Two good weeks in a row.
It truly is a Christmas miracle.
After a miserable run with my NFL PickIt’s been two straight weeks of solid selection for me. I went 9-6-1 ATS last week and 12-4 in a row. This brings my season record to 153-87 and my season record against the spread to 110-125-5.
So let’s continue like this and hope that no coach does what Jets Coach Jeff Ulbrich did it last week when his stupidity cost me a chance to win another game I really liked with the Jets over the Rams. When will these coaches stop playing Madden Football?
Too bad. Let’s move on to week 17.
Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
The Seahawks need this game to have a chance in the playoffs, while the Bears look exhausted. The defense was bad last week against the Lions. To research Geno Smith to come in and make big plays as the Seahawks win it.
Take: Seahawks 27, Bears 20
Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
This is one of those long, cold trips for a West Coast team. But the Chargers will be off for 10 days and they’re the better team. The Patriots showed themselves well by losing against the Invoicesbut Jim Harbaugh’s team needs this game. They achieved this thanks to a good performance from the defense.
Take: Chargers 24, Patriots 17
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
It’s like a playoff match for these two. Denver now holds the final playoff spot, but the Bengals are still alive. They have to get it here. To research Joe Burrow and company will have a big offensive day, but the Broncos will also have theirs. This should be fun, but the Bengals will win it late.
Take: Bengals 31, Broncos 27
Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
The Cardinals are eliminated, so they are playing for pride. The Rams can win the division, so they have motivation. They also play better. Look for Matt Stafford to light up this Arizona defense as the Rams offense gets back on track after two low-scoring efforts. Big rams.
Take: Rams 33, Cardinals 17
Prime: The SportsLine Projection Model has revealed its NFL Week 17 score predictions, including Saturday night’s NFC West matchup between the Rams and Cardinals. Visit Sports Line to see this choice and all the others.
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
The Colts are still alive in the playoff race, while the Giants are looking ahead to their upcoming vacation. The Giants were horrible last month and this should be no different. How do they stop Jonathan Taylor? This is not the case.
Take: Colts 24, Giants 10
New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills (-9)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Bills looked flat in their win against the Patriots, but found a way to win it. The Jets are playing the game and didn’t do much against the Rams last week. To research Josh Allen having a big day against a defense that is not as good as in the past. The bills are big.
Take: Bills 31, Jets 18
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
The Saints are a mess right now, but the Raiders aren’t much better. They beat the Jaguar last week, but I didn’t play well. With the Saints at home, I think it’s important. They will play much better than against Packers Monday night to win it.
Take: Saints 17, Raiders 13
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Bucs now need help to win the NFC South, but winning the last two could get them in. The Panthers are playing better, which makes the game tougher than anyone thought a month ago. But at home, the Bucs will win behind a big game for Mayfield Baker.
Take: Bucs 29, Panthers 21
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
This is another game where the loser wins by losing. This is for the draft position. The Jaguars beat the Titans two weeks ago, but that was with Will Levis. It is Mason Rudolph. Both of these defenses are struggling, but both teams have backup quarterbacks. When in doubt, play the home team in a close, unimportant game.
Take: Jaguars 25, Titans 20
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
The Cowboys have won two in a row, while the Eagles are coming off a loss to the Commanders which ended a 10-fight winning streak. The Eagles beat the Cowboys earlier this year and will once again be a problem for their defense with their running game. To research Saquon Barkley to lead the Eagles to victory.
Take: Eagles 32, Cowboys 21
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Dolphins are still alive in the playoff race, but just barely. They got the running game going last week in the win over San Francisco, so expect that to continue. The Browns can’t be focused and they have quarterback issues. Miami breaks cold spell and wins.
Take: Dolphins 28, Browns 14
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
This is one of the best games of the week. The Packers are a wild-card team, but the Vikings can still win the division. The Packers lost a close game to the Vikings for the first time. They even arrive here as Jordan Love surpasses Sam Darnold.
Take: Packers 31, Vikings 30
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, fubo try for free)
This is a huge game for both teams. The Falcons win the NFC South with two wins, while the Commanders can clinch a playoff spot with a win. This will be rookie Michael Penix’s first road start for the Falcons, which will be tough. Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels just completed a five-touchdown passing game. It stays hot while the commanders win.
Take: Commanders 33, Falcons 26
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, fubo try for free)
The 49ers are done, so this rematch of last January’s NFC championship game means nothing to them. The Lions are playing to win the division. They are playing a second straight game on the road, which is difficult. Expect the 49ers to show some pride here, play well and pull off the upset.
Take: 49ers 30, Lions 29