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NFL Week 17 Predictions: Game-by-Game Picks, Score Predictions, and Analysis

NFL Week 17 Predictions: Game-by-Game Picks, Score Predictions, and Analysis

With the holiday season upon us comes family, celebration, and of course football. As you prepare for the festivities this week brings, take a look at this game-by-game breakdown featuring odds, score predictions, and analysis.

Cowboys (6-8-1) at Commanders (4-11)

Thursday, Dec. 25 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Cowboys -9.5

After two huge victories over defending Super Bowl opponents at the end of November, the Cowboys entered December red hot. Unfortunately, after clawing their way back into playoff contention, Dallas dropped its next three games and was eliminated from the postseason. With two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, the focus now shifts toward next season.

The Commanders fell 29-18 to the Eagles after a rough offensive showing. Marcus Mariota was injured in the third quarter and replaced by veteran Josh Johnson, and Washington struggled mightily through the air. While the defense played well early, a late collapse erased any chance at pulling off the upset.

Prediction: Cowboys 34, Commanders 16

Lions (8-7) at Vikings (7-8)

Thursday, Dec. 25 – 4:30 p.m. | Line: Lions -8

Detroit saw its season slip away during a 29-24 loss to the Steelers, squandering a late goal-line opportunity that could have sealed the win. The Lions now need two Packers losses and two wins of their own just to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Minnesota escaped with an uninspiring win over the Giants, but offensive concerns remain. J.J. McCarthy injured his hand late in the first half and is set to miss this matchup, a massive blow for the Vikings’ offense.

Prediction: Lions 27, Vikings 20

Broncos (12-3) at Chiefs (6-9)

Thursday, Dec. 25 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Broncos -13.5

The Broncos were upset at home by the Jaguars, tightening the AFC West race. Denver battled hard but struggled to contain the passing game and now sits just one game ahead of the Chargers, with a crucial Week 18 showdown looming.

Kansas City’s string of misfortune continued in a 26-9 loss to the Titans. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a knee injury early, forcing Chris Oladokun into extended action. The offense never found a rhythm, finishing 1-for-9 on third downs.

Prediction: Broncos 30, Chiefs 6

Texans (10-5) at Chargers (11-4)

Saturday, Dec. 27 – 4:30 p.m. | Line: Chargers -1.5

Houston narrowly handled business against the Raiders, but the performance raised concerns with the postseason approaching. Once again, the defense carried much of the load, while offensive struggles against a bottom-tier opponent remain worrisome.

The Chargers dominated Dallas 34-17, earning their seventh win in eight games. While the offense has been inconsistent at times, Los Angeles’ ferocious defense has fueled this surge. After allowing early points, the Chargers shut out the Cowboys for the final 38 minutes.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Texans 21

Ravens (7-8) at Packers (9-5-1)

Saturday, Dec. 27 – 8:00 p.m. | Line: Packers -3.5

Another blown fourth-quarter lead reignited questions surrounding Baltimore’s coaching staff. The loss leaves the Ravens needing help, including a Browns upset of the Steelers, along with a road win to stay alive.

Green Bay watched a late ten-point lead evaporate in an overtime loss to the Bears. Jordan Love exited with a concussion, forcing Malik Willis into action. The Packers still need one more win or a Lions loss to clinch a playoff berth.

Prediction: Packers 27, Ravens 23

Buccaneers (7-8) at Dolphins (6-9)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Buccaneers -5.5

Tampa Bay failed to capitalize on its first of two matchups with Carolina but still holds the division tiebreaker. The NFC South will likely come down to Week 18 unless the Buccaneers lose and the Panthers win this weekend.

Miami followed up last week’s elimination with a lifeless showing against Cincinnati, allowing 45 points. Quinn Ewers struggled in his first start, throwing two interceptions. The Dolphins now face two more games with him before offseason quarterback questions take center stage.

Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Dolphins 21

Patriots (12-3) at Jets (7-6)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Patriots -13.5

New England rebounded with a primetime win over Baltimore, maintaining a narrow lead over Buffalo in the AFC South. Drake Maye was excellent, consistently identifying blitzes and finding open receivers.

Another rough offensive outing doomed the Jets. Brady Cook continues to struggle, now sitting at one touchdown and six interceptions. New York’s quarterback carousel remains firmly in motion.

Prediction: Patriots 33, Jets 13

Steelers (9-6) at Browns (3-12)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Steelers -3

Pittsburgh’s win over Detroit put the Steelers one victory away from the AFC North crown. A strong running game and timely red-zone stops carried the day, while Rodgers continued to thrive as a steady game manager.

Cleveland fought hard but fell short against Buffalo. Shedeur Sanders has shown growth over the past month, but turnovers remain an issue, as his two interceptions directly led to 10 Bills points.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Browns 23

Jaguars (11-4) at Colts (8-7)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Jaguars -6.5

Trevor Lawrence is putting together the best season of his career, with Jacksonville riding a six-game winning streak and firmly in the mix for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Two more wins, along with losses by Denver and New England, could lock it up.

Indianapolis has cooled off after a fast start. The Philip Rivers experiment has produced mixed results, and the Colts’ playoff path is narrow but clear.

Prediction: Jaguars 33, Colts 20

Saints (5-10) at Titans (3-12)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Saints -2.5

The Saints have won three straight behind Tyler Shough, most recently a 29-6 win over the Jets. Shough threw for 308 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, providing optimism after a rough start.

Tennessee earned just its third win of the season by defeating Kansas City. Cam Ward played mistake-free football, throwing for 220 yards and two touchdowns, while the rushing attack finally showed signs of life.

Prediction: Saints 28, Titans 17

Seahawks (12-3) at Panthers (8-7)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Seahawks -7

Seattle pulled off an incredible comeback against the Rams, erasing a 16-point deficit in the final ten minutes. Two touchdowns and two successful two-point conversions tied the game, giving the Seahawks control of the NFC West and the No. 1 seed.

Carolina stayed hot with another hard-fought win. Bryce Young continued silencing critics, totaling 211 yards and two touchdowns in a narrow victory.

Prediction: Panthers 30, Seahawks 28

Cardinals (3-12) at Bengals (5-10)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Bengals -7

Arizona has won just once since mid-September, falling from a 2-0 start to 3-12. The organization faces major decisions at quarterback moving forward.

One week after being shut out, Cincinnati exploded for 45 points, encapsulating the team’s season-long inconsistency. Big offseason discussions loom.

Prediction: Bengals 34, Cardinals 33

Giants (2-13) at Raiders (2-13)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Giants -1.5

New York’s offense sputtered again in a loss to Minnesota, with Jaxson Dart throwing for just 33 yards. Poor play-calling and red-zone struggles plagued the Giants.

Ashton Jeanty nearly carried the Raiders to an upset, totaling 188 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. Despite the effort, Las Vegas’ losing streak continues.

Prediction: Raiders 24, Giants 20

Eagles (10-5) at Bills (11-4)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Bills -1.5

Philadelphia leaned into its identity against Washington, riding a strong ground game to victory. It was a reassuring performance heading into the postseason.

Buffalo survived a sloppy outing against Cleveland thanks to another huge game from James Cook, who totaled 134 yards and two touchdowns.

Prediction: Eagles 28, Bills 27

Bears (11-4) at 49ers (11-4)

Sunday, Dec. 28 – 8:20 p.m. | Line: 49ers -3

Chicago staged another dramatic comeback, recovering a late onside kick to set up a 46-yard overtime game-winner.

San Francisco’s fifth straight win secured a playoff berth, with Brock Purdy throwing for 306 yards and five touchdowns. The 49ers are peaking at the right time.

Prediction: Bears 27, 49ers 26

Rams (11-4) at Falcons (7-6)

Monday, Dec. 29 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Rams-8

Los Angeles wasted historic performances from Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua in a late collapse. Defensive and special teams issues remain concerns.

Atlanta leaned on its running back duo, with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier combining for 247 of the team’s 342 yards in their victory over the Cardinals.

Prediction: Rams 34, Falcons 27

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