Playoff implications are becoming clearer after NFL Week 16.
The biggest takeaway is the growing likelihood that the Baltimore Ravens will miss the playoffs following a home defeat to the New England Patriots.
Early-week Super Bowl favourites, the Green Bay Packers, are trending downward amid a wave of injuries—most notably at quarterback, where Jordan Love appears set to miss this week while in concussion protocol.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans are finishing their seasons strong.
Let’s dive straight into our NFL odds Week 17.
NFL Odds Week 17 At-a-Glance
We consider franchises ending their campaigns strongly and review the low total points between two of them.
The weather in Cleveland looks like the key ingredient to line movement in the coming week.
The Bears continue their Super Bowl ascendency with their credentials bound to be tested on the West Coast by the 49ers.
New Orleans Saints vs. Tennessee Titans (+2.5)
Sunday, December 28 – 01:00 PM ET
The total is currently set at 39 as the improving Saints visit the similarly resurgent Titans.
The Saints have won three straight games, while the Titans knocked off the Kansas City Chiefs last week for their second win in three outings. Despite their 3–12 record, scoring points has come relatively easily for Tennessee throughout the season.
The weather forecast calls for light precipitation on Sunday, although it may clear Nashville before kickoff.
At the time of writing, Bookmaker is offering a total of 38.5, while other recommended sportsbooks are dealing 39 or higher. With little to lose for either franchise, the over looks like the play—provided you can secure it below 40.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns (+4.5)
Sunday, December 28 – 01:00 PM ET
Monitor the weather forecast in Cleveland, where the total on the BMR Live Odds Module is currently low at 35.5.
All Steelers games have been trending over the total this season due to defensive issues, though there is some concern they could be without DK Metcalf following another disciplinary incident last week in Detroit.
If you’re hesitant about playing the over, the Cleveland Browns at +4.5—or even +5 at BMR sportsbooks—profile as a very solid alternative.
Weather conditions in Cleveland currently look bleak, with a cold snap, strong winds, and the potential for sleet. Should conditions ease even slightly, the outlook for this matchup improves, and even if the forecast holds, this total could still find a way to go over.
Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco (-2.5)
Sunday, December 28 – 4:05 PM ET
The marquee matchup of Christmas Week in the NFL features a clash between Super Bowl dark horses, as the San Francisco 49ers host the flying Chicago Bears. We must wait for the penultimate game of the Week 17 slate, but the anticipation should be well worth it.
At the time of writing, the 49ers still have a Monday Night Football road game against the Colts ahead of them, while the Bears are coming off another impressive victory over the Packers on Saturday Night Football.
That scheduling dynamic gives Chicago the clear advantage of a longer rest, with San Francisco facing the challenge of a short turnaround.
Currently, Heritage is the only BMR sportsbook offering the key number of +3 on the Bears, a line that is worth grabbing at -118.
As you monitor line movement, keep in mind that if the 49ers defeat the Colts on Monday and avoid any significant injuries, that number could move back to +3 at additional BMR sportsbooks.
Get Your NFL Week 17 Bets On!
This week’s most interesting clash looks like the Chicago Bears on the road at the San Francisco 49ers, with both franchises eyeing a postseason push for the major honours.
Find the Best NFL Odds for Week 16
If you want the best NFL Week 17 lines, currently Heritage and Bookmaker have the top prices. Always compare several books as markets shift.
Track live updates on our NFL odds page for the best value before kick-off.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
