Merry Christmas you “filthy animals”! That’s right, Week 17 features three games on Thursday, December 25. In fact, these Christmas Day matchups appear to be presents for all of us good little boys and girls as they are highly-important contests.

All three Christmas games featured divisional rivalries, which adds drama to an already intense week of action. The Dallas Cowboys head to Washington, the Detroit Lions are in Minnesota, and the Thursday Night game features the Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs.

However, that’s not all! The Sunday slate features some thrilling matchups as well. None bigger than the main event of the week – Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills. This could be a Super Bowl preview.

On Sunday’s undercard are a handful of games that have Playoff implications on the line like the Texans vs. Chargers, Cardinals vs. Bengals, Ravens vs. Packers, Bears vs. 49ers and Buccaneers vs. Dolphins.

With that said, let’s take a look at the NFL Week 17 odds and make our early Week 17 picks. There’s no shame in placing your Week 17 NFL bets months ahead of time, as we do see some value on the boards.

NFL Week 17 Schedule

NFL Week 17 Odds

Week 17 features a number of close matchups on the schedule and at the best sports betting sites. The biggest disparity in NFL odds for the week, come with the Cowboys vs. Commanders as Washington is a -225 favorite and giving up 5.5 points. This game also has the biggest Total on the boards at 48.5 points.

However, there are plenty of matchups that could see high totals that can impact both fantasy football playoffs and the week’s best player prop bets like the Bucs vs. Dolphins, Cardinals vs. Bengals, and Eagles vs. Bills.

With that said, if you need any additional betting assistance for Week 17, or any other week of the 2025-26 NFL season, then check out the industry’s top handicapping membership and get access to thousands of NFL picks via elite handicappers. You can also take advantage of the free trial and celebrate Christmas in style with some football winnings.

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NFL Week 17 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full slate of NFL Week 17 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders Odds

Coming into this season, the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders have played against each other 130 times with two Playoff meetings.

The Cowboys hold a commanding lead with a 79-49-2 record. Dallas has also won six of the last eight matchups. However, Washington won in Dallas during the final week of last season and went on a tear throughout the Playoffs. Dallas is 9-3 in their last 12 trips to Washington.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders Predictions

This NFC East showdown could decide the Playoff fate of both teams. In other words, it’s the seeding for Washington vs. making the postseason for Dallas.

If this game was in Dallas, I would give the Cowboys more of a chance to win. However, I don’t see this team being strong on the road against a better opponent.

For Washington, this could be the chance they need to take the top spot in the division as Philly has a tough matchup in Buffalo. For Dallas, this is where they get eliminated from Playoff contention. Take Washington to win the game by a TD or more.

Bet: Washington Commanders (-225)

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings have played each other 127 times coming into this season. The Vikings hold a massive lead in this rivalry with an 80-45-2 record.

However, the Lions have won five games in a row over the Vikings including their last two trips to Minnesota.

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Predictions

Last year, these two teams had an epic battle for the NFC North crown and a Wild Card spot. The Detroit Lions ended up winning the division title, while the Vikings got the top Wild Card spot.

This year, I don’t see Minnesota making the Playoffs. However, I do see the Lions clinching the top seed in the NFC Conference whether it’s this week or the next.

Detroit is the better all-around team than Minnesota. I expect this Lions offense to carve up the Vikings defense and put 30+ points, while Minnesota’s offense fails to keep pace. Take the Lions, to easily cover the spread.

Bet: Detroit Lions (-135), Lions -2.5 (-110)

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs Odds

The Kansas City Chiefs entered late 2023, with a 16-game winning streak over the Denver Broncos. Since then, Denver has won two of the last three meetings coming into this season. However, both of those wins were at home.

The Chiefs have won nine games in a row at Arrowhead Stadium over the Broncos. Denver has not won in KC since 2015.

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs Predictions

Week 17 will be the time that the Chiefs clinch the AFC West once again. I have the Broncos beating the Chiefs earlier in the season when they play in Denver. However, KC at home in late December smells like a victory to me.

Additionally, look for the Chiefs to clinch the top spot in the AFC Conference with this win. It won’t be easy, as Denver is going to be a tough out in Week 17 and the Playoffs. However, this is when the Mahomes Magic shines and the cream rises to the top.

In other words, take Santa, Mahomes and Andy Reid to lock up the division and the AFC’s top spot on this holiday weekend.

Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (-195), Chiefs -4.5 (-110)

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers Odds

These two AFC teams have played against each other just 10 times ever. The Los Angeles Chargers hold a slight lead in this series with a 6-4 record. Yet, it’s the Houston Texans that have won three of the last four meetings.

Houston has also won their last two trips to Los Angeles. And, let’s not forget that the Texans crushed the Chargers in the 2025 AFC Wild Card round.

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions

By this point in the season, the Houston Texans will have already won their division. So, they will see that the Chiefs have locked up the Conference, which means this game will have little meaning for them.

The Chargers still have a lot to play for as they fight for a Wild Card spot. I expect the AFC West to send at least two teams to the postseason. It’s quite possible, that they send three again. The Bengals, Broncos and Chargers are my favorites to win the Wild Cards.

And, in the case of Los Angeles, they will secure a Wild Card spot because of victories like this one over Houston in Week 17 behind a strong effort from Justin Herbert.

Bet: Los Angeles Chargers (-170) 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins Odds

With 12 all-time meetings between these two teams, it’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that hold a slight lead with a 7-5 series record. The Bucs have also won six of the last seven matchups including three in a row.

Their last meeting came in 2021, and the Bucs won 45-17. The Miami Dolphins haven’t defeated the Bucs since 2009. Tampa Bay is also 2-1 in their last three trips to Miami.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins Predictions

I think the NFC South will be a battle between the Falcons and the Buccaneers. However, the Dolphins will miss the Playoffs once again and it will be due to losing in Week 17 to Tampa Bay.

This all-Florida battle will produce a divisional winner in the Bucs and probably lead to the Dolphins cleaning house in the off-season.

Tampa’s offense will be too much for Miami’s defense to handle. Bucky Irving will run all over them and the passing attack will excel in the play-action.

The Bucs will have a strong run defense, like usual, which will shut down Miami’s running game and force Tua to have to do more than he’s capable of.

Tampa Bay will easily cover the spread and win this game by at least a field goal.

Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-122), Tampa Bay -1.5 (-110)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers hold a commanding lead in this rivalry with an 82-64-1 record coming into this season. Yet, these two teams are 3-3 in their last six meetings, not including this year’s first matchup. Additionally, the Cleveland Browns are 2-1 in the last three contests.

The Browns have also won five of their last six games at home over Pittsburgh. The Steelers have not won in Cleveland since 2021.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions

This AFC North rivalry game could have two possible outcomes: Steelers win and they keep their Playoff hopes alive or the Browns win and Pittsburgh is eliminated.

Cleveland has nothing left to play for, but this could be all the motivation they need to show up in front of their rabid fans and give them a great Christmas present – eliminating the Steelers.

Pittsburgh won’t be a great team this year but they can still finish with a winning record. However, they will need at least 11 wins to make the Playoffs and I don’t see that happening.

I’m taking the Browns to play spoiler and be the Grinch to Pittsburgh this week.

Bet: Cleveland Browns (+110), Browns +2.5 (-110)

Arizona Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

With 13 all-time meetings between these two teams, it’s the Cincinnati Bengals with the slight lead at 7-6. The Bengals also won the last game between these two teams which came in 2023. However, the Arizona Cardinals have won two of the last three matchups and are 2-1 in their last three trips to Cincinnati.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

Both teams will come into this Week 17 matchup alive in their respective Playoff races. I think the Cardinals will exceed all pre-season expectations and be alive in the Wild Card race until this week.

Unfortunately, that’s when the Playoff dreams for Arizona end. The Bengals are simply the better team in this matchup. It could be a close, high scoring game but one the Cincy definitely wins as Joe Burrow outduels Kyler Murray.

Look for this Cincy offense to get the team out to a big lead, but for the Cardinals to chip away and come up short in the final moments of the game.

Bet: Cincinnati Bengals (-175)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

Not including their first matchup this season, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts have played against each other 48 times. Indy leads the series with a 28-20 record.

The Jaguars are 3-1 in the last four meetings coming into this year. Last season, the Colts won at home in Overtime. Indy is 4-1 in their last five home games versus the Jags.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions

These two AFC South rivals will have nothing to play for other than pride. And, sometimes, that’s all it takes to properly motivated two losing teams at the end of a season.

I expect both teams to have already been eliminated before this Week 17 matchup. And, I also expect Indy to get the victory in this one. I see the Colts being the better overall team, but having the inferior QB. However, that won’t affect this game much.

Indy at home will be a nice spot for this team to pick up a victory and get them to .500 before the final week of the season.

Bet: Indianapolis Colts (-122), Colts -1.5 (-110)

Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers Odds

With 16 games played against each other all-time, it’s the Seattle Seahawks that hold the commanding lead at 11 to 5. Additionally, the Seahawks have gone 4-1 in their last five meetings versus the Carolina Panthers. And, yet, the Panthers are 2-2 in their last four trips to Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers Predictions

I like both of these teams to finish with winning records. Unfortunately, they will both fall short of making the Playoffs.

In fact, I see both of them having already been eliminated from postseason chances. So, this game will come down to Carolina’s youthful excitement for being a much better team than they were last year.

The evolution of Bryce Young continues as he leads his team to victory in front of their fans. Look for Carolina to pull off the mild upset at home and continue to give this fan base optimism for the future.

Bet: Carolina Panthers (+100), Panthers +1.5 (-110)

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets Odds

With 132 games between these rivals, coming into this season, the New England Patriots hold the lead with a 75-56-1 series record.

New England has gone 16-2 over the last 18 head-to-head meetings. However, the New York Jets have won two of the last three meetings including their home game last season versus the Patriots.

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets Predictions

The AFC East will be locked up by the Bills before Week 17, but the Patriots will still be fighting for a Wild Card spot. Although I think they will come up short in this quest, I do see the Patriots winning this divisional game.

New England is the better team and still fighting for something. The Jets will have one of the worst records in the AFC and already packing it in for the offseason.

Take the Patriots to win this game and easily cover the spread as they beat the hapless Jets by at least a touchdown and get revenge for recent losses to New York.

Bet: New England Patriots (-120), Patriots -1.5 (-110)

New York Giants vs. Las Vegas Raiders Odds

These two teams have played against each other 15 times and it’s the Las Vegas Raiders with a 9-6 series record. The Raiders have also won two of the last three meetings.

Their most recent matchup came in 2023, where the Raiders won at home by the score of 30-6. In fact, the Raiders are 6-2 in home games versus the Giants and have won two in a row.

New York Giants vs. Las Vegas Raiders Predictions

This is the one matchup where I love the underdog. In fact, this is my top NFL Underdog of the week. Neither team will be making the Playoffs, but the Giants will be the better team. Their defense should be more than capable of shutting down an inept Raiders offense.

I expect Russell Wilson to outplay Geno Smith as New York has more offensive weapons than Las Vegas does. In the end, these playmakers will make more plays, score more points, and lead the Giants to a road win against one of the worst teams in the league.

Take the Giants’ moneyline and points in this matchup.

Bet: New York Giants (+110), Giants +2.5 (-110)

New Orleans Saints vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

After 17 all-time meetings, it’s the Tennessee Titans with the slight lead in this series at 9-7-1. Yet, it’s the New Orleans Saints that have won two of the last three meetings. In fact, New Orleans has taken two of the last three games in Tennessee and hold a 4-3-1 all-time record when on the road in this series.

New Orleans Saints vs. Tennessee Titans Predictions

Speaking of worst teams, here are two of the worst. In fact, these two teams could be playing for the #1 pick in next year’s draft.

I have no faith in the Saints this year as they have no QB. The Titans will start a rookie all season long but don’t have enough of a supporting cast around him to score points and victories.

However, this game will show us a glimpse of the future as Tennessee easily wins at home over the atrocious Saints team. Take the Titans to cover the points in a blowout win.

Bet: Tennessee Titans (-165), Titans -3.5 (-110)

Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers Odds

The Green Bay Packers lead this series with a 5-2 record in seven all-time matchups. Their last meeting came in 2021, where the Packers won 31-30 in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Ravens have just one win in the last four matchups and that came in 2017, at Green Bay. The Packers are 3-1 at home versus the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers Predictions

This is going to be an exciting matchup. This is also the time of year where Lamar Jackson takes his game to another level and wills his team to victory.

I expect that to happen in Week 17 at Lambeau as the Baltimore Ravens will be too much for Green Bay to handle. The running game of Baltimore will wear down this Packers defense, while Jackson picks apart the secondary in the second half.

Baltimore’s revamped defense will give the Packers difficulties all game long and put the Ravens’ offense in favorable field position. Take Baltimore to win by at least six points.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-122), Ravens -1.5 (-110)

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

These two franchises have played against each other 15 times and the Philadelphia Eagles hold the series lead with a 9-6 record versus the Buffalo Bills. The Eagles have won five of the last six meetings including three in a row.

The Series is tied at 3-3 when playing games in Buffalo. The Eagles have won two of the last three games played in Western New York. The Bills last beat Philly at home in 2011.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Buffalo Bills Predictions

This game is quite possibly a preview of Super Bowl 60. And, it’s one where the Bills will get their revenge against the Eagles who paid off the refs in their 2023 meeting where the officials blew the final few minutes of the game and Overtime.

Now, Buffalo will be at home and they will showcase their improved defense. Furthermore, Josh Allen will outduel Jalen Hurts and lead the Bills to a convincing victory. This win could also put Allen in the driver’s seat for another NFL MVP.

One thing is for certain; the refs won’t make it out of Buffalo if they try any shenanigans like they did in that 2023 OT game.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (-122), Bills -1.5 (-110)

Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers Odds

These longtime NFC stalwarts have played against each other a total of 70 times including three postseason battles. The San Franciso 49ers lead this rivalry over the Chicago Bears with a 36-33-1 record.

The 49ers have taken three of the last five meetings, as well. These teams played against each other last December, when the Bears were already in full tank mode, and the 49ers won 38 to 13. San Francisco is 9-2 in their last 11 home games against the Bears.

Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers Predictions

This Sunday Night Football game features two teams hoping to make the Playoffs as a Wild Card team since neither will be able to win their respective division.

In other words, this game will have a Playoff feel and one that I think Chicago wins. I like the Bears this season more than I do the 49ers. Chicago has added talent to this roster where San Francisco has lost a ton of talent.

The Bears will showcase their improved offense as they go toe-to-toe and blow for blow with the 49ers before pulling away in the end to pick up a huge victory. This will also end San Franscisco’s hopes of making the Playoffs.

Bet: Chicago Bears +3.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons Odds

In 81 all-time matchups, the Los Angeles Rams lead the Atlanta Falcons with a 49-30-2 record. The Rams have also won two games in a row. Their last meeting came in 2022, where the Rams won at home by the score of 31-27.

Surprisingly, the Falcons have won three of the last four games at the Rams in this series, which goes back to the days where they played in St. Louis. However, the Rams are 29-9-2 in home games over Atlanta.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons Predictions

I think the Rams will have already locked up the NFC West division before they even step on the field for this Monday Night Football game against the Falcons.

I also think that the Rams will win this game because they have the better overall team. Both offenses will be exciting to watch this season, but I give the edge to LA in regards to defense and coaching.

Look for the Rams to pull away late as veteran QB Matthew Stafford makes some crucial plays to score points and chew up the clock. Atlanta will come up short in their comeback bid.

The Rams will rest in Week 18, while Atlanta keeps fighting for a Wild Card spot. Yet, they will need some help as well.

Take the Rams to win this game and cover the points.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams (-162), Rams -3 (-110)

NFL Week 17 Best Bets

Intro sentence, then bullet point your top three bets of the week

• New York Giants +2.5 (-110)
• Chicago Bears +3.5 (-110)
• Kansas City Chiefs (-195)

Although I see the Giants missing the Playoffs as they fade late in the season, New York is still the far better team than the Raiders. Being the underdog in this Week 17 game is just silly to me and easy money.

The Chicago Bears will be fighting for a Playoff spot in Week 17, while the 49ers are fighting for vacation plans. It’s a role reversal from their meeting last season. I like Chicago and the points in this one. Even if the 49ers can win, it won’t be by more than a field goal.

Unlike the other two options, the Kansas City Chiefs are playing at home versus their divisional rival the Denver Broncos. However, the Chiefs have won nine games in a row over Denver when playing at Arrowhead Stadium. At this time of the year, it’s all about Santa and the Mahomes Magic. Take KC to win at home.

If you want to place all three of these Week 17 picks into an NFL parlay, then you would win $451 on a $100 wager.