Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 17: Penultimate Week
Thursday Night
- Cle -7.5 (o/u 34.5)
- Browns 27 Jets 0
Two weeks ago, the Jets were shut out by the Dolphins. Last week, they had a good offensive showing against the Commanders, the worst defense in the league. Facing a Browns team that can still nab the top seed in the AFC, the Jets could be blanked again. Joe Flacco gets his revenge as Myles Garrett closes in on Defensive Player of the Year.
Saturday Night
- Dal -6 (o/u 53.5)
- Cowboys 34 Lions 20
The Lions have won their first division title in 30 years and are assured of their first home playoff game at Ford Field. This week, they may be caught flat-footed as the Cowboys return home after back-to-back road losses, where they have not lost this season. Dallas is the only team that has not lost a home game in the NFL this season.
Sunday at 1
- Mia +3.5 (o/u 47.5)
- Dolphins 20 Ravens 17
The Dolphins hushed some of their critics last week by beating the Cowboys. This game will be even tougher as the Ravens are the best team in the NFL. However, teams that carry that label have stumbled, especially over the past month. The Dolphins can hang with the Ravens and might be able to make that one big play that helps them clinch the AFC East and take over the #1 seed if they do.
- Buf -12 (o/u 40.5)
- Bills 44 Patriots 10
There is just no way the Bills will lose to this terrible Patriots team twice. The division title is still in play, especially the Dolphins facing the red-hot Ravens. If it plays in their favor, the division will be on the line next week in Miami. Expect the Bills to trample the Patriots.
- Chi -3 (o/u 37.5)
- Bears 23 Falcons 16
Opposite worked last week. I saw this spread and thought, how are the Bears favorites in this game? So my instinct says Falcons. That is why the Bears will win.
- Hou -4.5 (o/u 42.5)
- Texans 31 Titans 20
Two weeks ago, the Texans won an overtime thriller against the Titans in Nashville, with Case Keenum at quarterback. With C.J. Stroud out of concussion protocol, the Texans should get the win, as they will go into the final week with a chance to win the AFC South.
- LV -3.5 (o/u 43.5)
- Raiders 20 Colts 10
Though ever so faint, the Raiders still have a shot to get into the playoffs. Since Antonio Pierce took over as coach, they have played with hunger and desire as their defense has become a force. The Colts are also in the playoff picture, but after an ugly loss in Atlanta last week, they appear to be on wobbly legs. Look for the Colts to fade and the Raiders to get back to .500.
- Car +6.5 (o/u 37.5)
- Jaguars 23 Panthers 20
Fans in Jacksonville must have a sinking feeling as the Jaguars have dropped their last four games. They are still hanging on to the AFC South, but the feeling is unease. Trevor Lawrence is dealing with injuries and struggling as the Jaguars, who once looked like Super Bowl contenders, are in danger of missing the playoffs. They will win this one, but it will be by a mere whisker.
- LAR -4.5 (o/u 43.5)
- Giants 24 Rams 20
Taking advantage of a soft schedule, the Rams have played themselves into the NFC's playoff picture. The Giants are now done but looking to show some pride. Tyrod Taylor played well in relief of Tommy DeVito last week and gets the start. I smell an upset.
- Phi -10.5 (o/u 48.5)
- Eagles 38 Cardinals 17
Despite their Christmas day win over the Giants, the Eagles still do not appear to be back to the team that once looked like the best in the NFL. They ended a three-game losing streak but made some big mistakes to let the Giants back into the game. This week, they must deliver a clean, crisp, dominating performance against a horrible Cardinals team.
- NO +3 (o/u 41.5)
- Saints 24 Buccaneers 20
Up and down, back and forth, that is the story of the NFC South. With a win, the Buccaneers can clinch the division for the third straight season. However, it is never that cut and dry as the Saints steal a win in Tampa, making a last-week scramble for the playoffs possible.
- SF -13 (o/u 49.5)
- 49ers 49 Commanders 13
The 49ers delivered their worst performance of the season on Christmas as Brock Purdy threw four interceptions. The Commanders are the worst defense in the NFL, making the Jets look somewhat competent with Trevor Siemian. Expect the Niners to roll up the core, as the Commanders quit on the season long ago.
Sunday Late Game
- Pit +3.6 (o/u 41.5)
- Seahawks 23 Steelers 20
These two teams mirror each other as their stats and gameplay suggest that their records should not be good, but they sit at 8-7 with the playoffs in reach. Either way, this game will be a field goal, so the Steelers are the best play, but the Seahwks scratch their way to a home win.
- Den -3 (o/u 37.5)
- Broncos 24 Chargers 10
The Broncos let Russell Wilson cook, and their season charred up. WTF? Now Jarrett Stidham gets the start against the Chargers. The Chargers are the right team because they can make even the worst quarterbacks look good.
- KC -7 (o/u 44.5)
- Chiefs 31 Bengals 16
The Chiefs are struggling. Patrick Mahomes and the offense are out of sync, as they have lost three of their last four games. They need a strong performance, and they get it, as the Bengals' defense is banged up while the team is limping toward the finish of the season.
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Sunday Night
- Min -2 (o/u 46.5)
- Vikings 20 Packers 16
The biggest shocker is this game was not flexed out. The Packers and Vikings are barely hanging in the playoff chase, and neither is playing well. The Vikings are home and will get the win as the Packers get ready to pack their bags for the off-season.