Week 17 NFL Picks Against the Spread

• 13 games remain in NFL Week 17
• In my NFL best bets, I am targeting three divisional games
• See below for SBD’s NFL Week 17 picks against the spread

With just two weeks left in the regular season, every game means that much more. Of the games that have yet to kick off, six of them are divisional games. Even if they are not fighting for a playoff spot, they can play the role of spoiler and make it difficult for a division rival to make the postseason. I am looking at three divisional matchups in my best bets for NFL Week 17, and I like two underdogs to keep it close.

Keep reading for all my NFL picks against the spread for Week 17.

NFL Week 17 Picks Against the Spread

Odds as of Saturday, December 28 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Make sure you claim the best DraftKings promo code before placing your NFL Week 17 bets.

ATS Pick #1: Cardinals +6.5

The Cardinals were eliminated from the NFL playoff bracket last week, but now they face an NFC West opponent. The line of 6.5 seems too big for this game. Yes, the Rams have won five of their last six games, and the Cardinals have lost four of their last five games, but I expect them to get up to this game. There seems to be some recency bias baked into this line because, on paper, these teams are much more similar than you might think.

James Conner is expected to play, and the Rams allow 4.6 yards per carry this season. The Rams also allow the sixth-most passing yards per attempt, and they have struggled against mobile quarterbacks this season, so Arizona should be able to move the ball against this team. The Cardinals defense is nothing to write home about, but I expect this game to be closer than a touchdown game.

As an underdog, Kyler Murray is 31-16-2 (66%) against the spread, and big underdogs in NFC West matchups have been profitable for bettors. The Cardinals do not want to get embarrassed against a division rival in a standalone game, so this one should be decided by less than a touchdown. I will take Arizona to cover the spread vs the Rams.

• NFL Week 17 Pick: Cardinals +6.5 (-108) vs Rams

ATS Pick #2: Panthers +8

This game is a similar situation to the game I previously discussed. Carolina has covered the spread in seven of their last eight games, and they have played some good competition over that span. The Buccaneers need a win here to stay in playoff contention, but Carolina will not go down without a fight. The NFL odds have Tampa Bay as an eight-point favorite, and that is just too many points in my opinion.

The Buccaneers defense has been shredded over the past few weeks, and the Panthers offense has come together. Carolina is in spoiler mode, and over the past few weeks, Bryce Young has earned the nickname “Carolina Reaper”. They eliminated the Cardinals last week, and have the Buccaneers this week and the Falcons next week.

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— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 25, 2024

This was a three-point game that needed overtime just a few weeks ago, and the Panthers have continued to play good football. I like getting over a touchdown in a divisional game, so give me the Panthers to cover another spread.

• NFL Week 17 Pick: Panthers +8 (-108) vs Buccaneers

ATS Pick #3: Vikings -1.5

The NFC North is by far the best division in the NFL. The Lions, Vikings, and Packers have all clinched the playoffs, but seeding is still in play. If Minnesota wins on Sunday, then their game vs the Lions next week could be for the division and potentially the #1 seed in the NFC.

The Vikings have thrived in one-score games under Kevin O’Connell, and the spread suggests that this will be a close game. Under O’Connell, the Vikings 25-9 straight up (74%) in one-score games in the regular season. This year, they are 8-1 SU in those games.

Sam Darnold has been great for Minnesota this season, and their offense has looked unstoppable at times. Their defense has been good as well, especially against the run. Their pass defense is a little worrisome vs Jordan Love and the Packers, but I expect them to make enough plays to not put this game out of reach.

The Vikings are 7-1 at home this season with their only loss coming on a last-second field goal by the Lions. Minnesota is great at home, and I believe they will win (and cover) again on Sunday vs the Packers.

• NFL Week 17 Pick: Vikings -1.5 (-108) vs Packers

As the NFL regular season comes to a close, Week 17 is always an interesting time for bettors as teams jockey for playoff positioning and some may be resting key players. This can make picking games against the spread a bit more challenging, but also potentially more rewarding.

One game to keep an eye on in Week 17 is the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs have already clinched a playoff spot and may choose to rest some of their starters, while the Broncos are fighting for their playoff lives. This could make for an unpredictable game, but the Broncos may have the edge with more to play for.

Another intriguing game is the showdown between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. The Packers have already secured the top seed in the NFC and may choose to rest key players, while the Lions are looking to end their season on a high note. This could be a good opportunity to bet on the underdog Lions to cover the spread.

In Week 17, it’s important to pay attention to injury reports and any news about teams resting players. This information can greatly impact the outcome of games and help bettors make more informed decisions when picking against the spread.

Overall, Week 17 in the NFL can be unpredictable, but also offer some great betting opportunities for those willing to do their research and take some risks. As always, bet responsibly and enjoy the excitement of the final week of the regular season.