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3 NFL Teams Ready to Play Spoilers in Week 17

By Jerry Trotta

Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley could shake up the NFC East standings in Week 17.
Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley could shake up the NFC East standings in Week 17. / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

You can almost smell the NFL playoffs. Only one week of regular season football separates us from that annual treat, and boy, does a lot still need to be sorted out.

There are countless season-altering showdowns slated for Week 17, and we could see a few teams that are positioned for a high draft pick motivated to play spoiler before they enter an early offseason.

With that in mind, let's highlight a few squads that could terminate the year of their opponent with an upset W.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens clinched the No.1 seed in the AFC.
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens clinched the No.1 seed in the AFC. / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

The Steelers are awfully lucky that Baltimore will be able to rest their key starters having already clinched the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs. We normally would bet against a team that has nothing to play for, but Pittsburgh's woeful quarterback play gives any team a shot at toppling them. Couple that fact with Robert Griffin III likely itching to be under center again, and the Ravens could easily end the season of their AFC North rival.

2. Houston Texans

Houston Texans' superstar wideout DeAndre Hopkins.
Houston Texans' superstar wideout DeAndre Hopkins. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Seriously, how could a team not treasure the thought of ending the playoff dreams of a division rival? That's exactly what the Texans, who already clinched the AFC South crown, can do with a win over the Titans in Week 17. For starters, Houston will have the backing of a rambunctious NRG Stadium and they already disposed of the Titans this season. Add in the fact that JJ Watt will be returning from his pec injury, and this game has all of the ingredients for a potentially delicious spoiler recipe.

1. New York Giants

Saquon Barkley looking to elude the Eagles defense.
Saquon Barkley looking to elude the Eagles defense. / Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

The Giants and Eagles will meet for the second time in four weeks on Sunday, this time at MetLife Stadium. With a victory, the G-Men could send Philly packing if the Cowboys were to hold serve against the Redskins, of course. Pat Shurmur will potentially be coaching for his job in this one, so expect New York to come in with an upset on their minds. With the Eagles still depleted by injuries, don't be surprised if the Giants come out on top. Keep in mind that it took overtime for Philly to win back in Week 14.