Who will end up with the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft? Here's a look at four Week 16 games that will help determine the top of the draft order.
Records:Chargers: 5-9; Browns: 0-14
Where they stand:Cleveland's final home game represents a chance to notch its first win against a Chargers team that has lost three straight, but doing so could put its hold on the No. 1 pick in serious jeopardy. With a strength-of-schedule rating (.564) significantly higher than that of the 49ers (.513), the Browns figure to lose the top pick if the two finish tied for the NFL's worst record (the team with the lower SOS picks first if there's a tie). However, if the Browns lose and the 49ers win or tie against the Rams, Cleveland will clinch the No. 1 pick.
Looking ahead: Cleveland finishes the season at Pittsburgh, where it hasn't won since 2003. In other words, if the Browns still have the NFL's worst record after this week, it will be a stunner if they don't end up with the No. 1 pick.
Records:49ers: 1-13; Rams: 4-10
Where they stand:Against a reeling Rams team that has lost by an average of 23 points a week over the last four games, the 49ers have a shot to get their second win. If they get it and the Browns lose, however, they're eliminated from contention for the No. 1 overall pick. San Francisco can stay in the hunt for the top pick with another loss, but without a Browns win, the No. 2 pick is the best San Francisco can hope for.
Looking ahead: Like Cleveland, San Francisco faces a tough divisional opponent in the final week of the season (Seattle Seahawks).
Records:Titans: 8-6; Jaguars: 2-12
Where they stand:The Jaguars have lost nine straight, and face a Titans team that will be all business with the AFC South title still within its reach. If Jacksonville pulls off the upset, as it nearly did last week against Houston, or if the Browns lose, the Jaguars would be eliminated from contention for the No. 1 pick. A Jaguars loss would ensure that Jacksonville will pick no lower than No. 4 overall.
Looking ahead: Jacksonville travels to Indianapolis to finish the season. The Colts -- still harboring slim playoff hopes -- might or might not be fighting for a chance to make the postseason.
Records:Redskins: 7-6-1; Bears: 3-11
Where they stand:Now out of the hunt for the No. 1 pick, the Bears will pick no higher than No. 3 if they upset Washington. Chicago is playing more competitive football -- with their last four losses coming by six points or less -- than any of the clubs currently ahead of them in the draft order. If the Bears' grip on the No. 4 pick doesn't hold, consider it more likely to slip than climb.
Looking ahead: Chicago draws the Vikings in Week 17, whom the Bears beat, 20-10, in Week 8.
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