The final week of the regular season can sometimes be a tricky one for gamblers, as teams have different motivations as the year wraps up. For some, NFL Week 17 means everything as there is a playoff berth on the line depending on results. Some teams have long been out of it and will be finishing off a disappointing season, while others are already in the playoffs and can afford to rest players to get them ready for the postseason.
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The volatility of the week means it makes a lot of sense to back the underdogs, as it always makes sense to choose the better odds when there are certain things in the air. Here is a look at the top underdog picks for week 17. Odds provided by Bookmaker.eu.
Dallas Cowboys (+6.5) vs New York Giants
The Dallas Cowboys have already locked up the No. 4 seed heading into the first round of the playoffs. While there is no word yet that the team plans to rests its starters, the oddsmakers certainly feel like it is a possibility because Dallas is listed as a 6.5-point road underdog against the New York Giants. There is something to be said for momentum, and the Cowboys may be looking to win this game in order to keep remaining hot for the playoffs. Dallas is listed at +234 to pull the upset and those are fantastic odds in case the Cowboys do play this game straight throughout.
Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions (+7.5)
The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions have both been eliminated from the playoffs and will be playing out the string at Lambeau Field in Week 17. Green Bay has been playing better on offense of late and star quarterback Aaron Rodgers should play. Even so, the Packers are listed as 7.5-point favorites, and that numbers is too high. Neither team has been great this year and this is the type of game in which the Lions will be able to stay within a touchdown margin. Take Detroit to cover as 7.5-point underdogs.
Atlanta Falcons (+105) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Atlanta Falcons will end an underwhelming campaign on the road this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons are only a slight 1-point favorite but they have the better offense. Tampa Bay should be able to keep it close, but they have been error-prone, and a costly turnover late could be the difference. The Falcons are listed at +105 on the moneyline and are the choice to win this game outright.
Miami Dolphins (+160) vs Buffalo Bills
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills could be ready for a defensive slugfest, as neither offense is shining particularly bright at this time of year. It is rare to see Buffalo as the favorite in a matchup but that’s the case in this one because it has the home field advantage. The Dolphins are 3.5-point underdogs and that number is too high. Miami is a good choice to cover the spread as this one could be decided by a field goal. The Dolphins are also a worthy upset choice at +160 on the underdog, as those are nice odds for a team with a decent shot at winning this game.
Denver Broncos (+245) vs Los Angeles Chargers
These underdog choices are good one, but for the best pick of Week 17, take a look at the Denver Broncos as they host the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers did not play very well last time out against the Ravens but have a bunch on the line in the season finale. While it is a longshot, the Chargers are still alive to finish as the No. 1 seed in the AFC but would need a Chiefs loss.
Many people will choose the Chargers to cover the spread as 6.5-point favorites because they need this game more, but Denver has a lot of pride and will want to finish well for the home crowd. Additionally, there is the possibility that Los Angeles could pull players in the second half if the Chiefs are blowing out the Raiders in their game.
The Broncos’ odds are listed at +245 on the moneyline and that is the best play of the week, as an upset is entirely possible.
Check out the latest NFL Week 17 betting lines and odds.
