The odds for most of the week 17 games are up. There are
still teams fighting for playoffs spots; while others will most likely rest
some players for part of their games. Let's take a look at some of the early
value for week 17.
Full NFL odds will come available in the betting odds pages through the week and I will be back at the end of the week to track the movement and provide any insight I can to help your NFL picks.
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
While the Titans still have a very slim shot at grabbing
that last AFC playoff spot; the Texans seem to be stuck in the third seed. The
Texans lost an ugly one to the now two-win Colts last Thursday, so they'll have
plenty of time to think about in regards to their strategy heading into week 17.
One good bit of news for Houston is that they'll most likely have their
defensive coordinator back on the sidelines in Wade Phillips. Phillips has
missed the last two games after having surgery. The odds opened up favoring the
Titans at -1 and have quickly moved to Titans -3. I guess a loss to the Colts
will do that.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Earlier in the season, the Miami Dolphins were way under valued,
while the Jets seemed to be overvalued. It seems these two teams have shown
their true colors and now the line looks right for this game. Both teams lost,
but the Dolphins played the Patriots to a three point game; while the Jets got
dominated by the Giants. The Dolphins have opened as -1 favorites and are
holding. Miami's defense has been playing very well in the last half of the
season, while the Jet's defense has gone from great, to good, to average and
now; seemingly below average. The Jets are another team that would need a miracle
to grab the last spot in the AFC playoffs.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Both teams are coming off wins from week 16. They also both
vividly remember the last time they faced each other. The Bills upset the
Patriots earlier in the season. Since then, both teams have gone in exact
opposite directions. The line favors the Patriots in this one by a very large
margin of -14. However, noting these two teams first matchup, and the Bills
week 16 blowout of the Tebow's; NFL bettors have moved this line down to -12 ½.
It will be very interesting to see where the line ends up, and if
there is a number that the sharps have in mind.
San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
While the Chargers have been eliminated from playoff hopes,
the Raiders are one of the four 8-7 AFC teams, hoping for a New Year's miracle.
The sportsbooks have the Raiders favored by a field goal at -3. While the Raiders
were able to keep the playoffs alive in their heads last week by beating the
Chiefs, the Chargers got blown out by the Lions. The Chargers would love to go
out on a high note and beat their divisional rival. However, playing in the
Black Hole isn't a walk in the park.