NFC West Week 17 predictions: Red-hot Rams will light up New York

In Week 17, the 49ers get a chance to bounce back against a bad Washington team, while the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks continue their push for a playoff spot. The Cardinals, meanwhile, remain in the running for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Los Angeles Rams (8-7) at New York Giants (5-10): The Rams might be the NFC team no other playoff team wants to see in the postseason. They have won five of their past six games, with the only loss in that stretch coming in overtime to powerhouse Baltimore. The offense, led by a healthy QB Matthew Stafford, is eighth in the NFL in points (23.8 PPG) and has scored at least 28 points in five consecutive games. 

In his past six games, Stafford has thrown for 15 touchdowns to only two interceptions, and has a passer rating of 100 or better in five consecutive games. He had topped the 100 mark in just one of his first nine games prior to that stretch. Against a Giants defense ranked 27th in points allowed (24.7), expect another big game from him. 

PREDICTION: Rams 30-14

Arizona Cardinals (3-12) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-4): The return of quarterback Kyler Murray has not done much to change Arizona’s fortunes offensively or in the standings. The Cardinals are 2-4 in his six starts, averaging 20 points per game.

Murray has put up pedestrian numbers, entering Week 17 with a passer rating of 81.9, placing him 35th, sandwiched between dismal Desmond Ridder of the Falcons and Kenny Pickett of the Steelers. That is not what the Cardinals want from their $230 million quarterback, who has opened the door for Arizona to consider taking a QB at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Things could get ugly for Murray at Philadelphia, which aims to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Cardinals will score against a 25th-ranked defense (24.4 PPG), but they won’t slow Philadelphia’s seventh-ranked offense (26.1 PPG). 

PREDICTION: Eagles 38-17

San Francisco 49ers (11-4) at Washington Commanders (4-11): Quarterback Brock Purdy’s MVP chances took a hit Monday night against Baltimore after he threw four interceptions, but he should have a bounce-back performance against Washington, which is allowing 261.6 passing yards per game (second worst in the league) and 30.2 points per game (worst in the league). 

San Francisco’s defense, which is allowing just 17.8 points per game (third best in the NFL), should stifle an offense that has benched starting quarterback Sam Howell in back-to-back weeks. This game will not be competitive as Washington continues its second-half slide under head coach Ron Rivera. The 49ers are still in play for the No. 1 seed and home field in the playoffs.

PREDICTION: 49ers 34-6

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) at Seattle Seahawks (8-7): The Seahawks have kept their playoff hopes alive with consecutive last-minute wins against Philadelphia and Tennessee. The Steelers, meanwhile, have allowed 21.5 points per game over the past four weeks. With QB Geno Smith back healthy with his talented complement of wide receivers, Seattle should extend its winning streak to three. 

Because of injuries, the Steelers won’t have their top three middle linebackers (Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander and Elandon Roberts). Meanwhile, starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) could miss the game and fellow starting safety Damontae Kazee is suspended for the remainder of the season. 

PREDICTION: Seahawks 28-24