Forecaster Frank NFL Week 17: Bah Humbug
I had my struggles in Week 16, posting a record of 7-8-1. Overall, I am 129-104-7 on the season.
Christmas
- Pit +2.5 (o/u 44)
- Steelers 24 Chiefs 13
The Chiefs and Steelers are playing their third game in 11 days. For the Chiefs, a team that needs to win one of their final two games, resting players is possible. The Steelers are fighting for the division title; they are at home and will come out strong as the Chiefs lose on Christmas for the second straight season.
- Bal -5.5 (o/u 47)
- Ravens 27 Texans 16
The Texans have not played well over the past two months. They are division champs but have not played like it. The Ravens are surging and fighting to win their division. This sets up for a Ravens win.
Thursday Night
- Sea -3.5 (o/u 43.5)
- Seahawks 30 Bears 17
The Seahawks are fading away, losers of their last two; they face a must-win if they can keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bears are just waiting for the pain to end. The Seahawks are 5-1 on the road this year, so this sets up for a win.
Saturday
- LAC -4 (o/u 42.5)
- Chargers 27 Patriots 17
With a win, the Chargers can lock up a playoff spot. A loss keeps the Patriots in the hunt for the top pick in the draft. Although the Patriots have shown signs of improvement, the Chargers are too strong and will win this one on Saturday.
- Cin -3.5 (o/u 49.5)
- Bengals 37 Broncos 24
Joe Burrow has put up big numbers all season. Now the big stats are paying off, as the Bengals have won their last three games. The Broncos have hit a rough stretch playing stronger teams, as their playoff hold, once a win away from clinching, is becoming tenuous.
- Ari +6.5 (o/u 47.5)
- Rams 24 Cardinals 20
The Rams are closing in on a division title, which is remarkable after the start of 1-4. The Cardinals are going in the opposite direction; earlier in the season, they beat the Rams 41-10. I'm not saying the Cardinals will win, but this game will be close.
Sunday at 1
- Buf -9.5 (o/u 47)
- Bills 37 Jets 13
The Bills escaped with a win last week despite a terrible performance against the Patriots. Expect a much sharper performance as the Jets are counting the days down for the season to end.
- Ten +1 (o/u 39.5)
- Titans 23 Jaguars 10
Those on Santa's naughty list are getting tickets to watch this game instead of coal this season.
- LV -1.5 (o/u 37.5)
- Raiders 10 Saints 6
Spencer Rattler could be one of the worst quarterbacks I have ever seen. The Raiders have some pride left, but all the Saints' pride is on injured reserve.
- Ind -8 (o/u 40.5)
- Colts 37 Giants 7
The Giants have only had two leads at home all season. They have a franchise-worst ten-game losing streak and the look of a team that has checked out. The Colts have faint playoff hopes and will come in and put this one away early.
- Dal +9 (o/u 41.5)
- Eagles 24 Cowboys 20
The Cowboys' playoff hopes are over, but they have won four of their last five games. The Eagles can win the division, but with Jalen Hurts' health a question, the safe pick is to take the nine and a half points.
- Car +7.5 (o/u 48.5)
- Buccaneers 24 Panthers 20
When these two teams played earlier this month, the Buccaneers needed overtime for the win. The Buccaneers are coming off a bad loss in Dallas, and the Panthers are showing signs of improvement. This one will be close, as the Bucs go into Week 18 with their playoff hopes on the line.
Sunday Late Games
- Mia -6.5 (o/u 40)
- Dolphins 31 Browns 10
The early forecast calls for mild weather in the 50s in Cleveland. That is good news for the Dolphins who have slight hopes of making the playoffs. The Browns are on a third-string quarterback and in the midst of a lost season. This game was flexed out of primetime, and the Dolphins will get to .500 heading into Week 18.
- Min -1 (o/u 48.5)
- Vikings 23 Packers 20
The Vikings can go into the last week of the season with a chance for home field by winning this game. Their defense has been the key as Andrew Van Ginkel has made big plays all season. Look for another hard fought win, as the Packers four losses are to t he top three teams in the NFC, including the Vikings.
Sunday Night
- Was -4 (o/u 47.5)
- Commanders 27 Falcons 17
Michael Pennix Jr. won his first start last week, but now takes the Falcons on the road. Jayden Daniels may have clinched Rookie of the Year leading the Commanders to a comeback win in Philadelphia last week. Daniels and the Commanders will assure a playoff spot and the individual honors by winning this game.
Monday Night
- Det -3 (o/u 50.5)
- Lions 38 49ers 27
A rematch of last year's NFC Championship, sees the Lions eyeing home field, while the Niners in a season filled with injuries and frustration can only play spoiler. The Lions have their own injury issues, but are built for games like this.
