![Cam Newton has played a large role in the Panthers’ current hot stretch. - [Image Source: Flickr | Keith Allison]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/12/29/660x290/b_502x220x82/cam-newton-has-played-a-large-role-in-the-panthers-current-hot-stretch-image-source-flickr-keith-allison_1754131.jpg "Cam Newton has played a large role in the Panthers’ current hot stretch. - [Image Source: Flickr | Keith Allison]")
The last Week of the 2017 NFL regular season is here. Four teams (Ravens, Titans, Chargers, and Bills) are battling it out for two Wild Card spots in the AFC. If the Patriots lose to the Jets, the Steelers could earn home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win over the winless Browns. The NFC South will either be won by the Saints or Panthers. The last NFC Wild Card spot will either go to the Falcons or Seahawks.
So there’s still plenty to watch for as the regular season comes to an end. It’s hard to single out which five games are most important as the results of other games may render them less meaningful, but here’s a stab at it anyway.
5. Oakland Raiders (6-9) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)
The Raiders would like to end their disappointing season by assuring that Los Angeles also stays home for the playoffs. In order for the Chargers to get in, they must win and also have the Titans lose and Bills or Bengals lose.
Three straight losses have ended Oakland’s playoff hopes one year after finishing 12-4. The offense has averaged nearly six fewer Points Per Game, and Derek Carr has seen his play drop off after being an MVP candidate in 2016.
The Chargers will have a 0-4 start to the season to thank if they are unable to reach the postseason. Winners of five of their last six, they only forced two turnovers in their first four games.
In their past 11, they have forced 23 with at least two in eight of those outings.
4. Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Seattle Seahawks (9-6)
The Cardinals will miss out on the playoffs for the second straight year but will look to end at .500 after winning two of their last three games. The Seahawks will need to win and hope that the Falcons lose to the Panthers in order to make the playoffs for the sixth straight year.
After allowing over 30 points in six of their first 12 games, Arizona has allowed a total of just 27 over their last three. Opposing quarterbacks Marcus Mariota, Kirk Cousins, and Eli Manning have combined for two touchdown passes and four interceptions in those three games.
Seattle beat Dallas last week keeping their playoff hopes alive while ending the Cowboys’ chances.
Much offense wasn’t needed by the Seahawks to win, though, as they only put together 136 yards of total offense. In Week 15, they didn’t do much better, finishing with 149 yards in a 42-7 loss to the Rams.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) at Baltimore Ravens (9-6)
The Bengals ended the Lions‘ playoff chances by beating them last week and would love to do the same against their division rival this Sunday. A Ravens win earns them the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, but they could miss out on the postseason play if they lose.
Cincinnati was shutout by the Ravens in Week 1 and has struggled to score ever since. They rank 28th out of 32 teams, averaging 17.3 points per game and have scored in single digits five times.
Baltimore has won two straight and five out of their last six. In their six losses, they have allowed an average of 30.5 points per game. It has been a much different story in their nine wins, where they have allowed only 9.9 points per game. That could bode well against a Bengals team that has struggled to put up points (including the Week 1 shutout).
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-5) at Tennessee Titans (8-7)
A loss last week eliminated the Jaguars from having an opportunity at a first-round bye, and they will be the No. 3 seed in the AFC. The Titans are stumbling at the wrong time as they have lost three straight, but a win Sunday gets them into the postseason.
Jacksonville is still second in the league, allowing only 16.9 points per game despite giving up a season-high 44 to the 49ers last week.
Their defense has been a problem for quarterbacks all season, with 52 sacks on the year and 21 interceptions.
Tennessee hopes to duplicate their first matchup with the Jaguars in Week 2 when they won by the score of 37-16. The Titans got it going on the ground that day with 179 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, but they will be without DeMarco Murray this time around as he is out with an MCL tear.
1. Carolina Panthers (11-4) at Atlanta Falcons (9-6)
The Panthers would win the NFC South if they defeat the Falcons and the Saints fall to the Buccaneers. If Atlanta wins, they earn a spot in the playoffs. If they lose, they need the Seahawks to lose to the Cardinals.
Carolina enters Sunday as winners of three straight and seven of their last eight.
Cam Newton has looked more like his 2015 MVP self during that eight-game stretch throwing 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He has also rushed for 484 yards and three touchdowns in that time frame.
Atlanta lost to New Orleans last week which is forcing them into a game they must win or need outside help. Their offense has struggled to put it together recently as they are averaging only 16.5 points per game in their last four outings.
