When it comes to Week 17 of the NFL season, there will be clarity on what will be on the line. Scenarios on the NFL schedule that will determine which teams will be highly scrutinized before the calendar flips over to 2023. When it comes to making NFL bets this week, bettors will have to scrutinize which teams they think can handle the pressure.
All teams will be searching for a way to put their best foot forward. Here’s a look at which games are worth betting this week.
Best NFL Picks Week 17
- Miami Dolphins (-2) at New England Patriots
- New York Jets at Seattle Seahawks (-1.5)
- Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals (+1)
Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots
Matchup Information
- Venue: Gillette Satdium
- Matchup Time: 1 p.m., Sunday
- How to watch: TV, Streaming
- Where to watch: CBS, Paramount+
Miami starts to gas near the finish line
Offense: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has Christmas he’d rather forget. Tagovailoa ended the game with Green Bay by throwing an interception on three straight drives to close out a loss. NFL player stats show Miami Dolphins will need Tagovailoa to be better. The Dolphins’ offense has turned the ball over 19 times this season, which ranks 18th in the league.
Defense: Miami’s defense has struggled over the past four weeks. Anyone making NFL bets this week will have to hope the Dolphins can do better than they did against the Packers last week. Miami has allowed 20 or more points in four straight games.
Patriots need wins to sneak into the playoffs
Offense: New England’s offense has sputtered this season. The Patriots couldn’t do much worse in a loss to Cincinnati last week. New England was blanked in the first half of a loss to the Bengals.
Defense: NFL team stats show New England’s defense is respectable. The Patriots are fourth in the league by forcing 23 turnovers. New England Patriots also is in the top 10 in points allowed, rushing yards allowed, and total yards allowed.
NFL Stats and Standings
Looking at the NFL standings, the Dolphins are 8-7 and in second place in the AFC East. New England is 7-8 and third in the AFC East.
Most Remarkable Player for this matchup
- Tua Tagovailoa (QB) 3,548 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions
- Tyreek Hills (WR) 113 catches, 1,632 yards, seven touchdowns
- Mac Jones (QB) 2,550 passing yards, nine touchdowns, eight interceptions
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New York Jets vs Seattle Seahawks
Matchup Information
- Venue: Lumen Field
- Matchup Time: 4:05 p.m., Sunday
- How to watch: TV
- Where to watch: Fox
Jets hanging on by a thread for postseason
Offense: New York Jets is likely not one of the best NFL bets for this weekend. The Jets’ offense tanked last week with Zach Wilson under center. Things likely won’t get much better this week, either. Without a solid passing attack, New York will be in trouble.
The Jets still have Mike White unavailable to play at quarterback, as he is on the NFL injury report.
Defense: New York’s redeeming quality for this season has been an excellent defense. The Jets are in the top 10 in points allowed, passing yards allowed, and total yards allowed. New York doesn’t force a bunch of turnovers but is defensively sound.
Seahawks ready to try and salvage season
Offense: The Seahawks’ offense is one that many people who follow NFL team stats would be surprised to see being so effective. Seattle Seahawks has revitalized the career of quarterback Geno Smith, and it is paying dividends for the club and player. Seattle averages 24.3 points per game, which ranks ninth in the league.
Defense: When it comes to making NFL bets this weekend, it will be interesting to see if the Seahawks’ below-average defense can make New York’s offense miserable. Seattle is allowing 25.3 points per game, which ranks 29th in the league.
NFL Stats and Standings
The Seahawks are 7-8 and in second place in the NFC West. New York is 7-8 and in fourth place in the AFC East.
Most Remarkable Player for this matchup
- Garrett Wilson (WR) 71 catches, 996 yards, and four touchdowns
- Zach Wilson (QB) 1,688 passing yards, six touchdowns, seven interceptions
- Geno Smith (QB) 3,886 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, nine interceptions
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Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals
Matchup Information
- Venue: Paycor Stadium
- Matchup Time: 8:30 p.m., Sunday
- How to watch: TV
- Where to watch: ABC/ESPN
Bills continue to grind out close games
Offense: People making NFL bets this week won’t know a way to stop the Bills’ offense. Buffalo had one of the more favorable NFL matchups last week and put up 35 points despite playing in an arctic storm against Chicago. While the Buffalo Bills started slow, they were able to score 29 points in the second half to grab the win.
Defense: Buffalo’s defense has been good against every team on the NFL schedule. Despite missing Von Miller due to injury, the Bills still have plenty of options to flummox opponents.
Bengals prove early struggles weren’t who they are
Offense: The Bengals’ offense folded in the second half against New England last week but has been excellent all season. Cincinnati Bengals is 26th in the league by allowing 98.2 yards per game. The Bengals’ run game has been mostly non-existent.
Defense: Cincinnati’s defense is excellent. The Bengals have allowed 20.4 points per game, which ranks ninth in the league.
NFL Stats and Standings
The Bills are 12-3 and in first place in the AFC East. The Bengals are 11-4 and in first place in the AFC North.
Most remarkable player for this matchup
- Josh Allen (QB) 4,029 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 13 interceptions
- Joe Burrow (QB) 4,260 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, 12 interceptions
- Joe Mixon (RB) 199 carries, 787 yards, and six touchdowns
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