As the 2023-24 NFL season approaches its climax, this final week represents the last opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy a complete array of football games before the autumn hiatus.
The tricky part, however, lies in discerning which teams are fully committed to victory and which ones might just be fulfilling their remaining fixtures without much to play for.
Teams that have clinched their spots in the playoffs pose a particular challenge, as they might choose to bench their key players, indicating that securing a win isn’t their primary focus for these games.
This makes for what should be a dramatic week in the NFL, so here are our NFL Week 17 picks and best bets based on the latest NFL odds.
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NFL Week 16 Schedule
Saturday
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
New York Jets at New England Patriots
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans
Heading into the final week, the Jacksonville Jaguars need a win against Tennessee to clinch the AFC South top spot.
Challenges, however, loom. Jacksonville’s key player, Trevor Lawrence, missed last week’s game with a shoulder injury, leaving C.J. Beathard to manage the game effectively in their win over Carolina.
Beathard’s performance might suffice to overcome a faltering Titans team. But if Lawrence returns, it could notably tilt betting odds in Jacksonville’s favour.
Tennessee’s quarterback situation is shaky. Rookie Will Levis was injured last week, potentially thrusting Ryan Tannehill, previously sidelined for limited passing range, back into the starting role.
Tannehill has faced numerous sacks in recent plays, but despite these quarterback uncertainties, Jacksonville, even under Beathard’s leadership, look strong.
This is a solid opportunity to outperform a struggling Tennessee team with a less effective quarterback.
Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars -5.5 @1.93
Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns
Despite losing quarterback Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals have stayed competitive, thanks to backup Jake Browning and key players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Their recent 25-17 defeat to Kansas City Chiefs might have ended their playoff hopes, but the Bengals aim to finish strong at home.
They’ll also be looking to close-out the regular season with a winning record in their finale against the Cleveland Browns, likely fielding all their fit starters.
The Browns, having already secured a playoff spot and the AFC’s No. 5 seed, have less at stake.
They’re expected to play a less experienced lineup, possibly featuring quarterback Jeff Driskel. With their main goal being to avoid injuries, the Browns might rest their key players, especially in the second half.
This scenario sets the stage for the Bengals to potentially dominate the game and provide their fans with an exhilarating season closure.
Pick: Cincinnati Bengals -5 @ 1.90
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed their chance to secure the NFC South title, losing 23-13 to the New Orleans Saints in a lacklustre performance.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield struggled for synergy with his receivers, ending with 309 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
However, Tampa is expected to be more driven in their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers, as a win would clinch the division for them.
The Panthers, with a solid pass defense but vulnerable against the run, might struggle to contain Tampa’s ground attack, led by Rachaad White.
Carolina’s offence, one of the weakest in the league, didn’t impress against the Jaguars in Week 17, with rookie quarterback Bryce Young throwing for just 112 yards and an interception.
Despite potential early resistance from the Panthers, Tampa, as the superior team, is likely to gain momentum in the second half, aiming to win by a touchdown and secure their playoff position.
Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -4.5 @ 1.83
NFL Week 18 Picks & NFL Best Bets
Jaguars -5.5 @1.93 vs. Titans
Bengals -5 @ 1.90 vs Browns
Buccaneers -4.5 @ 1.83 vs Panthers
*Odds subject to change.
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