NFL Week 17 Bold Predictions: NFC West

I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t exactly the best defensive team. When it comes to opposing tight ends, in fact, they are the worst. It works out well, then, that Trey McBride is one of the best tight ends in the game. McBride has had three games of at least 100 receiving yards this season, and this week, I’d expect him to make it four while catching his 11th touchdown of the season.

Brissett Gets Back Over 300

Seeing Jacoby Brissett’s success early this season was a little surprising. The backup quarterback was known more as a game manager, but instead, he has four games of at least 300 passing yards. Over the past two weeks, Brissett has taken a step back, but I’m expecting that to reverse in Week 16. After all, the Bengals are the perfect opponent.

Los Angeles Rams

Century Mark for Williams

The fact that the Atlanta Falcons allow 4.55 yards per carry certainly makes things easier for Kyren Williams. It’s a primetime game for the Rams to close out the week, and Los Angeles will be quite motivated to make up for their loss last week. While Williams is sharing the backfield with Blake Corum, he did have 23 carries and will receive the majority of the work. Despite having 1,100 yards on the season, he only has one 100-plus yard game on the season. This week, he makes it two.

The Defense Eats

With 15 interceptions and 41 sacks, the Los Angeles Rams have, for the most part, been getting it done defensively. After such a poor effort in Seattle last week, they have to bounce back, right? Kirk Cousins should provide a soft-landing spot for the Rams to pick up two interceptions and five sacks.

San Francisco 49ers

A Touchdown for Tonges

Technically, George Kittle is listed as questionable for this week. In reality, he’s a game-time decision who will be limited at best, but I’m not sure he’ll take the field for Week 17. That means Jake Tonges will slide right into things for the 49ers offense. Earlier in the season, Tonges had success when Kittle was sidelined. I’m looking for that to continue as Tonges gets back on the board with another touchdown.

CMC Gets 150 Yards

With 1,039 rushing yards and 849 receiving yards, it’s going to be a 2,000-yard season for Christian McCaffrey. Despite that, it feels that, at least from a running perspective, McCaffrey has left something on the table. At this point in the season, the chance for reaching the 1,000 mark both as a runner and receiver seems to be past us. In what should be an offensive showdown, though, I’m expecting 150 total yards for McCaffrey in a tough game with playoff implications.

Seattle Seahawks

Another 100 for Walker

Kenneth Walker was quite efficient last week, as he needed just 14 touches to gain 164 yards. He was certainly helped by a 55-yard touchdown run, as it was a big departure from two rough games. The Carolina Panthers are one of the worst teams in the league against the run, as they allow 4.8 yards per carry. I’m looking for Walker to take advantage of that in Week 17 and break the century mark.

A 40-Yard Play for Shaheed

The Seattle Seahawks brought Rashid Shaheed in to make plays, and he’s certainly delivering. Last week, it was a punt return that he took 58 yards for a touchdown, while he also had a 31-yard run. Shaheed can be explosive as a receiver as well. It can come multiple ways, but I’m expecting Shaheed to have a play that goes for at least 40 yards this week.