Even as the holiday hangover lingers, the stakes in the NFL continue to climb, and Week 17 gifts us an intriguing NFC matchup under the Thursday night lights! I’m Andrew Erickson, ready to guide you through every detail of this prime-time battle between the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks at Solider Field.

The Seahawks must win out and hope the Rams lose in Week 17. The Bears have lost nine straight games. It’s the second-longest active losing streak in the NFL. The Bears have been killing me all year. But hey, I'm a masochist.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Bernard Berrian, left, catches a 40-yard pass for a touchdown as Seattle Seahawks' Kelly Herndon, center, and Oliver Celestin, right, defend during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006 in Chicago. (AP Photo)

With a one-game lead in the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams are in complete control of their playoff fate. If they win their last two games, they clinch the division and punch their ticket to the postseason.

The Los Angeles Rams have a chance to clinch a playoff spot for the first time this season. That playoff spot would come in the form of the NFC West division title, but clinching in Week 17 would make for a much less stressful final week of the season.