The playoff picture is getting more and more interesting down the stretch here as we have plenty of possible outcomes over the next two weeks. This week features a huge Monday night matchup between the Bills and Bengals that will play a big factor in home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Let's dive into the Week 17 picks.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Dec. 30)
Dallas Cowboys (11-4) @ Tennessee Titans (7-8)
This game means nothing for the Titans as their playoff fate will be decided next week in a showdown with the Jaguars for the AFC South title. For the Cowboys, there has been some talk of resting players in this matchup, but the NFC East crown is still within reach. Pick: Cowboys, 24-13.
Line: Cowboys -14
ML: Cowboys
Spread: Titans
Arizona Cardinals (4-11) @ Atlanta Falcons (5-10)
The Cardinals' injury report took a turn at the end of the week as Colt McCoy suffered more concussion symptoms and won't play. And, DeAndre Hopkins left practice early on Friday with a knee injury and his status is now uncertain for this game. I think the Falcons pound the rock early and often on their way to a victory. Pick: Falcons, 20-13.
Line: Falcons -4.5
ML: Falcons
Spread: Falcons
Carolina Panthers (6-9) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
This game has big implications for the NFC South title. The Bucs have an opportunity to clinch the division with a win at home here and they have started slow for the past month in each of their games. Last week they were forced to erase a 10-point deficit in the 4th quarter before beating the Cardinals in overtime. I can't see Tom Brady not making it to the dance in January. Pick: Buccaneers, 21-17.
Line: Buccaneers -3.5
ML: Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers
Chicago Bears (3-12) @ Detroit Lions (7-8)
The Lions still have slim playoff hopes and will need to win out and get some help for those to come true. They have a tough divisional matchup here and this Bears defense could make some big plays. I like Dan Campbell's squad to find a way here and setup a potential playoff-deciding matchup with the Packers in Week 18. Pick: Lions, 26-21.
Line: Lions -6
ML: Lions
Spread: Bears
Cleveland Browns (6-9) @ Washington Commanders (7-7-1)
The Commanders are going to roll with Carson Wentz for this game and honestly, I think this could backfire when it comes to their playoff hopes. The Browns are looking ahead to next season and have the ability to play spoiler here on the back of Nick Chubb. Pick: Browns, 20-17.
Line: Commanders -2
ML: Browns
Spread: Browns
Denver Broncos (4-11) @ Kansas City Chiefs (12-3)
The Broncos just fired Nathaniel Hackett and now head to Arrowhead in a tough road matchup with the Chiefs. Typically, you would see a team rise to the occasion when their coach is fired, but this team is limping to the finish line this season. I think the Chiefs role here, but there is potential for the backdoor cover. Pick: Chiefs, 27-17.
Line: Chiefs -12.5
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Broncos
Indianapolis Colts (4-10-1) @ New York Giants (8-6-1)
The Colts were abysmal on Monday night, unable to move the ball on offense with any success and Jim Irsay will have some decision-making to do with the direction of this team in the offseason. Look for the Giants to lean heavily on Saquon Barkley in this game a solidify their NFC wildcard spot. Pick: Giants, 20-13.
Line: Giants -5.5
ML: Giants
Spread: Giants
Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8) @ Houston Texans (2-12-1)
This game doesn't mean much for the Jags as the big matchup will be next week with the Titans to decide to the AFC South crown. I think the Jags will take care of business here though and Travis Etienne will have a big day on the ground. Pick: Jaguars, 20-17.
Line: Jaguars -4
ML: Jaguars
Spread: Texans
Miami Dolphins (8-7) @ New England Patriots (7-8)
Tua Tagovailoa suffered his third concussion of the season last week and will sit this game out in place of Teddy Bridgewater. I think the Dolphins are in trouble and the despite the Pats losing in embarrassing fashion two weeks ago to the Raiders, their defense will hold firm here and get them the win. Pick: Patriots, 20-13.
Line: Patriots -2.5
ML: Patriots
Spread: Patriots
New Orleans Saints (6-9) @ Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)
The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win here over the Saints and it looks like they will have to do it without Jalen Hurts for a second straight week. Gardner Minshew had four turnovers last week against the Cowboys, if he manages to clean that up, the Eagles should be able to get by on their defense alone. Pick: Eagles, 24-16.
Line: Eagles -6.5
ML: Eagles
Spread: Eagles
New York Jets (7-8) @ Seattle Seahawks (7-8)
The Jets will have Mike White back for this game, which should give them a boost on offense as they play a Seahawks team also fighting for a wildcard spot. It's a tough game to call, but I think Geno Smith comes through in a revenge spot of his former team here and keeps the Seahawks in the playoff mix a little while longer. Pick: Seahawks, 23-20.
Line: Jets -1.5
ML: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers (11-4) @ Las Vegas Raiders (6-9)
The Raiders are electing to bench Derek Carr for this game and start Jarrett Stidham, which opened up a can of worms this week about Carr's future with the team. The Niners are in line for a shot at the second seed in the NFC having already wrapped up the NFC West. I can't see Stidham having much success against this stout defense. Pick: 49ers, 23-14.
Line: 49ers -9.5
ML: 49ers
Spread: Raiders
Los Angeles Rams (5-10) @ Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
The Chargers clinched a playoff spot on Monday night, beating the Colts, and are simply playing for seeding at this point. There are rumblings that Austin Ekeler might sit this game out as a precaution, which could play a factor in this game. Pick: Chargers, 23-17.
Line: Chargers -6.5
ML: Chargers
Spread: Rams
Minnesota Vikings (12-3) @ Green Bay Packers (7-8)
The Packers control their own destiny and a month ago, nobody would have thought they had a chance at making the playoffs. Now, they host the Vikings, who have been struggling defensively and this is something Aaron Rodgers could exploit. This should be a great game and go down to the wire, with the Packers coming out on top. Pick: Packers, 27-23.
Line: Packers -3
ML: Packers
Spread: Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8) @ Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
It looks like Lamar Jackson isn't quite ready to come back yet, and so Tyler Huntley will start under center. Huntley hasn't impressed me much and I think Mike Tomlin will have his defense ready to play in this game. I like the Steelers to steal this one on the road and push for a wildcard spot. Pick: Steelers, 17-14.
Line: Ravens -2
ML: Steelers
Spread: Steelers
Buffalo Bills (12-3) @ Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)
This is the game of the week that pits Josh Allen against Joe Burrow and could very well decide home field throughout the AFC playoffs. Burrow has been on fire these past two months, but I think the Bills prove to be too much here and sneak away with the victory on the road. Pick: Bills, 24-21.
Line: Bills -1
ML: Bills
Spread: Bills
Results
Week 16
ML: 10-6
ATS: 5-11
Overall
ML: 154-86
ATS: 126-107-7
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