The NFL’s Week 16 slate featured a few surprises, including Las Vegas’ upset of Kansas City and Baltimore’s domination of Super Bowl odds favorite San Francisco on Christmas.
What will Week 17 have in store?
As we inch closer to the playoffs, let’s look at some of our best bets for Sunday’s games.
NFL Week 17 Predictions
All NFL betting odds used for these Week 17 predictions are current as of Wednesday, Dec. 27, and are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Saints vs Buccaneers Prediction
Best Bet: TB -3 (-108)
Some team has to win the woeful NFC South, and Tampa Bay appears the most capable. Baker Mayfield is enjoying a renaissance as the Buccaneers have strung together four straight victories, with each more convincing than the last.
Mayfield has completed 62.8% of his passes during that stretch, throwing nine touchdowns and just one interception.
The Buccaneers have already beaten New Orleans once this season, winning 26-9 in Week 4, and they should do so again at home.
Cardinals vs Eagles Prediction
Best Bet: PHI -11 (-108)
The Eagles suddenly look a bit vulnerable, having failed to cover in four straight. But I don’t anticipate that they’ll have much trouble against the lowly Cardinals, who have been a sieve defensively.
- Read more on this game in our NFL Week 17 prop bets.
Arizona has given up the second-most points in the NFL (26.9 PPG) and is ranked dead last in run defense (147 yards allowed/game). It has allowed a 100-yard rusher in four of the last five games.
This shapes up to be a big day on the ground for the likes of Jalen Hurts and D’Andre Swift.
Dolphins vs Ravens Prediction
Best Bet: BAL -3.5 (-110)
Baltimore owns the NFL’s best record at 12-3, has won five straight, and left no doubt about its legitimacy as a Super Bowl contender with a Christmas Day beatdown of the 49ers.
Even as his supporting cast dwindles because of injuries, Lamar Jackson continues to perform at an elite level. He has now supplanted Brock Purdy as the MVP favorite.
The Ravens may cool off at some point, but I’m going to ride the hot hand until they do.
Patriots vs Bills Prediction
Best Bet: NE +12 (-108)
Bill Belichick has the Patriots playing better these days, to the point where they’ve even earned a few wins. That seemed almost inconceivable not long ago, but the switch to Bailey Zappe has helped mask some obvious deficiencies.
- Check out our favorite NFL Week 17 parlay picks.
The Patriots will have a tougher go of it in Buffalo, but they’re opportunistic enough defensively to force Josh Allen into a couple of mistakes and keep this closer than it should be.
49ers vs Commanders Prediction
Best Bet: SF -13.5 (-112)
In case you haven’t heard, the Commanders’ defense is bad. Really, really bad. Even the Jets, with journeyman Trevor Siemian under center, managed to score 30 points against it.
The Commanders are allowing a league-worst 30.2 points per game, and the average has climbed to 34.6 during their six-game losing streak.
San Francisco should have a field day on offense, with Christian McCaffrey leading the way.