NFL Week 17: Rams and Cardinals head thrilling conclusion to season

After 16 absorbing weeks of action, the NFL regular season ends on Sunday. There are some fascinating clashes to look forward to and you can expect some dramatic twists and turns. Here, we’ll preview the Los Angeles Rams v the Arizona Cardinals, the Cleveland Browns v the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears v the Green Bay Packers.

Cardinals in control of play-off destiny ahead of Rams clash

The scenario is simple for the Cardinals. If they beat the Rams, then they are through to the play-offs. The Rams slumped to a 20-9 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night, but they have been a real bogey team for the Cardinals. Indeed, the Rams (9-6) have prevailed against the Cardinals (8-7) in each of their past seven meetings.

In terms of permutations, if the Chicago Bears and the Cardinals win, then the Rams will miss out. But if the Bears lose to the Packers, then the Rams will make it into the play-offs whatever happens in their game against the Cardinals. The Cardinals will need to bounce back after their 20-12 reverse against the San Francisco 49ers on Boxing Day.

• Los Angeles Rams to win including Overtime @17/20 with Casumo
• Total points odd including Overtime @3/4 with Casumo

Rams rocked by Jared Goff injury ahead of Cardinals finale

Jared Goff has been instrumental for the Rams, but the franchise could go into the biggest game of their campaign without their star quarterback. Against the Seahawks, Goff sustained a broken thumb on a third-quarter pass attempt and will undergo tests to see if he can face the Cardinals. But should he miss out, it will be a huge blow for the Rams.

Rams undeterred as season boils down to winner takes all

Despite the setback suffered against the Seahawks, the Rams know what is required of them and they can’t slip up. This point was impressed on by Sean McVay, who is desperate to see his side respond well. After the Seahawks loss, he said: “It’s very disappointing but we do have a lot to play for and that’s where our focus and concentration will shift to.”

Browns not down and out just yet as they prepare for Steelers

The Browns are still very much involved in the play-off picture, but they have a tough task as they will have to take down the Steelers, who lifted the AFC North title on Sunday. As far as the Browns are concerned, they will want to rectify an unenviable season which has seen them miss out on the play-offs for 17 years.

Steelers buoyed by remarkable comeback win over Indianapolis Colts

Recently, the Steelers had been in a rut after starting the season like a runaway train when they raced to an 11-0 record. However, they will have quashed any criticism by turning around a 17-point deficit in the third quarter against the Colts before claiming a 28-24 victory. And perhaps Ben Roethlisberger had something to say about the amazing comeback.

Indeed, recent reports suggested that Roethlisberger gave an impassioned halftime speech where he explained how unacceptable it was that his side was on a three-game losing streak and were 21-7 down with 95 total yards of offence. However, the change in attitude has given the Steelers renewed purpose going into the play-offs.

• Browns to win including Overtime @33/100 with Casumo
• Total points odd including Overtime @8/11 with Casumo

Against the Colts, Roethlisberger was devastating for one half as he threw for 342 yards and made three touchdowns. However, he only completed 11 of his 20 first-half passes for 90 yards. With the play-offs fast approaching, the Steelers are likely to ring in the changes. Some of the regular starters may be rested and so Roethlisberger could be given a breather.

Packers eyeing top spot as they prepare for Bears finale

The clash between the Packers and the Bears has been moved to a later time slot on Sunday, but the Packers (11-3) will clinch top spot in the NFC North and No.1 seed in the play-offs with a win. The Bears, however, need a win to secure a wild card. The Packers are trading at a short looking 2/5 with Casumo to claim victory.

In their last meeting, the Packers overcame the Bears 21-13. Matt LaFleur has been very happy with what he has seen from his franchise this term and his offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, thinks LaFleur has been nothing short of incredible. Indeed, Hackett thinks LaFleur has helped provide team harmony and has ‘meshed’ the franchise well together.