Kevin O'Connell suggested that Sunday's game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers would be a matchup between two "really good teams." O'Connell, the Vikings' coach, was being modest. More accurately,

The Vikings are one of four NFC teams to have already secured a playoff berth. ESPN’s projections give the Vikings a 23% chance to win the NFC North. Detroit can clinch the division if the Vikings lose to the Packers and the Lions beat the 49ers. A Vikings victory over the Packers would make the Lions-49ers game meaningless.

With the NFC North title still up for grabs, the Minnesota Vikings are poised for a high-stakes finish to the 2024 NFL regular season.

The Seahawks have a dangerous passing attack when they protect quarterback Geno Smith and limit turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett form an elite trio of receivers who have helped lift Seattle to fourth in passing yards per game.

Welcome to the Week 17 picks and let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas, but that's only to the people who are reading this on or before Dec. 25. If you're reading this after Christmas, then happy early new year.