NFL Week 17 2022: A case for each favorite

It’s time to look at the NFL Week 17 lines, and make a case why each favorite both wins outright and covers its respective spread.

Dallas Cowboys (-10) at Tennessee Titans

The games means nothing for Tennessee, while the Cowboys are trying to keep hope alive for their division.

Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)

Arizona might be the most cooked team in the league.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (-5.5)

The Lions are still fighting for a wild card spot, and they have a phenomenal offense at home.

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (-13.5)

The Broncos have completely quit, and the Chiefs are trying to fight their way to home-field advantage.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-2.5)

It’s unclear whether the Dolphins are starting Tua Tagovailoa or Teddy Bridgewater under center. Either way, Miami is struggling with a four-game losing skid.

Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants (-3.5)

If the Giants win, they’re in the playoffs. Hard seeing them messing around with the lousy Colts.

New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5)

Philadelphia understands it must win this weekend, or face the reality of needing to win in Week 18 to take the NFC East crown.

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)

The Buccaneers have been miserable to watch, but they’re 7-8 and the best team in the NFC South.

Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders (-2.5)

The Browns have gotten nothing from quarterback Deshaun Watson. Without him playing at an elite level, Cleveland has a pop-gun offense.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-4) at Houston Texans

The Jaguars are playing their best ball, winning five of their past six. They also have the playoffs at stake, and won’t be easy on Houston considering the Texans beat them earlier in the year.

San Francisco 49ers (-5.5) at Las Vegas Raiders

Derek Carr and Co. are reeling and looking forward to the end of the season. The Niners have won eight straight, including six by double digits.

New York Jets (-2.5) at Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have lost five of their last six. While the Jets aren’t playing their best either, look for New York’s defense to dominate.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-3)

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are starting to roll, and the Vikings might be the weirdest 12-win team in history.

Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5)

We saw the Rams’ best last weekend. It’s unlikely we see it again. The Chargers are the vastly superior team.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-3)

Baltimore must win to control its own destiny for the AFC North, and the Steelers can’t score.

Buffalo Bills (-1) at Cincinnati Bengals

Best game of the year? Buffalo has the better overall roster, and knows the No. 1 seed is on the line.