NFL Week 17: Which games are worth watching?

WORCESTER, MA- The final week of the 2019 NFL season is upon us. This week, many teams will bench their starters. This means that many games are not worth watching given the lack of stars playing. I am going to go down a list of what NFL Week 17 games are worth watching and games that are not.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

4:25PM ET PIT-1.5

Worth Watching?: Yes

Yes, Baltimore is benching all their starters Sunday evening. However, Pittsburgh is fighting for a playoff spot. A loss in this game eliminates the Steelers from playoff contention. Pittsburgh will give the full 100% effort in this one which will make it interesting. So yes, although this game does not effect Baltimore in the slightest, playoff spots are still on the line in this one.

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

1:00PM ET NE-15.5

Worth Watching?: If you are a fan of one of these two teams, yes. If not, then no.

The only way the Patriots can't get the first round bye is by losing on Sunday and the Chiefs defeating the Chargers. If you are a Patriots fan, of course you should watch this game because having the first round bye is very important. However, if you are not a fan of New England or Miami, don't waste your time on this game. Your teams not playing in it and let's be realistic here; the Patriots, despite their struggles, are going to crush the Dolphins.

Any NFC showdown with a playoff contender in it this weekend: Yes

The NFC has been each team for themselves all season. Teams like Green Bay, San Fransisco, Seattle, or New Orleans are fighting for a first round bye and need a win on Sunday. Teams like Dallas and Philly are fighting for a playoff spot, and Minnesota is fighting to get the best seed possible. Most teams are playing their starters this weekend as there are many important games, especially Seattle and San Fransisco. However, I will talk about that more in the NFL Week 17 Preview I post this weekend.