NFL Week 17 Odds, Picks & Predictions: Underdog Bets (2024)
Week 16 was not a great one for the underdogs, as only two went on to win outright. With two games on Christmas, the last Thursday Night Football game of the season and three Saturday games, we have fewer options on Week 17’s Sunday slate.
But we’ve identified a few underdogs worth your consideration.
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Best NFL Week 17 Underdog Picks
(Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Jets (+400) vs. Bills (-9.5)
I do not expect the Jets to upset the Bills in Buffalo. However, Aaron Rodgers and the Jets have been playing better down the stretch. With inclement weather expected, it would not be shocking if this game turned into a defensive/rushing attack battle.
Such a game will, of course, be low-scoring, making it unlikely Buffalo covers a 9.5-point spread.
Pick: Jets +9.5 (-102)
Cowboys (+265) vs. Eagles (-7)
The offense practically disappeared last week after Jalen Hurts left the game, and it doesn’t look like he’ll clear concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s game. It’s not like the Eagles need to win; they already have a spot in the playoffs locked down.
However, if they lose out and the Commanders win out, they lose home-field advantage in the Wild Card round.
Even without Hurts and with Kenny Pickett at quarterback, it’s a winnable game for the Eagles, thanks to their defense and Saquon Barkley. It certainly helps that Dallas does not have CeeDee Lamb available.
However, Dallas’ defense has been playing better, and Cooper Rush has a knack for making things work. After getting embarrassed by the Eagles earlier in the season, Rush may be a little motivated to play spoiler in this game.
Dallas has a chance to record an upset here, especially if the Eagles decide to take care of their wounded. If the Eagles don’t win this week, they can still secure the division by beating the Giants next week. Even if the Cowboys don’t win, they will not lose by more than a touchdown.
Picks: Cowboys +7 (-104) & Moneyline (+265)
Raiders (-1.5) vs. Saints (-102)
I was a little surprised the Raiders were favored in this game (some sportsbooks have the Saints as the favorite). Neither team has played well, but the Saints have shown more signs of life than the Raiders. Yes, the Raiders beat the Jaguars 19-14 last week.
But beating the Jags is not necessarily something to brag about. While the Saints were crushed last week by the Packers (34-0), they’ve been playing better in recent weeks. New Orleans can’t hang with the big boys, but they can take down fellow bottom dwellers.
Some sportsbooks list the Saints as the favorite, so you may need to line shop to find New Orleans listed as an underdog.
Pick: Saints Moneyline (-102)
Packers (-104) vs. Vikings (-1.5)
With such a small spread, the game is expected to be close. Minnesota won the early season matchup by two points, 31-29. However, the Vikings benefitted greatly from three Jordan Love interceptions, two of which led to first-half touchdowns. Love has not thrown an interception in five consecutive weeks.
This game will come down to who wants it more. Battles between longtime rivals are often heated and intense. Both are playing well right now, but it could come down to whoever makes a mistake or has the ball last.
Both teams are playing so well right now that it is hard to justify picking one over the other. The underdog Packers could win this one in the end, but it is a 50/50 coinflip.
Pick: Packers Moneyline (-104)