Las Vegas Raiders (+9.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs- Kansas City is playing for homefield advantage. They took care of business last week against the Broncos. Although the Raiders offense got into gear against the 49ers and a large part of that may have been that Darren Waller is back in the lineup. Perhaps the Raiders are building momentum into next season although one may expect a slight letdown against the Chiefs who have traditionally owned the Raiders.
The Jaguars have never lost when playing at home in the final week of the season (8-0)
Tennessee Titans (+6.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jaguars are playing well although Derrick Henry makes his return. Malik Willis may not be as competent as Ryan Tannehill but expect a close game in a must win game for both teams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons (+4) - Tampa Bay has nothing to play for so perhaps their backups will play.
New England Patriots (+7) @ Buffalo Bills - After an emotional week for the Bills, they will go on to play a Patriots team that did enough to hold on against the Dolphins. Josh Allen and the Bills could take this opportunity to get an emotional win for their teammate Hamlin who just got off a breathing tube although Bill Belichick may have other ideas.
Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears (+7.5) - Both of these teams are coming off blowout losses by each team. The Vikings managed to win by 7 points last time around- so perhaps the game will be slightly closer in Chicago. But again who knows with these two teams.
Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (-7)- The Ravens will still be without Lamar Jackson but will do their best to beat their division rival with a chance to win the division, provided they win the coin flip. Still, the Bengals just seem to be winning lately and look to avoid an emotional letdown given the circumstances of their last matchup against the Bills.
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) - Two of the worst teams in the NFL face off with not much to play for other than pride. The Colts have put together some competitive games lately although this could mark the end of Jeff Saturday's tenure as head coach. Both teams running backs are injure.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins (-2) - Joe Flacco makes his return as starting quarterback as the Jets appear to have given up Zach Wilson. The Dolphins will attempt to secure a playoff spot but will need the Patriots to lose to Buffalo.
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) - The Steelers seem to be rolling at the right time. So are the Brown who have played better since DeShaun Watson has been in the starting lineup. Although it may have to do more with the defense, one should expect a close game although the Steelers certainly have more to play for with the possibility of a playoff loss. Although the Browns will probably be motivated to play spoiler against their division rival.
New York Giants (+14) @ Philadelphia Eagles - The Giants appear to be playing better lately with Daniel Jones leading the Giants to consecutive wins after their drubbing a few weeks ago. The Giants cannot improve their position but may be motivated to play spoiler against the Eagles and will have no pressure on them. Ultimately this game will depend on Jalen Hurt's health who makes his return after a 2 week absence - one would think the Eagles get their acts together otherwise losing a potential first round bye and division to Dallas would be humiliating. The Giants have nothing to play for but have kept it close in the past in meaningless games.
Dallas Cowboys (-7) @ Washington Commanders - The Commanders were unceremoniously eliminated from the playoffs last week. Ron Rivera did not know that Washington could be eliminated by a Packers win and Kirk Cousins may have gotten the memo and didn't do any favors for his former team. Rivera will and should receive blame for going back to Carson Wentz who threw 3 interceptions. Sam Howell makes his debut against a tough Dallas team that will be looking to secure its chance for not only the division. The Cowboys will also look to embarrass the Commanders again when they defeated them 25-10 in a game that didn't even feel that close. Perhaps the defense has been playing better since that point but its hard to have much confidence in Washington's offense given its lack of imaginative play calling the previous week against the Browns.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (-2.5) - Normally, this kind of game would spell disaster for the Chargers although things appear to be looking slightly up as they have won their last 4 games and look to be the steadier team. The Broncos did play the Chiefs tight last week although that may have to do more with the Chiefs complacency. Although given that the CHargers have nothing to play for, one should expect the Broncos to get the moral victory.
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (-3.5) - The Saints look to continue its momentum with a winning streak to close the season. The Panthers have already squandered the division to Bucs last week. While the Panthers did bat the Saints earlier in the season and are playing much better with Sam Darnold at the helm, the Saints defense appears to be firing on all cylinders after containing the Eagles last week.
Los Angeles Rams (+6) @ Seattle Seahawks- In a must win game for the Seahawks, the Rams may play spoiler in this division rivalry as Tyler Lockett is banged up.
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (+14) - The 49ers had a bit of mental lapse against the Raiders but pulled it together in overtime. The Cardinals kept it close against the Falcon, but with not much on the line for the Cardinals and a potential homefield advantage for the 49ers makes this likely that the 49ers will take care of business.
Jared Goff has a passer rating of 108.4 with 2,173 yards and 15 touchdowns and no INTs in his last 8 games (via Statmuse)
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers (-4.5)- It is pretty crazy to think that the Dan Campbell Lions are just 1 win away from a postseason berth thanks to their recent winning ways. The Packers have also closed strongly. Losses would be on brand for either team. For now, I will bet on Aaron Rodgers to figure out the Lions although the numerous weapons of the Lions is enticing. Matt Lafleaur's coaching alongside homefield advantage should be enough for the Packers to pull away in this must win game as a playoff berth is on the line.
Week 17 Against the Spread - 7-8
Week 17 Straight Up - 12-3
2022 Against the spread - 118-111-6
2021 Against the Spread- 151-127-1
2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110
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