(6-9)Minnesota Vikings at (5-10)Detroit Lions (+4, 54)
Breakdown: This is a meaningless game as the Vikings’ disappointing season comes to an end. Dalvin Cook is out along with a number of defensive players which is why the over/under is so high. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay is out for the Lions along with some offensive lineman, so who knows what kind of game these teams can muster. Two bad defenses usually result in a lot of points so maybe we’ll at least get that.
Pick: Vikings
ATS: Lions -4
Over/Under: Over 54
(4-11)Atlanta Falcons at (10-5)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7. 50.5)
Breakdown: This is the kind of game that’ll be extra difficult to pin down in Week 17. Tampa has clinched their playoff spot and is more or less locked in as the #5 seed in the NFC. They don’t need to win, but staying in the 5-slot means they get to play whichever team winds up winning the NFC East. A playoff game against a team with a losing record is the most favorable first-round draw they can get plus, limping into the playoffs on a loss isn’t ideal for a team that hasn’t been together very long. If the Bucs lose and the Rams win, Tampa would fall to number six and play on the road at Seattle, Green Bay, or New Orleans. Their defense will take a hit without two of their starting linebackers, Devin White and Shaquill Barret, and nose tackle Steve McClendon thanks to Covid exposure.
Fortunately for the Bucs, Atlanta is only playing for their future at this point. Todd Gurley II lost his starting running back job to Ito Smith and Julio Jones won’t suit of for the season finale. After an especially disappointing season, this game is mostly for evaluation purposes. Calvin Ridley has had an excellent season even without Jones demanding the secondary’s attention and he should roasted the Bucs’ mediocre secondary for 163-yards and touchdown last time out. Even though the Falcons are better than their record suggests, they aren’t likely to get the win as long as Tampa actually tries. A big division win would be a nice way to close out the season, so I expect Atlanta to fight for it.
Pick: Buccaneers
ATS: Falcons +7
Over/Under: Over 50.5
(10-5)Baltimore Ravens at (4-10-1)Cincinnati Bengals (+13.5, 44)
Breakdown: The Ravens are one of the hotter teams in the league having won their last four ina row with their backs against the wall. They have a lot of guys questionable for their season-ender against the Bengals, but Baltimore’s playoff life hangs in the balance so I expect those guys to play. If they win their in and, even though Cincy has won two in a row, it’s as good of a Week 17 draw as the Ravens could have hoped for.
In Joe Burrow’s absence, we’ve seen that the Bengals still have a bright future…or at least the potential for one. I’m sure they’d like to boot the Ravens from the playoff picture much like they did back in 2017, so I think this spread is way too lopsided.
Pick: Ravens
ATS: Bengals +13.5
Over/Under: Over 44
(6-9)Dallas Cowboys at (5-10)New York Giants (+1, 44.5)
Breakdown: There can be only one sub-500 team to win the NFC East and both these teams still have a chance. If Washington wins this game doesn’t matter but if they lose, the winner becomes the division champ.
The Cowboys have managed to scrape themselves off the pavement and making the playoffs after a hugely disappointing season would be huge for that organization and the future they believe they have. The Giants, on the other hand, have stumbled after a nice run that saw them take the division lead. Daniel Jones’ injury complicated matters further, but Colt McCoy did manage to win a key road game in Seattle that kept their playoff hopes afloat.
Dallas’ already struggling defense will be without middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and defensive back Rashard Robinson. Golden Tate is questionable for the G-Men which takes one receiving weapon off the board but his time in New York hasn’t been great anyway. The defense has been the Giants’ signature this season and they’ll have to lean on it heavily in this game. It’s supposed to be cold and rainy at the Meadowlands so I’ll have to favor the better defense.
Pick: Giants
ATS: Giants +1
Over/Under: Under 44.5
(10-5)Miami Dolphins at (12-3)Buffalo Bills (-2, 42)
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Breakdown: This is going to be an interesting one as Miami needs to win to control their own destiny. Win and they’re in. However, they could also get in with a loss from the Colts, Ravens, or Browns. The Bills don’t need to win because they already clinched the division, but there are a couple of scenarios where these teams could meet in the first round of the playoffs. From a psychological perspective, Buffalo wouldn’t want to concede this game and, hopefully, they learned their lesson about limping into the playoffs last season. They could start scoreboard watching, as the Steelers have already decided not to start Ben Roethlisberger, and pull some starters down the stretch.
John Brown is back for the Bills receiver corps, but Cole Beasley is out with a leg injury and TE Tyler Kroft was sent to the Covid-list. Miami’s back QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is also on the Covid list and won’t be available to spark the offense if Tua Tagovailoa isn’t getting it done. Other than that, the Fins are mostly at full strength. Let’s not forget where the game is being played. Snow showers are in the forecast for Buffalo whic probably doens’t bode well for the team from South Florida.
Pick: Bills
ATS: Bills -2
Over/Under: Under 42
(2-13)New York Jets at (6-9)New England Patriots (-3, 40)
Breakdown: Nothing is on the line as the Jets head to Foxborough, but it’s a division rivalry game nonetheless. Despite the record, New York is definitely playing better right now but Bill Belichick isn’t going to lay down. Having a sub-standard season is one thing, losing to the Jets at home is another.
As usual, the Pats have almost everyone listed as questionable heading into the game but they’re only officially without their center David Andrew, offensive lineman Shaq Mason, and rookie running back Damien Harris. The Jets will be without the services of Frank Gore and Josh Andrews who were sent to injured reserve and La’Mical Perine who tested positive for Covid. Sam Darnold has been playing his best football for New York lately but he’ll need to be on top of his game with their top-two backs out.
Pick: Patriots
ATS: Jets +3
Over/Under: Over 40
(12-3)Pittsburgh Steelers at (10-5)Cleveland Browns (-9, 41.5)
Breakdown: The Steelers have all but conceded the #2 seed to the Bills as they are resting a number of key starters including Ben Roethlisberger, T.J. Watt, and Cameron Heyward. The oddsmakers are favoring Cleveland heavily as a result and they are in with a win or Colts’ loss (or several other strange scenarios involving ties). However, the Browns’ organization has been dealing with a Covid outbreak that’s shut down the team facility several times over the past week. They’ll be without TE Harrison Bryant, offensive linemen Drew Forbes and Drake Dorbeck, defensive lineman Andrew Billings, linebackers Malcolm Smith and B.J. Goodson, and defensive backs Denzel Ward, Andrew Sendejo, and Kevin Johnson. To think this is going to be a cake walk for Cleveland is a mistake, especially after losing to the Jets and winding up in this position anyway.
Pick: Browns
ATS: Steelers +9
Over/Under: Over 41.5
(8-7)Arizona Cardinals at (9-6)Los Angeles Rams (+3, 40.5)
Breakdown: This is one of the most interesting games on the docket, especially with Jared Goff out at QB for the Rams. He hasn’t been playing well as of late anyway, but was still the preferred option to rookie John Wolford who’s yet to take a snap in the NFL. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive end Michael Brockers are also out on the Covid list for LA. Plus Cam Akers is banged up and Darrell Henderson Jr. is on injured reserve, so the run game they lean on is hobbled. Fortunately for the Rams, they don’t need to win. However, the Cardinals do. Arizona is in with a win…or a tie and Chicago loss…but their goal is straightforward. They are pretty dinged up themselves but I’d rather have my starting QB than not, especially when that’s Kyler Murray.
Pick: Cardinals
ATS: Cardinals -3
Over/Under: Over 40.5
(12-3)Green Bay Packers at (8-7)Chicago Bears (+4.5, 50.5)
Breakdown: Green Bay needs to win in order to hang on to the #1 seed in the NFC so, I doubt they take it easy on the Bears. Starting tackle and perennial Pro Bowler David Bakhtiari going to injured reserve may cause some hiccups in the offense, but they still have likely MVP Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Meanwhile the Bears are shorthanded at cornerback, missing both Buster Skrine and Jaylon Johnson. It’s a long day slowing those two even at full strength. Chicago gets in with a win but could back-door their way into the postseason with a Cards’ loss or if they both tie. If the Packers are playing to win, it’s a tough road for the Bears. They’ve been scoring more lately and have resurgent confidence with David Montgomery playing the best football of his career. It’s paved the way for a much more effective passing attack led by Mitch Trubisky but a win here is a tall order.
Pick: Packers
ATS: Bears +4.5
Over/Under: Under 50.5
(1-14)Jacksonville Jaguars at (10-5)Indianapolis Colts (-14, 49.5)
Breakdown: This is the best possible draw for the Colts against a team that’s lost 14 straight, but the Jags’ lone win did come against Indy. I wouldn’t be overly concerned though. Jacksonville’s two best offensive weapons receiver DJ Chark and breakout running back James Robinson, are out. There’s not much incentive for the Jags aside from playing spoiler here. The Colts can win the AFC South with a win and Titans’ loss, but they can get into the postseason with a win paired with a loss from the Browns, Ravens, or Dolphins. There’s some tie scenarios too, but it’s win and in. It would be hilarious if JAX somehow pulled this one out but with the #1 draft pick secure, I hope they play to win.
Pick: Colts
ATS: Jags +14
Over/Under: Under 49.5
(7-8)Las Vegas Raiders at (5-10)Denver Broncos (+2.5, 51)
Breakdown: Another divisional clash with nothing on the line besides bragging rights has the makings of a shootout. Both teams are mostly clean on the injury report but the Broncos will be without receiver KJ Hamler. This is like a reverse preseason game. I don’t have much of a take on it but the Broncos seem to have the better defense and they are at home.
Pick: Broncos
ATS: Broncos +2.5
Over/Under: Over 51
(6-9)Los Angeles Chargers at (14-1)Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5, 43.5)
Breakdown: This is another throw-away game. Patrick Mahomes isn’t playing for the Chiefs, or at least that’s the rumor and they’ll be without Tyreek Hill, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Sammy Watkins too. Kansas City has the best record and #1 seed locked up, so there’s not much to play for. However, with the bye week in round of the playoffs, it’ll be three weeks between starts for Mahomes. The extra time off didn’t look good on Lamar Jackson and the #1 seed Ravens last season and it could very well make a difference once again. KC is still favored because the Chargers are decimated on defense. The Bolts can score but they are in evaluation mode. The Chiefs organization has enough pride to try and win, but I expect the gloves to be off for Justin Herbert.
Pick: Chargers
ATS: Chargers +3.5
Over/Under: Over 43.5
(11-4)New Orleans Saints at (5-10)Carolina Panthers (+5.5, 46.5)
Breakdown: The Covid situation in the Saints’ running backs room has made things complicated. Alvin Kamara tested positive but that ruled out all the other backs as close contacts. I’m guessing that means we’ll see some Taysom Hill in there. The Panthers have a bunch of players doubtful and are thin at running back themselves so, this is going to be interesting. The Saints still have an outside shot at the #1 seed, but they need a GB loss and Seattle win to get their weird three-way tie break. Sean Payton will try to find a way to win this game so they can at least secure the #2 seed.
Pick: Saints
ATS: Panthers +5.5
Over/Under: Under 46.5
(11-4)Seattle Seahawks at (6-9)San Francisco 49ers (+7, 46)
Breakdown: Seattle is coming off a big win over the Rams that gave them the NFC West crown, but it also put them in position to back-door their way into the #1 seed in the NFC. It’s complicated but they need a Packers’ and Saints’ loss. The 49ers are decimated and will be without receivers Deebo Samuel and Bradon Aiyuk with C.J. Beathard under center. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw and Kevin Givens, and defensive backs Richard Sherman and K’Waun Williams are also out. There is no excuse for the Seahawks to lose this game.
Pick: Seahawks
ATS: Seahawks -7
Over/Under: Under 46
(10-5)Tennessee Titans at (4-11)Houston Texans (+7.5, 56)
Breakdown: Once again in Week 17, the Titans season is on the line against the Texans but this Houston team doesn’t offer the same kind of resistance. J.J. Watt’s message of frustration after Week 16 will either light a fire under the Texans’ asses or turn off those who perceived themselves to be in the crosshairs. The Titans clinch the AFC South with a win or Colts’ loss and still clinch a playoff berth with a Ravens’ or Dolphins’ loss, so they have the strongest position of the 10-5 teams looking to get in. Both Tennessee and Houston have terrible defenses but the Titans have the edge on offense and have something to play for. It would be hilarious to see them get eliminated from playoff contention by this Houston team though.
Pick: Titans
ATS: Texans +7.5
Over/Under: Under 56
(6-9)Washington Football Team at (4-10-1)Philadelphia Eagles (+4, 44)
Breakdown: The Eagles are officially out of contention, but this is a chance for them to take Washington down with them. If Washington wins, the NFC East is theirs. If they lose, it goes to the Cowboys/Giants winner. This wouldn’t have been an easy game but the Eags have a ridiculous number of players out, including Miles Sanders, Fletcher Cox, Dallas Goedert, and Shaun Bradley. They have nothing to play for, so I get it. Jalen Hurts should have free reign to go nuts and Alex Smith isn’t locked in for Washington either, but it’s leaning in their favor. Who really knows what’s going to happen in this game.
Pick: Washington
ATS: Washington -4
Over/Under: Under 44
| Nick’s Picks | ATS | Over/Under | Christen’s Picks |
| Vikings | Lions +4 | Over 54 | Vikes |
| Bucs | Falcons +7.5 | Over 50.5 | Bucs |
| Ravens | Bengals +13.5 | Over 44 | Pats |
| Giants | Giants +1 | Under 44.5 | Cowboys |
| Bills | Bills -2 | Under 42 | Bills |
| Patriots | Jets +3 | Over 40 | Pats |
| Browns | Steelers +9 | Over 41.5 | Steelers |
| Cardinals | Cardinals -3 | Over 40.5 | Rams |
| Packers | Bears +4.5 | Under 50.5 | Packers |
| Colts | Jags +14 | Under 49.5 | Colts |
| Broncos | Broncos +2.5 | Over 51 | Raiders |
| Chargers | Chargers +3.5 | Over 43.5 | Chiefs |
| Saints | Panthers +5.5 | Under 46.5 | Saints |
| Seahawks | Seahawks -7 | Under 46 | Seahawks |
| Titans | Texans +7.5 | Under 56 | Titans |
| Washington | Washington -4 | Under 44 | Philly |