PLAYERS AND COACHES WHO FACE THE MOST HIGH-PRESSURE SITUATIONS IN NFL WEEK 17

The pressure’s on as the final week of the NFL regular season gets underway and teams get one last shot at the postseason.

The playoff picture remains far from clear, as there remains a multitude of clinching scenarios. Seeding remains up for grabs for many of those who have already secured a spot in the field. And for other teams, it’s do-or-die this week.

Here’s a look at five of the most pressure-packed situations taking place this weekend, and the best bet on how each team will respond, and how things will play out.

BALTIMORE RAVENS HOSTING THE CLEVELAND BROWNS

The mission is clear for Lamar Jackson and Baltimore: Win and they secure the AFC North title and a playoff berth. Lose and they risk once again going home empty-handed.

Since taking over as the starter six games ago, Jackson has been unflappable, but he’s never faced higher stakes than he will this week. Standing in the Ravens’ way is a chippy Browns team that would love nothing more than to spoil Baltimore's postseason chances. Jackson played well in a virtual must-win situation last week and relied on his arm more than his legs with a career-high 204 yards passing. Meanwhile, the Ravens' defense derailed a potent Philip Rivers-led attack. Jackson carries himself with an easy-going, yet ultra-confident demeanor and it serves him well. His teammates feed off of his energy, and his skill set is difficult to prepare for. 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS HOSTING THE CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Steelers and Ravens games both kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET, so expect some scoreboard watching between plays in Pittsburgh. Having lost four of their last five games (with all of those defeats coming down to final possessions), the Steelers squandered their AFC North lead and are currently on the outside of the postseason picture looking in. They need both to win Sunday and for Cleveland to upset Baltimore. The expected return of running back James Conner could provide a much-needed spark. The Bengals have lost five of their last six games, and Andy Dalton’s season ended in Week 12 with a thumb injury.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS HOSTING THE CHICAGO BEARS

When they signed Kirk Cousins to a three-year, fully guaranteed, $84 million contract, the Vikings expected the veteran quarterback to take the team to the next level after Case Keenum couldn’t get the group past the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. But now Minnesota is still fighting to secure a playoff spot in the final week. If the Vikings lose to Chicago, they could be leapfrogged by Philadelphia for the last wild-card berth. The last time these teams met, the Bears' pass-rush overwhelmed Cousins, who threw two interceptions in a 25-20 loss at Solider Field. The Bears have clinched their playoff ticket, but don’t expect them to mail this one in, as a win could give them a first-round bye.

High-pressure situations have been unkind to Cousins throughout his career. But this is a chance for him to rewrite the narrative. Balance is key for the Vikings, who can’t become one-dimensional against Khalil Mack and Co. And Minnesota is 5-2 at home this season, so Mike Zimmer's crew might manage to pull this one off.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS

To squeeze into the postseason, the defending champion Eagles need not only to handle the Redskins but also for Minnesota to fall against Chicago. But with "Saint Nick" Foles at the helm, there's plenty of hope. Teammates even have made locker room shrine candles in his honor and are counting on him to carry them on a magical run again. The wheels have come off in Washington, so the Eagles should get this win here. But will the Bears do their part?

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

This implications of the prime time AFC South showdown are straightforward. One playoff berth is on the line (as will be the division title if the Texans falter against the Jaguars earlier int he day), so the loser's season is over. 

The odds don't appear to be in Tennessee's favor despite the advantage of playing at home. Quarterback Marcus Mariota might not play because of a shoulder stinger in his throwing arm. He has experienced numbness on that side, but says he is "going to do my best to be out there." Blaine Gabbert doesn't instill confidence as a starter in this situation. On the other sideline is Andrew Luck, who has led the Colts to seven wins in their last eight games and has 36 touchdown passes. Indianapolis has the distinct edge to return to the postseason for the first time since 2014.