom quadrant Titans’ secondary, and if he does, we should see some fireworks.
Final Prediction: 9 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD
#6 Eric Decker will be a top 30 WR
I’m not so convinced that Jacksonville will play all of their starters the entire game. (Westbrook is a different story because 9 of Jacksonville’s top 11 WRs are injured). That would mean that rather go up against the best secondary in over a decade, Decker would get a bunch of backups. The Titans are in a must-win game and the Jags would be better off losing because that would mean they wouldn’t have to play the Chargers in the first round of the playoffs. Don’t look now, but Decker now has 55 or more yards in three straight games and saw 10 targets last week, so a big game may be right around the corner.
Final Prediction: 6 receptions, 49 yards, 1 TD
#5 Jimmy Graham will not be a top 12 TE
I can’t for the life of me, figure out how Graham is top 4 in the expert consensus rankings after his three week stretch of 2 total targets for just 2 yards. He isn’t seeing targets either. In those three contests, he has just 6 total targets, and over the last 5 weeks, he hasn’t surpassed 35 receiving yards or 3 receptions even once. If you want to bet on him, just know that it’s touchdown or bust.
Final Prediction: 2 receptions, 16 yards
#4 Jamaal Williams will be a top 10 RB
With Aaron Jones ruled out and Brett Hundley at quarterback, Williams has averaged 23 touches in four games. In those games, he was a top 8 running back three times. That is exactly what we get this weekend and against a Lions team who has been downright awful against the run of late. With 20+ touches against them, he seems likely to surpass 100 total yards and storm into the end zone once or twice.
Final Prediction: 21 carries, 88 yards, 4 receptions, 31 yards, 1 TD
#3 Phillip Rivers will be a top 3 QB
In a week like this, where we may see a handful of quarterbacks pulled in the middle of the game, it makes sense to rely on one of the few who have the playoffs on the line. What’s more, is that Melvin Gordon and Austin Eckler may end up missing this game, which could mean nothing else besides 40+ pass attempts for Rivers. If that happens against Oakland, he’s got a real shot to end up the top overall QB this week, let alone top 3.
Final Prediction: 33 for 47 with 362 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
#2 Josh Gordon will be a top 10 WR
Pittsburgh has already hinted that they may sit some of their starters either from the get-go or once they realize the Patriots are going to wrap up home field advantage against the Jets. If that happens, Gordon could feast on their backups as the Browns fight to avoid going 0-16 on the season. Gordon had a rough Week 16, but he did see another 8 targets, which keeps him at 9 per game on the season, and as you know, that is WR1 territory for someone as talented as he is.
Final Prediction: 5 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD
#1 Le’Veon Bell will not be a top 12 RB
I mentioned that the Steelers may hold some of their players out, but I’m betting that doesn’t happen until halftime. Up until halftime, they will likely take it easy on Bell to ensure his health for the playoffs. If he doesn’t find his way into the end zone, there likely won’t be enough touches for him to get the 100+ yards he would need to be a top 12 running back, plus there is the fact that he has failed to do so six times already this season even in full usage.
Final Prediction: 9 rushes, 46 yards, 3 receptions, 21 yards
**Bonus Super Duper Bold Prediction**
Stephen Anderson will lead TEs in receptions and yards
With DeAndre Hopkins out, that frees up nearly 15 targets per game. If those were against anyone other than the Colts, it wouldn’t mean as much, but for whoever is the primary beneficiary of those targets, they are in for a big game. My bet is on Anderson, who hasn’t been utilized as heavily as expected, but does have a 12 target game under his belt and played quite well against the Colts in their last matchup. He is an athletic freak of nature, and without Hopkins on the field, the Texans might see what they have in him before the off-season rolls around.
Final Prediction: 8 receptions, 127 yards
Thanks for reading and happy football season!
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