All the NFL Week 17 essentials you need: Chiefs vs. Bengals, Cardinals vs. Cowboys. Plus, remembering John Madden

Paste BN

It's Week 17 ... and it's a big one for the playoff picture. Before we dig even deeper, enjoy these:

Which teams will emerge victorious in Week 17? Our experts make their picks.
A former NFL head coach has found a new purpose leading a HBCU football program.
The Raiders' Carl Nassib, months after coming out, remains a powerful NFL groundbreaker.
Here's how the playoff picture stands heading into Week 17.

Game of the week (AFC edition): Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals – This one has massive playoff implications, with the Chiefs seeking to lock down the AFC's top seed and the Bengals taking aim at a division title. A victory over the Chiefs also would be quite the statement for the upstart Bengals.

Game of the week (NFC edition): Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys – Two teams heading in opposite directions square off at Jerry World. While the Cowboys are riding a four-game winning streak, the Cardinals have lost three in a row. Containing dynamic QB Kyler Murray will be a key to victory for Dallas.

NFL Week 17: Expert analysis and more

Week 17 predictions: Paste BN Sports' panel of experts have made prognostications for every game this weekend.
Week 17 preview: Paste BN Sports+ NFL insiders Tyler Dragon and Safid Deen bring you their top five stories of the week.
Worst 2021 season predictions: As we close the book on 2021, we looked back on our preseason NFL predictions to figure out what we got right ... and what we got very, very wrong.
Aaron Rodgers 'wouldn't rule out' retiring after 2021 season: Rodgers is in contention for a fourth MVP award, but the Packers quarterback promised a swift decision on his football future at the conclusion of the season.
'All signs are pointing' to Big Ben playing last game in Pittsburgh: Ben Roethlisberger hinted that Monday night's game will likely be his last in the city.
Power rankings: See how all 32 teams stack up heading into Week 17. The Bengals and Colts are among the biggest risers.
In 13 seconds, Cowboys explain threat of Kyler Murray: The dynamic Cardinals quarterback presents a multifaceted challenge for the Cowboys in the two teams' crucial showdown Sunday.
Meet rookie QB who might have to be COVID fill-in: Sam Ehlinger has spent 16 weeks so far learning how to be a backup quarterback again.
Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists revealed: DeMarcus Ware, Andre Johnson and Devin Hester, all in their first year of eligibility, are finalists for the class of 2022.

Sunday

Monday

John Madden – who died Tuesday at the age of 85 – will be remembered for more than just as a Hall of Fame coach, great broadcaster or for a video game, Mike Freeman writes.
John Madden spent Christmas surrounded by family watching FOX Sports' doc "All Madden." Tom Rinaldi and Joel Santos share how they told the story.
Here is how to watch the John Madden documentary, "All Madden."
Lesley Visser, who worked with John Madden at CBS, remembers her dear friend teaching the intricacies of football during trips on the Madden Cruiser.
Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz remembers spending time at John Madden's home and shares stories about his friend, who was about more than football.
Hall of Fame Raiders coach Tom Flores reflected on his time working for John Madden in Oakland during the 1970s.
Take a look at images from John Madden's long career in football.

If you love talking football 🏈, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group📲, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders ✨.