NFL Week 17 odds: Making a case for each favorite

Analyzing the NFL Week 17 odds, here’s how each favorite not only wins its matchup but covers the ensuing spread.

Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills (-14.5)

Protect Josh Allen and let him go nuts against one of the league’s worst defenses. Buffalo should score 38.

Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots (-15.5)

Watch Bill Belichick do his usual work against a rookie quarterback, especially against one who is playing for a comical 2-13 team.

Kansas City Chiefs (-5) at Cincinnati Bengals

The Chiefs have to get pressure on Joe Burrow with four and offensively, give Patrick Mahomes time. They do that, they’ll be 12-4.

Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) at Baltimore Ravens

What can the Ravens really do to slow down Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford? Sean McVay should call passing plays nonstop.

Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts (-6)

Jonathan Taylor pounding the ball with a mix of Carson Wentz throwing and some quality defense should do the trick.

Philadelphia Eagles (-4) at Washington Football Team

Run the ball and get pressure on Taylor Heinicke. Washington isn’t equipped to win with Heinicke having to make tough plays.

New York Giants at Chicago Bears (-6)

The Bears aren’t better than most teams, but they’re going to pound the Giants.

Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans (-3.5)

Don’t turn the ball over, specifically when targeting receivers going against Xavien Howard and Byron Jones.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-13) at New York Jets

Show up to the stadium.

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (-5.5)

Justin Herbert should be able to do enough, while the Chargers getting after either Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater is likely against a porous offensive line.

Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers (-12.5)

George Kittle and Deebo Samuel are going to shred the Texans, regardless of who the quarterback is.

Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys (-5.5)

The Cowboys are playing lights out, and the Cardinals are playing as though they’ve already turned their own lights out.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-6.5)

Have you seen the Panthers’ quarterbacks over the last two months?

Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks (-7)

Seattle obviously has the better quarterback, and Russell Wilson needs to play like it.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-6.5)

The Packers are the best team in the NFC but want to get revenge against the Vikings, who are the only team to beat Aaron Rodgers since Week 1. Look for them to get exactly that.

Cleveland Browns (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers

Run the ball, run the ball, run the ball.