Week 16 of the 2020 NFL season was a great week for Vegas as a couple of underdogs won outright. Vegas loved to see the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers ruin a bunch of parlays and teasers. Week 17 of the NFL season sometimes seems like Week 4 of the Preseason, as teams that have already clinched will be resting some starters and teams eliminated may not have the motivation to play a complete football game.
One thing I do know is that Week 17 will present many profitable situations to take advantage of.
Buffalo Bills (-3) vs. Miami Dolphins
As of right now, this game is still available to bet on. I advise you to get on this quickly as Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick tested positive for Covid-19. Whether or not Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is able to play (it is very possible he is ruled out and considered a close contact), I love this spot for the Bills. The Bills still have the motivation to play and hold on to the #2 seed in the AFC. Combine that with the motivation to eliminate their rivals from the playoffs, I think the Bills will play hard and win this game easily.
Bills 24 Dolphins 13
Los Angeles Rams (+3) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Last week, the Cards were my favorite play. It backfired on me as the Cards came out strong, but were not able to sustain long drives. Kyler got hurt late in the game last week and will not be 100% this week. The Rams will be without their starting quarterback Jared Goff, but I have faith in the backup John Wofford. He played well in the AAF and teammates have stated that he is a leader in practice. Give me Sean McVay in a “playoff” game over unproven coach Kliff Kingsbury. I think this is a close game that the Rams take over in the fourth.
Rams 21 Cardinals 10
Jets (+3) @ New England Patriots
This game will be all about motivation as many Week 17 games are. Quarterback Sam Darnold will play well in what may be his last game in green. The Jets are coming off two straight wins against playoff teams and are feeling great about themselves. While the Pats got embarrassed on national TV against the Bills, I think the Jets and their young team will be hungry to avenge their blown lead to the Pats earlier in the season.
Jets 17 Pats 13
Tom Brady o2.5 Touchdowns
The Falcons’ defense has been amazing six out of the last eight quarters they have played, yet they have lost both games. The two quarters they played poorly was when Tom Brady lead his team to a huge second-half comeback against Atlanta. I think Brady will have a big game here and look to build even more momentum before the playoffs.