Week 17 NFL Picks: Predictions, Odds and Over/Under Tips for Season Finales

As usual, the NFL saves its best for last with some of the league’s best divisional rivalries getting an end-of-season send-off. 

The NFL couldn’t predict this year’s playoff scenarios would be some of the most boring in recent memory. Bettors can’t complain, though, as so many teams sitting in great playoff position means predictable cases of teams resting starters.

With franchises sitting notable stars and some out of the playoff hunt ready to just show up and call it a year before a relaxing offseason, there are plenty of lines for bettors to exploit.

Let’s finish the year on a high note by running through one of the easier weeks of the year.

NFL Week 17 Odds

     New England (-9) at Miami

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This is a funny game with a funny line because some bettors might wonder if the New England Patriots could beat the Miami Dolphins with backups.

One problem—they already have. Back in Week 2 with Jimmy Garoppolo under center while Tom Brady served his suspension, the Patriots took a 31-24 victory behind the backup’s three touchdown passes. Ryan Tannehill threw a pair of scores and interceptions while leading the Dolphins in rushing with 35 yards.

Yes, much has changed since then, but keep in mind the Patriots don’t have a good reason to rest starters anyway, not with home-field advantage at stake.

This means the hobbled Dolphins must deal with New England’s full force. Hobbled, because the team will have backup Matt Moore under center. He’s thrown six touchdowns against two interceptions, but asking him to spar with Brady is quite different than beating up on the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.

Even worse for the Dolphins, Moore might not have starting running back Jay Ajayi to lean on, seeing as he is listed as questionable. Maybe Ajayi plays, but bettors have to think the Dolphins won’t risk him too much when they need him fully healthy for the playoffs.

Look, Brady has thrown for 25 touchdowns and just two interceptions since his return. If Garoppolo made such headway against this Miami Dolphins defense, so too can Brady …

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