All punters should be aware that it is that time of the year where head coaches will be resting key players. There should be plenty of drama in the final week of the regualr season so check out our NFL Week 17 Preview and Tips.
NFL Week 17 Betting Tips
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (Monday 2nd January 5:00am)
There are only a handful of games that will mean something in week 17. Many of the teams have clinched a playoff spot or have been eliminated. Therefore, coaches will be resting starters or they will be playing limited minutes.
Baltimore and Cincinnati are two of the teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs. Baltimore seems to be approaching this game with better intentions. They will be playing all their starters and hope to end the season on a high note.
The Cincinnati Bengals would love to put 2016 in the rear-view mirror. They have five wins to their name and have been decimated with injuries. Head Coach Marvin Lewis ruled out some key players for this game, including receiver A.J Green, tight end Tyler Eifert and guard Clint Boling to name a few. It feels like they have checked out.
Another motivating factor for the Ravens is the retirement of future hall of fame receiver Steve Smith. Smith is among a handful of receivers that have at least 14,000 receiving yards and 1000 catches. The Ravens are the better team and should win this game outright.
Prediction: Baltimore 28 Cincinnati 14
Tip: Baltimore Ravens to win outright - $1.97 at Sportsbet
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets (Monday 2nd January 5:00am)
Here’s two more teams that won’t be playing any post season football after this week. The Buffalo Bills fired head coach Rex Ryan after last week’s 31-34 loss to the Miami Dolphins in overtime. They have appointed Anthony Lynn as interim head coach.
The New York Jets are another one of those teams that looks as though they have “checked out”. They were lucky to put up a field goal against New England in last week’s 41-3 loss. The Jets have no choice but to play Ryan Fitzpatrick after Bryce Petty was placed on the injured reserve list. Fitzpatrick has been horrible this season with 17 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 66.4.
The Bills will rally behind Anthony Lynn and finish the season with a win over the New York Jets.
Prediction: Buffalo 24 New York 17
Tip: Buffalo Bills at the line (-3.5) - $1.99 at Sportsbet
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (Monday 2nd January 5:00am)
Even though both teams are heading to the playoffs, a win for either team could have big implications. A win for the Patriots would mean home field advantage for the entire playoffs. While a win for the Dolphins could bump them up to a No. five seed. That means they would travel to Houston as opposed to Pittsburgh.
A Patriot win at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida would cap off a perfect road record season (currently 7-0). The Patriots defeated the Dolphins 31-24 at Gillette Stadium in week 2. That was without Tom Brady who was serving a four-game suspension. Since returning Tom Brady has 25 touchdowns with only two interceptions, with a winning record of 10-1.
This time last year the Dolphins beat the Patriots and it cost them home field and possibly a super bowl berth…
Miami has been a surprise packet of 2016. It was unfortunate that they lost Ryan Tannehill in week 14 as he was playing very good football. They have now turned to veteran backup quarterback Matt Moore. He has played well in his two starts completing 31 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns. Although, I don’t think the Dolphins can win this game, I do think they can cover the spread.
Prediction: New England 28 Miami 24
Tip: Miami Dolphins at the line (+10.0) - $1.79 at Sportsbet
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (Monday 2nd January 12:30pm)
This is without a doubt the game of the week. The Lions and Packers are tied atop the NFC North and both teams control their own fate. A win would mean a division title and home field while a loss could mean no playoffs at all. The loser would need Washington to lose to The Giants to claim a wild card berth.
Earlier in the season the Packers were sitting with just 4 wins when Aaron Rodgers told the media they would run the table and win the next six games. Well, he and the Packers are just one win away from that becoming a reality. They have looked very dangerous in recent weeks with key victories over Seattle and Minnesota.
The Detroit Lions are coming off two road losses and I believe it has something to do with Matt Stafford’s ligament damage to his right middle finger. He has thrown four interceptions in the past three games since suffering the injury. Despite Stafford claiming “I really don’t think it’s been a factor”.
Green Bay has all the momentum and Aaron Rodgers!!!!
Prediction: Green Bay 34 Detroit 24
Tip: Green Bay at the line (-3.5) - $2.05 at Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
