5 NFL teams on upset alert in Week 17

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Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) watches as bad snap becomes a fumble in overtime against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals won’t be quite as short-handed as they could have been heading into their 2015 NFL season finale to take on the Baltimore Ravens. It looked like quarterback A.J. McCarron could potentially miss this game at one point with an injury to his wrist on his non-throwing hand. However, it seems unlikely that he doesn’t play on Sunday. Even still, the Ravens are intriguing as they could play spoiler in this matchup.

Though the Bengals could potentially clinch a first-round bye with a win and a Denver loss—as well as a couple of other scenarios that don’t require them winning—and will likely not be resting anyone, you have to imagine that they won’t be over-exerting any key players with a postseason berth already locked up. However, it’s the Ravens’ recent performance that really has me intrigued in this matchup.

When Baltimore beat the Steelers in Week 16, it wasn’t just a fluke game. Sure, Pittsburgh didn’t play well; but the Ravens played their best football of the season with Ryan Mallett at quarterback. While Cincinnati presents a formidable challenge with their defense, the Ravens just have the looks of a team with nothing left to lose that’s ready to play spoiler. I think that’s what they do come Sunday.

Next: No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs

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