NFL Lines & Picks Week 17
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (+3)
Last week, the Carolina Panthers were playing for the right to clinch the top seeding in the NFC. This week, if they lose, they can fall all the way down to the No. 5 seed in the conference.
The Panthers take their potent running game on the road to New Orleans as they try to topple a team that doesn’t have anything to play for. The Saints have been eliminated from postseason contention and aren’t playing for much more than pride and Drew Brees’ record.
Interestingly enough, nfl betting handicappers watched the Saints keep Brees at quarterback all game long against the Detroit Lions even though the contest was a blowout. Brees need more than 400 yards passing to topple Dan Marino’s single season passing record and although we talking about the cliche all the time that “no one player is bigger than the team”, in this case, that happens to be true.
The Saints aren’t focused on winning; they are focused on Brees achieveing an NFL record. Even though the NFC South teams have been so tough at home, it’s tough to trust the Saints in this scenario.
Pick: Carolina -3
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts (+3)
The Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts matchup in Week 17 for the second consecutive season. Last year, the Colts did the Titans a favor as they rested all their starters while the Titans needed a win to make the playoffs. This time around, both teams will be resting their starters as both teams have clinched their playoffs spots and have clinched the seeding.
In theory, the Colts would be better served playing their regulars because in the past couple of seasons, when they have had a bye week or when they have rested started in the final game of the season and treated it like a preseason game, they haven’t looked crisp in their first postseason game.
For the Titans, they have an advantage at quarterback in this game as former starter-turned-backup, Vince Young, will get lots of playing time. The Colts running game is 31st in the NFL and without Peyton Manning at quarterback to save them, they might have problems scoring points.
Pick: Tennessee -3
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills (+6.5)
The Buffalo Bills played spoiler last weekend when they went into Denver and trounced the Broncos, now they will try to ruin another team’s playoff hopes as the New England Patriots come to visit.
Last week’s upset in Denver should have the Patriots radar up as they won’t overlook Buffalo like the Broncos did now that they are aware what they are capable of. In the last meeting between the two teams, it was the BenJarvus Green-Ellis party as the unheralded running back notched his first 100-yard game against the Bills. This time, the Bills will have to face a more complete offense as the training wheels have come off Matt Cassel and he has become a near Pro Bowl passer.
Cassel has eight touchdowns and one interception in his last three games, and has really emerged as a quality NFL quarterback. There is one undertone that can’t go unnoticed in this game. If the Patriots lose, this might be Cassel’s last game for the team because he is going to be a free agent after this season.
The Bills will be at home and they did get some of their swagger back last week but overall, they have still struggled mightily in the second half of the season. Stick with the team that is hot and take the Patriots.
Pick: New England -6.5
