2021 NFL Draft order: Scenarios ahead of week 17 matchups
2021 NFL Draft order: Scenarios ahead of week 17 matchups.
The 2021 NFL Draft order is slowly coming into focus, but a lot can change between now and the final matchup of week 17.
Some matchups are inconsequential, while others will have a major impact on where teams ultimately end up selecting.
Even ahead of week 17 matchups, the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets have secured the top two picks in the draft, respectively.
Let’s take a closer look into the top matchups of the week with 2021 NFL Draft implications.
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are currently slated to send the Miami Dolphins the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Even though they have Laremy Tunsil manning the left tackle spot, that is a tough pill to swallow.
The Titans are locked into the fourth seed in the AFC as AFC South champions with a win in this game, and the Indianapolis Colts — currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture — are right on their heels.
Not that the Texans, led by DeShaun Watson, couldn’t beat the Titans but Tennessee is simply the much better all-around team at this time with everything at stake.
Projection: Texans loss, solidifying 3rd pick
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have clinched a playoff berth and the New Orleans Saints have clinched the NFC South. The Bucs are not likely to lie down in this game even given their playoff berth and current projection as the 5th seed.
The Falcons have proven themselves to be horrendous at closing games this season, but they are certainly capable of beating the Bucs head to head, especially after the fight they showed against the Chiefs.
Projection: Falcons loss, solidifying 4th pick
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
The Jets have secured their draft position, and it’s possible the Patriots will get some help with theirs on Sunday.
New York has somehow won two straight after it looked they might not win at all this season. The Patriots are 6-9 and stand to gain plenty with a 10th loss.
Projection: Patriots loss (6-10)
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Everything is at stake for the Baltimore Ravens in week 17 with a playoff spot on the line. You have to think they are going to come out and do what great teams do — finish well.
Projection: Bengals loss (4-11-1)
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
It seems every NFC East team has taken turns on small “hot” streaks this season and the Cowboys are currently on one. The Giants have lost three straight games and are no longer in contention for the division crown.
It’s not just the teams that have more to play for that come away victorious in these kinds of situations, but the Cowboys have started to figure some things out and the Giants are somewhat reeling.
Projection: Giants loss (5-11)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
The Vikings and Lions are both coming off of embarrassing losses to NFC South teams, but the last time these two teams played, the Vikings won 34-20.
Matthew Stafford’s health is currently a question mark, and the Lions’ chances to win probably hinge on him being out there at 100 percent.
Projection: Lions loss (Vikings 7-9, Lions 5-11)
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
This game is massive for the Seattle Seahawks, who have clinched the NFC West but have a shot at the top seed in the NFC.
The 49ers are too banged up to compete with them right now.
Projection: 49ers loss (6-10)
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chiefs have clinched the top seed in the AFC. They won’t just lay down in this game, but it’s almost undoubtedly going to be the Chargers scratching and clawing for a win and the Chiefs resting their starters for at least a half, if not more.
Projection: Chiefs loss (Chargers 7-9)
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
The Packers are playing to protect the top seed in the NFC which they can do with a win. The Bears are playing for their playoff lives.
The Bears can get in with a win or a Cardinals loss, either of which could happen, but this should be one of the most fascinating games of the week.
Projection: Bears loss (8-8)
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
The Panthers will be looking to play the role of spoiler to the Saints, who will be looking at the top seed in the NFC.
They have already clinched the NFC South title but they are a Chicago Bears upset away from potentially getting that coveted bye week.
Projection: Panthers loss (5-11)
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
This game, with major playoff implications, could be a matchup of backup quarterbacks.
It seems like Kyler Murray actually has a shot to play in this game, however, with Jared Goff out with a broken thumb.
If Murray can find a way to play, the Rams’ defense is going to have to come up huge with John Wolford starting at QB.
Projection: Rams lose (9-7, Cardinals 9-7)
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
Both the Raiders and Broncos at this point are playing for pride. The Raiders kicked the Broncos’ butts the last time these two teams played in pretty embarrassing fashion for Denver.
The Broncos, playing at home, get one back in week 17.
Projection: Raiders lose (7-9, Broncos 6-10)
Washington Football Team vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Washington Football Team is far too banged up at quarterback to win this game. There are brighter days ahead for Ron Rivera and this crew.
Projection: WFT lose (6-10, Eagles 5-10-1)
2021 NFL Draft projected order (non-playoff teams)
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15)
2. New York Jets (3-13)
3. Miami Dolphins (via Texans, 4-12)
4. Atlanta Falcons (4-12)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)
6. Detroit Lions (5-11)
7. New York Giants (5-11)
8. Carolina Panthers (5-11)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-10-1)
10. Washington Football Team (6-10)
11. New England Patriots (6-10)
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
13. Denver Broncos (6-10)
14. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9)
15. Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
16. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)
17. Chicago Bears (8-8)
18. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
This would be the order with very few shocking upsets. What happens if DeShaun Watson wills the Texans to a win over the Titans? What if the Cowboys fail to finish the deal and lose to the Giants?
There are so many different options yet at this point, but this might be the likeliest of all.