ESPN's NFL Week 17 Picks and Predictions: Ride or Die with the Underdogs?

As the NFL regular season nears its conclusion, the playoff picture is still far from clear. Several teams are vying for the final wild-card spots, while others are looking to secure a first-round bye.

ESPN's experts have weighed in with their picks for Week 17, and there are some surprising choices.

Favorites Fall Flat:

In a stunning upset, ESPN is predicting that the Tennessee Titans will defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Titans have been struggling mightily in recent weeks, while the Jaguars have been on a roll. However, ESPN's experts believe that the Titans' experience will prove to be the difference.

Another surprising pick is the Baltimore Ravens over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL, but ESPN's experts believe that the Ravens' defense will be too much to handle.

Underdogs Rise to the Occasion:

On the flip side, ESPN is also predicting some big wins for underdogs. The Houston Texans are picked to upset the Indianapolis Colts, while the Cleveland Browns are expected to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Both of these teams have been playing well in recent weeks, and ESPN's experts believe that they have what it takes to pull off the upset.

Playoff Implications:

The results of Week 17 will have a major impact on the playoff picture. The Titans' win over the Jaguars would give them the AFC South title and a home playoff game. The Ravens' victory over the Bengals would clinch a playoff berth for Baltimore.

The Texans' upset of the Colts would put them in the driver's seat for a wild-card berth. The Browns' win over the Steelers would give them a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

Key Matchups:

Here are some of the key matchups to watch in Week 17:

• Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars: This game will decide the AFC South冠军. The Titans need a win to clinch the division, while the Jaguars can win the title with a win and a Titans loss.
• Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals: This game will determine the AFC North champion. The Ravens need a win to clinch the division, while the Bengals can win the title with a win and a Ravens loss.
• Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: This game will have major implications for the AFC wild-card race. The Texans need a win to stay in contention for a playoff berth, while the Colts can clinch a playoff spot with a win.
• Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers: This game will determine if the Browns can make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The Browns need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Steelers can clinch a playoff berth with a win.

Injuries to Watch:

Several key players are dealing with injuries heading into Week 17. Here are some of the most notable injuries to watch:

• Tennessee Titans: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle) is questionable to play.
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Running back Travis Etienne (foot) is doubtful to play.
• Baltimore Ravens: Quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee) is out for the season.
• Cincinnati Bengals: Wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle) is questionable to play.
• Houston Texans: Quarterback Davis Mills (ankle) is questionable to play.
• Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback Matt Ryan (ankle) is questionable to play.
• Cleveland Browns: Quarterback Deshaun Watson (disciplinary suspension) is out for the season.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback Kenny Pickett (concussion) is questionable to play.

Fantasy Football Impact:

The results of Week 17 will also have a major impact on fantasy football. Here are some players to watch:

• Tennessee Titans: Running back Derrick Henry is a must-start against the Jaguars' weak run defense.
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Wide receiver Christian Kirk is a good play against the Titans' struggling secondary.
• Baltimore Ravens: Running back JK Dobbins is a solid option against the Bengals' banged-up defense.
• Cincinnati Bengals: Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is a must-start against the Ravens' depleted secondary.
• Houston Texans: Wide receiver Brandin Cooks is a good play against the Colts' struggling pass defense.
• Indianapolis Colts: Running back Jonathan Taylor is a must-start against the Texans' weak run defense.
• Cleveland Browns: Wide receiver Amari Cooper is a good play against the Steelers' struggling secondary.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is a solid option against the Browns' depleted secondary.

Conclusion:

Week 17 of the NFL regular season is sure to be full of excitement and drama. ESPN's experts have made some bold predictions, and it will be interesting to see if they come true. The results of this week's games will have a major impact on the playoff picture, fantasy football, and the legacy of several teams and players.

Table 1: ESPN's Week 17 Picks

Table 2: Key Injuries to Watch

Table 3: Fantasy Football Impact

Story 1: The Titans Stun the Jaguars

In a stunning upset, the Tennessee Titans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20 to win the AFC South title. The Titans' victory was fueled by a strong performance from running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

What We Learn:

• Never underestimate the power of experience. The Titans have been to the playoffs three times in the past four years, and that experience proved to be invaluable in this game.
• Don't bet against Derrick Henry. The Titans' running back is one of the most dominant players in the NFL, and he proved it once again in this game.
• The Jaguars are not ready to compete for a championship. The Jaguars have a lot of young talent, but they still need to learn how to win consistently.

Story 2: The Ravens Fall to the Bengals

In a disappointing result, the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 23-17. The Ravens' offense struggled to get anything going, and the defense was unable to stop the Bengals' passing attack.

What We Learn:

• The Ravens miss Lamar Jackson. The Ravens' offense is simply not the same without their star quarterback.
• The Bengals are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Bengals have one of the most talented offenses in the NFL, and their defense is playing well.
• The Ravens need to make some changes. The Ravens need to find a way to improve their offense, and they need to find a way to stop opposing passing attacks.

Story 3: The Texans Upset the Colts

In a surprising upset, the Houston Texans defeated the Indianapolis Colts 23-16. The Texans' victory was fueled by a strong performance from wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who caught 10 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown.

What We Learn:

• The Texans are not as bad as their record indicates. The Texans have a lot of young talent, and they are starting to play better as a team.
• The Colts are in trouble. The Colts have lost four of their last five games, and they are in danger of missing the playoffs.
• Brandin Cooks is a star. The Texans' wide receiver is one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

Why It Matters

The results of Week 17 will have a major impact on the