NFL Week 17 Early Lines vs. Line Movement Predictions (2022)
The playoff picture is starting to take shape, but there is still a lot up for grabs with two weeks remaining. The Carolina Panthers took down the red-hot Detroit Lions to remain alive for the NFC South title. The Jacksonville Jaguars jumped into first place in the AFC South, and the Green Bay Packers won their third consecutive game to remain within striking distance of a playoff spot.
Here is a look at some early Week 17 lines and where you should expect them to move.
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NFL Week 17 Early Lines vs. Line Movement Predictions (2022)
Dallas Cowboys at Tennessee Titans
The Titans lost their fifth straight game on Saturday, falling 19-14 to the Houston Texans. Meanwhile, the Cowboys picked up a massive win over the Philadelphia Eagles to remain alive in the NFC East race.
This week, the Cowboys are nearly double-digit road favorites on “Thursday Night Football.†This spread should continue to swell with Ryan Tannehill out for the Titans again. The Cowboys could be in for a letdown game after such an emotional win, but the Titans are spiraling, and there is nothing that would suggest that stopping this week.
Current Line: Cowboys -9.5
Predicted Final Line: Cowboys -10.5
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Four weeks ago, there were conversations about the Dolphins winning the AFC East. Now, Miami is just trying to stay in the playoff picture.
The Patriots are still alive despite losing four of their last five games. Yet, with just one game separating these two teams in the standings, the Dolphins are road favorites on New Year’s Day.
The Dolphins did beat the Patriots in Week 1, but beating the same team twice in the same season is difficult. Though the Dolphins have had a hard schedule over the last few weeks, they have not looked particularly good against anyone except the Bills. Therefore, with the Patriots being the home team, look for this line to move in their favor.
Current Line: Dolphins -1.5
Predicted Final Line: Pick ‘em
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Panthers’ game plan against the Lions was great, and it was executed to perfection. They controlled the clock by rushing for 320 yards and making enough defensive stops to prevent the Lions from getting back into the game. The Panthers are still alive to win the NFC South because of it.
This week, they will take on Tom Brady and the Bucs, who were lucky to escape Christmas night with a victory. Tampa has played poorly of late, losing three of their last five and needing double-digit comebacks to beat the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals.
The Christmas night game against the Cardinals was a very public outing. Because of that, expect bettors to back the impressive Panthers in this one and drop the line below the key number.
Current Line: Buccaneers -3
Predicted Final Line: Buccaneers -2
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Is Aaron Rodgers seriously about to get the Packers into the playoffs after a 4-8 start? Green Bay still needs help, but after taking down the Dolphins on Christmas Day, their chances of making the postseason increased drastically.
There are very few people who actually believe the Vikings are as good as their record shows. The Vikings have won 11 of their 12 games by eight points or less. Against the New York Giants this past weekend, they needed a 61-yard field goal as time expired to win.
The Packers have more to play for. They’re at home, and they’re simply the better team right now. Because of this, expect this number to grow to larger than the key number as kickoff approaches.
Current Line: Packers -3
Predicted Final Line: Packers -4
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers and Ravens were flexed to “Sunday Night Football†after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders to remain alive in the playoff hunt. If the Ravens defeat the Steelers, their Week 18 matchup with the Bengals will determine the winner of the AFC North, no matter what happens in the Bengals’ Week 17 matchup.
Mike Tomlin has done a phenomenal job with a mediocre Steelers team this season, leading them to four wins in five games. Their only loss was a 16-14 defeat at the hands of the Ravens in a game where Kenny Pickett was injured early.
There is a chance that Lamar Jackson will play in this game, and if he does, this line will shoot up to -6 or higher. Yet, this line will probably stay where it is if he doesn’t. With extra time for Jackson to recover before this game and with so much on the line for the Ravens, expect him to suit up.
Current Line: Ravens -3.5
Predicted Final Line: Ravens -6
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
The marquee matchup of the Week 17 slate also happens to be the week’s final game. The Bills travel to Cincinnati to take on the hottest team in football, the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Bengals can pull off their eighth consecutive win, they could potentially head into Week 18 as the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
It’s surprising to see the Bills as road favorites in this one, considering how good the Bengals have been both straight up and against the spread. The Bengals are an NFL-best 12-3 against the spread this season, and they have covered in seven consecutive games.
With this game being played in Cincinnati, look for the Bengals to go into Monday night as favorites, even if they aren’t projected to win by much.
Current Line: Bills -1
Predicted Final Line: Bengals -1
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Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.