NFL Week 17 Playoff-Related Matchups: Best Bets Odds & Predictions (2022)
The 2022 NFL regular season is winding down, as we only have two weeks left until the playoffs. However, there is still plenty of playoff positioning to be determined. Of the 15 games over the weekend, 13 have some meaningful playoff implications.
The Cardinals and Falcons matchup only matters for NFL Draft positioning. Meanwhile, the contest between the Rams and Chargers has very little playoff implication. Last week the Chargers locked up a playoff spot. While they can move as high as the five seed and as low as the seven seed, the Chiefs have locked up the AFC West division title.
With 13 meaningful games this weekend, what impact does that have on the spread, and how should bettors bet on it? Let’s dive into it.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-12.5)
After an embarrassing loss on Christmas day, the Broncos fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL lately. However, 12.5 points is too much. These two teams played in Week 14 and Denver had their best performance of the year, as Russell Wilson had three passing touchdowns before leaving the game with a concussion. The Chiefs need to win this week to have a chance at securing the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. They will get the win and hope the Buffalo Bills lose Monday night.
My Pick: DEN +12.5
New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5)
This matchup has almost as much impact on the 2023 NFL Draft as it does the playoff picture. The Eagles can secure the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win. At the same time, Philadelphia owns New Orleans’ first-round draft pick, which is currently in the top 10. The Eagles should win this game with relative ease. There’s only one question left; will Jalen Hurts or Gardner Minshew get the start at QB?
My Pick: PHI -6.5
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans (+4)
A week ago, the Texans pulled off an upset win over the Titans, giving them only their second win over the year. Houston’s other win this season came in Week 5 against the Jaguars. This isn’t the same Jacksonville team we saw lose 13-6 in Week 5. The offense has been rolling lately, and the team has won three straight games. Next week’s matchup against the Titans will determine the AFC South division winner. Yet, the Jaguars can still make the playoffs as a wild card team if they lose in Week 18 as long as they win this week and get some help. Therefore, expect Jacksonville to come out focused against the Texans.
My Pick: JAC -4
Cleveland Browns vs. Washington Commanders (-2.5)
Following their Week 16 loss to the Saints, the Browns have been eliminated from the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Commanders are going back to Carson Wentz after the team went 0-2-1 in their past three games. Washington can clinch a playoff spot with a win this week and loses by three other teams or two straight wins to end the season. However, a loss this week or next opens the door for the Green Bay Packers to sneak into the playoffs. It’s hard to predict how either of these offenses will look, making it hard to bet on this game.
My Pick: Ideally avoid, WAS -2.5 if forced to pick.
Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Giants (-5.5)
The Colts have arguably been the most disastrous team in the NFL this season. Three starting quarterbacks, two head coaches, and their best player on injured reserve. Indianapolis couldn’t get any offense going last week with Nick Foles under center. Yet, Foles will start again this week. Meanwhile, the Giants have only won one of their past six games but can clinch a playoff spot with a win.
My Pick: Ideally avoid, NYG -5.5 if forced to pick.
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions (-6)
Back in Week 8, this NFC North matchup looked like it could determine who landed the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, since the Lions started 1-6, they have won six of their past eight games and are in the mix for a wild card spot. Unfortunately, losing last week to the Carolina Panthers severely hurt their odds. While Detroit can’t clinch a playoff berth this week, a win is needed to stay alive. Meanwhile, the only thing Chicago has to play for is the No. 1 pick in the draft, as they have lost eight straight games. That said, don’t expect Justin Fields and the Bears to roll over and play dead.
My Pick: CHI +6
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots (-3)
Finally, we get to a matchup where both teams are fighting for a playoff spot. The AFC has five of seven playoff spots filled with the AFC South division winner and one wild card team still to be determined. Miami currently owns the final wild card with an 8-7 record, but New England is right behind them at 7-8. In the Week 1 matchup, the Dolphins won 20-7 as a three-point favorite. However, Teddy Bridgewater is on track to start this game. The Dolphins won’t have Miami weather in New England. This game has low scoring and ugly written all over it, which is what the Patriots need to win.
My Pick: Ideally avoid, NE -3 if forced to pick.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
The winner of this game will likely determine the NFC South division champion. Tampa Bay will lock up the division and the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs with a win. Meanwhile, the Panthers will win the division with a win on Sunday and next week against the Saints. The Buccaneers were double-digit favorites in the Week 7 matchup between these two teams. Yet, Carolina came away with a 21-3 victory. Both teams are coming off a win in Week 16. Expect this matchup to be tight and go either way.
My Pick: CAR +3
San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders (+9.5)
If not for an idiotic decision by Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders would be on a three-game losing streak. Despite the wild win over the Patriots, Las Vegas has lost two of their past three games while facing two poor teams. The solution to their problem isn’t benching Derek Carr. Yet, the Raiders did it. The spread jumped 3.5 or more points with the news that Jarrett Stidham would start this week. The 49ers are the hottest team in the NFL. They have an outside chance at the No. 1 seed with a win, so expect this game to be ugly.
My Pick: SF -9.5
New York Jets vs. Seattle Seahawks (+2)
Neither team is currently in the playoffs and won’t get eliminated with a loss. However, the loser of this matchup is in severe trouble. The Jets have lost four straight games, two of which Mike White started. After missing the past two weeks, White will start this week against Seattle. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have lost five of their past six games after starting the year 6-2. Neither team is very good, but the return of White has impacted to spread too much.
My Pick: SEA +2
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers (-3.5)
Green Bay has won three in a row and remains in the mix for the final wild card spot. They need to win this week and in Week 18 against the Lions while having the Commanders lose one of their two games. That might seem unlikely but don’t rule out Aaron Rodgers until the end. Meanwhile, Minnesota has an outside chance at the No. 1 seed. However, they must win and have Philadelphia lose this week to have any chance of securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
My Pick: MIN +3.5
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (-2.5)
This AFC North matchup is one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports. The Steelers are mathematically still in the playoff picture after winning four of their past five games. A few weeks ago, the Ravens won the first matchup between these two teams 16-14 in Pittsburgh without Lamar Jackson. Since then, Baltimore has locked up a playoff spot and is still in contention for the division title. The spread will get pushed to 4.5 or more points if Jackson plays. Even if Tyler Huntley starts, the Ravens have the better team.
My Pick: BAL -2.5
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals (+1)
The Monday game offers the best matchup in Week 17. This matchup his headlined by Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. More importantly, both teams have plenty to play for this week. The Bills need to win this week and next to secure the No. 1 seed. Meanwhile, the Bengals can clinch the AFC North division with a win and a Baltimore loss. Cincinnati would move into the No. 1 seed with a win over Buffalo and a Broncos win over the Chiefs. This game will be exciting and a toss-up.
My Pick: BUF -1
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