2015 NFL picks against the spread: Week 17 games actually in 2016 – Revenge of the Birds
The final week of the regular season.
We have hit the final regular season weekend for the NFL. There are 16 games, all on Sunday. It is your last chance to get bets in on a bunch of games. As I have each week for the last three seasons, I make my picks against the Vegas spread. Last week was rough. I finished 7-9 and now am 122-115-5 on the year.
Let’s look at the Week 17 ballgames.
Saints and Falcons (-4): One thing that we can count on in the NFC South are tight divisional games, especially between mediocre teams. I expect nothing less in the final weekend. Saints +4.
Jets (-3) at Bills: Buffalo wants to play spoiler very badly, but with the Bills having grabbed a win on the road against the Jets earlier in the season, New York wants revenge, as well as a playoff berth. Jets -3
Lions at Bears (-1): Neither team has anything play for other than pride. Because the Lions have been playing better ball, Lions +1.
Ravens at Bengals (-7.5): Baltimore is in spoiler mode. They knocked off the Steelers last week. The Bengals will send A.J. McCarron out with a bad left wrist. Cincy should win this game, but with a backup out there in McCarron, I don’t expect this game to be a blowout. Ravens +7.5.
Steelers (-10) at Browns: Pittsburgh is in danger of missing the playoffs after a bad loss to the terrible Ravens. Cleveland will not have Johnny Manziel. Austin Davis will get the start. Pittsburgh is going to roll. Steelers -10.
Redskins at Cowboys (-4): I don’t know how the Cowboys are favored, to be honest. This is easy money. Redskins +4.
Titans at Colts (no line): Vegas isn’t taking any money for this game. No need to make a bet. I’m taking the Colts, though. It’s a home game.
Patriots (-10) at Dolphins: I don’t think there is any doubt the Pats will win this game. The issue is how long the starters play. Even still, Miami’s players will be checked out. Pats -10.
Eagles at Giants (-3): Very disappointing season for both teams. Philly already canned Chip Kelly. In a meaningless game for both teams, the Giants will have fans to play for. Giants -3.
Jaguars at Texans (-6.5): Houston can wrap up a division crown. The Jags are on the road in a meaningless game for them. Houston doesn’t even have to win to wrap up the division. Even still, playing in front of their home crowd, I like the Texans. Texans -3.
Chargers at Broncos (-8.5): San Diego closes their miserable season on the road. I can’t see them playing for much. Broncos -8.5.
Raiders at Chiefs (-6.5): KC is so hot. That is where the money is. Chiefs -6.5.
Seahawks at Cardinals (-6.5): Seattle doesn’t lose big, but they are down two offensive linemen to a team who had nine sacks last week. They have no running game and Russell Wilson is prone to get sacked. Plus, Kam Chancellor might not play a lot. But this probably only stays close if the Cardinals let up off the gas pedal, which they haven’t all season. Cardinals -6.5.
Rams (-3.5) at 49ers: Two teams with nothing to play for. No Todd Gurley for the Rams, who is the cog that makes the offense work. You would think the Rams would win, as Jeff Fisher is a master of the 8-8 team, but with no offense at all, I like the points. 49ers +3.5.
Buccaneers at Panthers (-10.5): Carolina came down to earth with a loss to the Falcons. That will have recentered them for their regular season finale. They are playing for the top seed. But that line…I don’t like it. Tampa would love to end the season on a high note. Should be a close game. Bucs +10.5.
Vikings at Packers (-3): After an embarrassing loss to the Cardinals, the Packers will want to bounce back. The winner of the game gets the NFC North title. Lambeau will be wild. Can’t bet against Aaron Rodgers in Lambeau in January. Packers -3.
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