by: Double E
NFL Week 17
We’ve arrived at the end of 2023. It has been a wild NFL season, as quarterbacks around the league have succumbed to the rigorous demands of the position, starting with Aaron Rodgers blowing up his Achilles, and culminating in the benching of Russell Wilson.
Spending the holidays with family reminded me of why betting enhances watching sports. My father in law and I root for the Packers and Broncos, respectively. Yet, we were on the edge of our seats for both the Lions/Vikings and Jaguars/Buccaneers matchups watching my picks from last week play out.
I hope all of you have a blessed New Year’s and here’s to a profitable 2024.
Spreads+Totals (1-2 last week, 25-23 for the year)
1. Bengals +6.5: Can’t believe one week after losing as a 10-point favorite at home, the Chiefs are once again touchdown favorites against a more formidable Bengals team. Even without Burrow leading them, the Bengals love playing the Chiefs and won’t be afraid of going into Arrowhead.
2. Texans -4: The Texans are fighting for a playoff spot and get their leader back this week. I think the Titans are playing good football, having covered this spread five straight weeks, but the Texans have a higher purpose for the first time in years and they’ll play like it Sunday.
3. Bears -3: The Bears have played much better of late, winning 3 of the last 4. Getting the Falcons out of the dome and into the cold Chicago weather will be a challenge, and don’t forget the Bears own the Panthers pick, so they have every motivation to win.
Props (1-2 last week, 25-24 for the year)
1. Jonathan Taylor over 16.5 rushing attempts: Even in a 19-point loss to the Falcons last week, Taylor got 18 carries because Zach Moss missed the game with injury. Moss is out again this week, but I expect the Colts to be much more competitive, giving Taylor ample opportunity to hit this over.
2. Nico Collins over 59.5 receiving yards: The last time we saw Collins on the field with Stroud playing and Dell out, he went for 191 yards. I love this matchup for him in a must win spot for the Texans.
3. Matthew Stafford over 1.5 passing touchdowns: He has surpassed this total in 5 straight games as he wills the Rams to the playoffs. Against a weak Giants secondary, I love Stafford to hit this over early.