Players to Watch
Blake Martinez • ILB • Green Bay Packers • Second season • @Big__Blake50
Martinez enters the final week of the regular season atop the NFL's tackles leaders with 138, six ahead of Preston Brown and Joe Schobert. 2017 has been a breakout season for Martinez, who has missed just nine of 757 defensive snaps since the start of Week 5. According to Pro Football Focus, his 37 run stops rank second in the NFL while his 88.1 grade against the run ranks 10th out of 91 eligible inside linebackers. Martinez is a strong candidate to receive a late Pro Bowl invitation.
Solomon Thomas • DL • San Francisco 49ers • First season • @SollyThomas90
Thomas recorded his third sack in last week's upset win over Jacksonville, San Francisco's fourth win in a row. The 49ers go for five in a row when they travel to face the NFC West-champion Los Angeles Rams. Thomas has become a key player on one of the league's most improved defenses – they face a Rams club that features the league's leading rusher (Todd Gurley, 1,305 yards) and figures to be a heated rival for seasons to come.
Matchup to Watch
Carolina has a chance to knock division rival Atlanta out of the playoff picture when the teams face off on Sunday. The Falcons can make the playoffs by either beating Carolina or with a Seattle loss against Arizona. Carolina features Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate Christian McCaffrey, while Atlanta features two former Cardinal tight ends in Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo – Toilolo is doubtful with a knee injury sustained in Week 16.
Injury Report
- Michael Thomas (knee) is questionable for Week 17 after sitting out Week 16.
- Levine Toilolo (knee) is doubtful with a knee injury he sustained in Week 16.
- Ryan Hewitt (knee) is questionable for Week 17.
Week 17 Schedule
| Date | Time (PT)/TV Network | Matchup (Players) |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 10:00 a.m./CBS | Jets at Patriots (Bademosi, Fleming, Richards) |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 10:00 a.m./FOX | Packers (Martinez) at Lions |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 10:00 a.m/CBS | Browns (Hogan) at Steelers (DeCastro |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 10:00 p.m./FOX | Cowboys at Eagles (Ertz) |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 1:25 p.m./CBS | 49ers (Thomas, S.) at Rams |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 1:25 p.m./FOX | Saints (Peat) at Buccaneers) |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 1:25 p.m./CBS | Bills at Dolphins (Thomas, M) |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 1:25 p.m./FOX | Cardinals (Mauro) at Seahawks (Baldwin) |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 1:25 p.m./FOX | Panthers (McCaffrey) at Falcons (Hooper, Toilolo) |
| Sunday, Dec. 31 | 1:25 p.m./CBS | Bengals (Hewitt) at Ravens |