Early NFL Week 17 Betting Lines and Predicted Movement

As we head into the final week of the regular season, there are still a few teams fighting for a playoff spot. The Eagles could pull off a similar story to last season, the AFC North is yet to be decided, and the last Wild Card spot will belong to the winner on Sunday night. This makes for some very interesting Week 17 matchups. Since there is a lot up in the air for this final week, it could take some time for a few of the opening lines to be released. Even when they are out, there could be some dramatic changes. With these specific games, I will still predict the final line.

The lines for most of the games have been released for this week, but we know they will constantly be moving. Let’s take a look at all of the opening lines for this week in the NFL, then I’ll make a prediction of what each game’s final line will be.

Early Sunday Games

Dolphins at Bills (-3.5)
The Dolphins officially have nothing to play for, but they have enough young talent that they will want to keep playing on Sunday. They are the better team overall, while the Bills have had the stigma of just being bad this season after a terrible start to the season. Everyone is hesitant to put money on the Bills ever, so while I think they will still be favored to win, I think the spread shrinks.

Closing Line Prediction: Bills (-2.5)

Lions at Packers (-7)
It took overtime, but the Packers finally came away with their first road win of the season. Aaron Rodgers looked sharp and the Packers are much better in Lambeau, so it’s no surprise to see them favored by a bunch here. The Lions aren’t any good and are more okay with losing for a better draft pick. Because it’s the Packers at home in December, early bettors will back the Pack and increase the spread.

Closing Line Prediction: Packers (-8)

Jets at Patriots (-13.5)
The Patriots have clinched a first-round bye, but they still could find themselves with the top seed, so they still have something to play for. The Jets and Sam Darnold have looked better over the past couple weeks, but with the Patriots at home with something to play for, they’ll end the week favored by even more.

Closing Line Prediction: Patriots (-14.5)

Panthers at Saints (No Line Available)
The Saints have clinched the top seed and seemingly have nothing to play for this week. While some players may be on a snap count, they could still use this game to figure out their offense a little more. There currently is no line available, since we don’t know if Brees will be active or not. I will guess the Saints finish the week favored by a score.

Closing Line Prediction: Saints (-6.5)

Cowboys at Giants (PK)
The Cowboys have clinched the division and have no chance to jump the Bears, so they essentially have nothing to play for. With this being the situation, it makes sense why the spread is even. It truly is up in the air right now who will be active. If the starters are ruled out, the line won’t move much. If Dak and Zeke play, Dallas will be the favored team.

Closing Line Prediction: Giants (-2)

Falcons at Buccaneers (-1)
I’m a little surprised to see the Bucs favored to open the week, and I think many other bettors feel the same way. I see early week bets going Atlanta’s way. By the time kickoff comes, Atlanta will actually be the team favored to win. Definitely get in on these early bets.

Closing Line Prediction: Buccaneers (+1.5)

Jaguars at Texans (-7)
After an insane stretch without a loss, the Texans are limping into the postseason. They actually need a win to ensure they make it in. Unfortunately, the team lost Demaryius Thomas for the rest of the year, but it doesn’t seem to affect the spread much. Jacksonville’s defense is still playing well, but the offense is too bad to overcome and the team struggles to compete on the road. The spread will increase in Houston slightly, but I also think the over/under will decrease.

Closing Line Prediction: Texans (-7.5)

Late Sunday Games

Chargers at Broncos (PK)
The Chargers still have a chance at a first-round bye, if they win and the Chiefs lose. After a tough loss against Baltimore on Saturday, the Chargers will be motivated and a bit healthier. The Broncos defense is banged up, especially in the secondary. Look for Philip Rivers and the Chargers to take advantage. The line opened as a pick’em, but it will be moving soon. Get that bet locked in!

Closing Line Prediction: Broncos (+7)

Raiders at Chiefs (No Line Available)
After looking down on the rest of the AFC all season long, the Chiefs are at risk of losing their bye week if they lose and the Chargers win. This makes the matchup with Oakland even more important. Frankly, the Chiefs haven’t been the same without Kareem Hunt. However, the Raiders may help the Chiefs look a bit better than the actually are. The game is also in Kansas City, which is a tough place to play.

Closing Line Prediction: Chiefs (-14)

49ers at Rams (-10)
Todd Gurley sat out for the Rams last week, but it would not be surprising to see him suit up to ensure the win and keep hold of their first-round bye. While they shouldn’t need him, he was close to playing last week. If he is ruled active, I think the Rams will gain another point automatically. However, C.J. Anderson showed he is perfectly capable of filling in another week. The Niners are even worse away from San Fran, and most bettors won’t like to bet on them with only a ten-point spread.

Closing Line Prediction: Rams (-10.5)

Bears at Vikings (-5)
I get the game is in Minnesota, but I’m surprised to see the division champs as five-point underdogs, especially when they’re still in the running for the second seed. There is no way the Vikings are favored to win by this much when Sunday rolls around. The only tricky part to this matchup is that we could see these two teams face off again during the first round of the playoffs, so there’s a chance Chicago hides some stuff, but this won’t have an impact on the spread narrowing.

Closing Line Prediction: Vikings (-3)

Bengals at Steelers (-14.5)
The Steelers are on the outside looking in. They need a win to have a chance at the postseason, and even that may not be enough. Still, the Bengals are terrible and the Steelers are at home and needing a win. However, this is a ridiculous spread, and I think it could narrow a bit.

Closing Line Prediction: Steelers (-14)

Cardinals at Seahawks (No Line Available)
The Seahawks would like a win to ensure they play the Cowboys/Eagles instead of the Bears. Being at home against a much weaker opponent, the Seahawks should be favored by a score here.

Closing Line Prediction: Seahawks (-7)

Eagles at Redskins (+6.5)
Will Nick Foles and the Eagles do it again? It has gotten to the point that even I am buying the hype. Facing a banged-up Washington team, early bettors will side with Philly and increase this spread.

Closing Line Prediction: Redskins (+7.5)

Browns at Ravens (-5.5)
The Browns sort of get to decide who makes the playoffs from the AFC North. If the Ravens win, they’re automatically in. If they lose, the Steelers would make it with a win. Early bettors are siding with the Ravens, though I don’t think it will be enough to move the line much if at all.

Closing Line Prediction: Ravens (-5.5)

Sunday Night Football

Colts at Titans (No Line Available)
Winning eight of their past nine games, the Colts are one of the more dangerous teams heading into Week 17. The Titans have found their running game just in time, but quarterback Marcus Mariota is at risk of missing this game. The winner of this divisional matchup claims the final spot in the playoffs, and I think the Colts are too hot to not be favored at kickoff.

Closing Line Prediction: Titans (+3.5)

Zach Brunner is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Zach, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyFlurry.