NFL Week 17 schedule: 5 best bets on underdogs
The NFL Week 17 schedule begins on Sunday afternoon, and these five underdogs have a terrific chance to cover their spreads.
5. Las Vegas Raiders (+7) at Indianapolis Colts
The Raiders are trying to keep destiny in their own hands by beating the Colts on Sunday, but it’s not going to be easy. Carson Wentz is eligible to come off the COVID list on Sunday should he pass the NFL’s revised protocols, and if he can, the Colts are near full strength for the first time in a few weeks. However, Las Vegas has enough offensive talent to keep the game interesting, and Wentz is always liable to throw a few interceptable passes.
4. Detroit Lions (+7.5) at Seattle Seahawks
Why are the Seahawks laying more than a touchdown in this game? This is the same team that just lost at home to the Chicago Bears, who haven’t been playing for anything meaningful since October. While the Lions aren’t good, they’re going to play very hard, even without Jared Goff under center. If Detroit could stay close with the Atlanta Falcons last week, it can certainly happen again against a worse team.
3. Houston Texans (+12.5) at San Francisco 49ers
This is all about the quarterbacks. Davis Mills has been doing a really nice job as of late, beating up on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers. Last week, Mills led one of the most shocking upsets of the year, and did so by hanging 41 points on the Chargers. Meanwhile, the Niners are hoping Jimmy Garoppolo can get through a nasty thumb injury that includes a chipped bone and ligament damage. Sounds like a rough ask for the veteran.
2. Miami Dolphins (+3.5) at Tennessee Titans
The Titans are a very good team, but they’re dealing with a host of injuries, led by running back Derrick Henry. Without Henry, the Dolphins have a good chance to lock down Tennessee’s receivers with Xavien Howard and Byron Jones taking A.J. Brown and Julio Jones matched up on the outside. If Miami can do that, it can blitz Ryan Tannehill aggressively and force some mistakes, and with a turnover or two, the Dolphins can beat the Titans.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5) vs. Cleveland Browns
Why are the Browns favored? Pittsburgh is going to be running on emotion with Ben Roethlisberger almost certainly playing his final game at Heinz Field. The Steelers have also already beaten the Browns this year, and Cleveland hasn’t played well from an offensive standpoint in months. Pittsburgh has issues, but it’s the better overall team right now.
