We’re on to Week 17 in the NFL — there are no Thursday games this week, so all the contests kick off starting Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. That means it’s time once again for our weekly look at the point spreads in order to help you win some money.
Last week, Charles McDonald went 8-7 (100-109 overall) and Prince Grimes went 7-8 (29-28 overall). Charles Curtis — 9-6 last week (119-117) — is off this week but will be back for the final regular season slate next week.
Charles M: We’ve rebounded quite nicely. More prosperity ahead.
Prince: Need a big week to stay over .500.
(All odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook.)
1
Dolphins at Titans (-3.5)
Prince: Titans
What a difference A.J. Brown makes. Tennessee’s offense came alive last week and I like that unit to do a little more than Miami’s.
Charles: Dolphins
Titans win, Dolphins keep it close with how their defense has been playing throughout the winning streak.
2
Falcons at Bills (-13.5)
Prince: Bills
This is a large spread, but I think the Bills will handle the cold weather better and overwhelm the Falcons at home.
Charles: Bills
I say this as a Falcons fan, they are the most fraudulent 7-8 team in NFL history. Bills by 21+.
3
Rams at Ravens (+3.5)
Prince: Rams
After what the Bengals just did to this Ravens defense, I can’t see them slowing the Rams enough to cover this number, even if Lamar Jackson is back.
Charles: Rams
The Ravens just don’t have enough juice to take down the Rams. This one might get ugly.
4
Eagles at Washington (+3.5)
Prince: Eagles
Washington won’t look as bad as it did against Dallas, but Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are playing at a higher level right now.
Charles: Eagles
This won’t be galactic-level buttkicking like last week, but the Eagles are well equipped to get this win on the road and cover the spread.
5
Buccaneers at Jets (+13.5)
Prince: Buccaneers
This is the Jets’ first game against a team over .500 in more than a month. I don’t expect it to stay close for very long.
Charles: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers need to keep winning to have a fleeting chance at the number one seed. Good luck, Zach.
6
Raiders at Colts (-5.5)
Prince: Raiders
Even if Carson Wentz (covid list) is inactive, I think the Colts find a way to win. I just think the Raiders find a way to cover as they fight for their playoff lives.
Charles: Colts
Well, it looks like the hottest team in the AFC is getting back their entire offensive line and maybe Darius Leonard and Carson Wentz. This gets out of hand in a hurry.
7
Chiefs at Bengals (+5.5)
Prince: Chiefs
The Bengals could really make a statement in this game, but I don’t think they will. Give me Patrick Mahomes to put up some big numbers and keep KC rolling along.
Charles: Chiefs
You have to respect how the Bengals have grown this year, but the Chiefs are just playing on a different level lately.
8
Jaguars at Patriots (-14.5)
Prince: Patriots
It’s hard to pick a Mac Jones-led offense to cover a spread this large but the Jags are just the team to get him back on track. And like most young QBs, Trevor Lawrence won’t likely fair well against a Bill Belichick-coached team.
Charles: Patriots
Here lies Trevor Lawrence, cut down in his prime by Bill Belichick.
9
Giants at Bears (-5.5)
Prince: Giants
The Bears haven’t won a game by this much since Week 5. Both teams stink, so I expect the score to stay low enough for the Giants to stick around.
Charles: Bears
The Bears shouldn’t be favored by this many points against NFL teams, but the Giants are hardly fielding an NFL team right now. Jake Fromm and Mike Glennon set the art of playing quarterback back by a decade last week.
10
Texans at 49ers (-12.5)
Prince: 49ers
The Texans definitely surprised us with last week’s win over the Chargers. I don’t expect them to do that again against a Niners team desperate to bounce back from an ugly loss.
Charles: 49ers
Last week was nice for the Texans as they start an incredibly important offseason. This week is a trip back to reality.
11
Broncos at Chargers (-6.5)
Prince: Chargers
Especially if Teddy Bridgewater is out again, Denver’s offense just doesn’t inspire much confidence. The Chargers have lost two straight but were at least able to put up some points. I think they can get a touchdown over the Broncos.
Charles: Chargers
I don’t think the Broncos will have the firepower to close this spread out. I like Herbert and company to keep the Broncos at arm’s length the entire game.
12
Lions at Seahawks (-6.5)
Prince: Lions
Despite being heavy favorites, the Seahawks just aren’t that good. And Detroit has been awesome against the spread so I’m staying on them for another week.
Charles: Lions
Lions continue to be great against the spread. I think they’ll play competitively in a loss against the Seahawks.
13
Cardinals at Cowboys (-5.5)
Prince: Cowboys
Until the Cardinals prove they can play well late in the season, I have to take Dallas to cover this number. The Cowboys are defending at a very high level and the offense finally came alive last week, a scary combination.
Charles: Cardinals
Thinking a backdoor cover to make this game appear closer than it was, but the Cardinals can still catch fire at any time.
14
Panthers at Saints (-6.5)
Prince: Saints
This has the feel of a 17-10 game. Neither team is scoring much right now, but the Panthers have lost by at least eight points in four straight games. If the Saints aren’t starting Ian Book, they’ll cover.
Charles: Saints
The Panthers won’t be able to move the ball at all against this defense.
15
Vikings at Packers (-6.5)
Prince: Vikings
The Vikings got the home win over GB a month ago. Now, it’s the Packers’ turn to host this divisional matchup and I think they’ll win, just not by a touchdown.
Charles: Packers
The Packers have looked a little vulnerable recently, but I think they’ll handle business and shred the Vikings to take a commanding lead on the top overall seed in the NFC.
16
Browns at Steelers (+3.5)
Prince: Steelers
This is a gut pick. The Browns should dominate with their ground attack, but an AFC North game this late in the season is never easy. This feels like it ends with no more than a three-point margin.
Charles: Steelers
This one was tough for me, too. I don’t have a strong grasp on who will win, but I do trust Mike Tomlin and the Steelers to be able to keep it close at the end of the day.
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