Here is the rundown for this week’s NFL slate, broken down with a handicapper’s perspective. Let’s dive into the key matchups:
Best Bet: Titans (+1.5) at Jaguars: The underdog slate is thin this week, but I’m locking in the Tennessee Titans as my moneyline play. Yes, they’re on the road in Jacksonville, but this is a spot where the Titans can grind out a win. Despite an ugly season, they’re still playing hard under Brian Callahan, and Mason Rudolph under center gives this offense a slightly better chance to put up points.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars look uninspired and might have mentally checked out. They’ve shown flashes but haven’t convinced me they’re motivated for the long haul. In what could be another low-scoring affair (remember the 10-6 game a few weeks ago), Tennessee has enough to pull off a gritty upset.
Best Total: Browns Team Total Under (16.5) vs. Dolphins: Cleveland’s offense is unreliable right now. No Nick Chubb, a shaky offensive line, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback spell disaster. They’ve managed just six and seven points in their last two games, and I don’t see much improvement coming this week.
Instead of sweating Miami to cover a big spread, take the Browns’ team total under 16.5. The Dolphins’ defense should have no trouble keeping Cleveland in check, and with poor conditions expected, this one looks like a safe play.
NFL Week 17: Betting Guide | Saturday Props | Broncos-Bengals | Chargers-Patriots
Best of the Rest Bets
Patriots (+4) at Chargers: The Los Angeles Chargers need this game to stay in the playoff hunt, and I like them to get the job done. The New England Patriots have been a mess offensively, and while they’ll put up a fight, expect Justin Herbert and company to cover the four-point spread with relative ease. The Chargers handle their business here.
Broncos (+3) at Bengals: Denver has been solid on the road, and I trust them more in high-pressure situations. With Riley Moss returning to bolster the secondary, they’ll be ready for Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ hot streak. Cincinnati is playing great football, but I’m fading them in this spot. Denver pulls off the upset in the jungle.
Cardinals (+6.5) at Rams: The Rams are rolling and are fully healthy heading into this matchup at SoFi. Arizona has been officially eliminated from playoff contention, so I don’t see them putting up much resistance. The Rams cover the 6.5 without breaking a sweat in front of the home crowd.
Colts (-7.5) at Giants: The line jumped from 6.5 to 7.5, and for good reason. The Colts are still alive in the playoff hunt and will take care of business here. Meanwhile, the Giants are the worst team in the league. They’ve been non-competitive, and they’re clearly tanking for the top draft pick. Lay the points with Indianapolis.
Jets (+9) at Bills: Buffalo didn’t cover last week, but I expect a rebound performance. The Jets are struggling to close games, and even with Aaron Rodgers, their offense remains inconsistent. Buffalo covers the nine-point spread comfortably at home.
Raiders (+1) at Saints: The Saints looked awful last week—completely non-competitive against Green Bay. I can’t trust them here. The Raiders come into this one with some momentum and should leave Bourbon Street with the win.
Panthers (+8) at Buccaneers: Tampa knows they have to win this game to keep their season alive. Baker Mayfield should lead the Bucs to a bounce-back performance and cover the eight-point spread at home against a lifeless Carolina team.
Cowboys (+7) at Eagles: Philly has been rolling, and I like them to cover even with the line moving from -6 to -7. The Cowboys have been inconsistent in big games, and the Eagles’ physicality will wear them down at the Linc. Philly gets it done.
Packers (+1) at Vikings: Green Bay is getting a point on the road, but I’m backing the Vikings. They’ve already beaten the Packers once this season and have been the more reliable team overall. Stick with Minnesota to handle their business at home.
Commanders (-4) vs. Falcons: Flexed to Sunday night, this game looks like a comfortable win for Washington. Atlanta has been shaky all season, and I trust the Commanders to cover the four-point spread at home in front of the Landover faithful.
There is your slate! Play smart, manage the bankroll, and good luck this week.
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