Week 17 NFL Upset Picks
Posted by Henry Watkins on Tuesday,December 27, 2016 5:40, EDT in
There is perhaps no better time to look for upsets in the NFL than in the final week of the season. You very often get teams that have locked up their final playoff seed going against teams that need to win to get in, or who are out to prove a point heading into the offseason. There are a few of those types of games lined up for this weekend, and I think we have a shot at getting a little bit of extra money in the bank to start the New Year. Keep in mind that some of these betting picks are going to be very much on the iffy side of things, so be sure to play wisely.
Here’s A Closer Look At The Week 17 NFL Upset Picks
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (+6)
The Dallas Cowboys have clinched the NFC, and will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs. They will close out the regular season with a trip to Philadelphia to face the Eagles, a bitter division rival, and this thing could be closer than a lot of people are thinking. Dallas are the team most likely to rest players, thanks in part to them playing on a short week having already won on Monday night. These two teams have split their season series in each of the last three seasons, and as Dallas won the first meeting earlier in the year, perhaps the Eagles are due for this one.
Chicago Bears (+5.5) at Minnesota Vikings
This may seem like an odd selection given that the Bears have yet to win a game on the road this season, but let’s call it something of a hunch play. The Vikings have had something of a collapse in the second half of the season, and the defense that served them so well early on now looks totally run down and exhausted. It’s also worth remembering that the Bears took out the Vikings 20-10 in their first meeting this season, which came at a time when Minnesota was playing better than they are now. Even if Chicago doesn’t win, I think they will cover.
Carolina Panthers (+6.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
For a moment, it looked as though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were going to go on a run that would carry them to a division title and the playoffs, but it has all fallen at for them now with back to back losses. The fight appears to have gone out of this group, and I think they may be in trouble this weekend versus the Panthers. Carolina has won 4 of their last 5 games in Tampa, and are 7-3 SU in their last 10 meetings with the Bucs. I like those numbers.
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (+9.5)
This may be the one that seems to be most like a stretch, but stay with me for a moment. You have a Patriots team that has all but clinched the #1 seed going against a Miami team looking to avoid the #6 seed and a date with the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Matt Moore has looked competent in relief of he injured Ryan Tannehill, and Miami tends to do well at home versus the Pats, winning the last 3 in their own building. Definite longshot here, but one that may be worth a look.
