NFL picks for a festive Week 17

Playoff bids can be won this weekend, or hopes can at least remain alive.

For some people, the holidays are, as the song goes, the most wonderful time of the year. As much as I wish that were the case for everyone, it’s not. This time of year can be the hardest for others.

The same can be true for NFL teams. This week, several teams can clinch a playoff spot, a division title, or, as the Chiefs did on Christmas Day, the No. 1 seed. But others can see their playoff dreams wither away, or if they already have, they’re simply trying to run out the clock on the season and hope for a better 2025.

If my picks are on the money, then we’ll get a little bit of everything, except this: no team will be eliminated from playoff contention that hasn’t already been eliminated. That would make for a pretty festive week in the NFL.

Of course, that’s assuming I have a better week than last week!

My picks for Week 17 are in bold below, along with the odds from DraftKings.

Chargers at Patriots (+4)

Broncos at Bengals (-3.5)

Cardinals at Rams (-6.5)

Jets at Bills (-9.5)

Colts at Giants (+7.5)

Cowboys at Eagles (-7)

Panthers at Buccaneers (-8)

Raiders at Saints (+1)

Titans at Jaguars (-1)

Dolphins at Browns (+6.5)

Packers at Vikings (+1)

Falcons at Commanders (-3.5)

Lions at 49ers (+3.5)

Before we quickly preview the rest of the week, head over to FTW to check out Christian’s picks.

Week 17

Chargers over Patriots

I don’t think this is a gimme for the Chargers, who have to travel across the country a couple days after Christmas. But I do think Jim Harbaugh will have them ready to clinch a playoff spot.

Bengals over Broncos

The Bengals had some rotten luck to start the season and finally seem to be in a rhythm but would be eliminated with a loss, while the Broncos, for a second week in a row, just need a win to make it to the postseason. I’m taking maximum drama here and going with the home team, setting up a critical Week 18 for the final wild card spot.

Rams over Cardinals

The Rams could claim the NFC West with a win and some help. I think they’ll check that first box but not the second, making next week’s Rams-Seahawks matchup the one that decides the division.

Bills over Jets

I think that after Lamar Jackson’s star performance on Christmas, Josh Allen and his OL will do what they can to try to keep him near the top of the MVP race.

Colts over Giants

The Giants can all but sew up the No. 1 pick with a loss, and the Colts can (maybe) stay alive in the wild card race.

Eagles over Cowboys

It doesn’t look likely that Jalen Hurts will play, so I almost went with the Cowboys in an upset. But then they shut CeeDee Lamb down for the season, and he’s been such a huge part of their recent hot stretch that I’m rolling with, I guess, Kenny Pickett and Co.

Buccaneers over Panthers

The Bucs needed overtime to beat the Panthers earlier this month, so I don’t think they’ll take them lightly. Tampa also knows another loss would be disastrous for its playoff hopes.

Raiders over Saints

I didn’t think I’d pick the Raiders to win again this season, but that’s how bad the Saints looked last week.

Titans over Jaguars

When in doubt, I default to my usual method of picking divisional games between two more or less equal teams. In this case, equally bad. The Jaguars won the first round, so I’ll go with the Titans this time.

Dolphins over Browns

A disappointing season gets closer to ending for the Browns, while the Dolphins can still stay in playoff contention.

Packers over Vikings

As I said last week, the Vikings are due for a loss. It didn’t happen then, so let’s try again.

Commanders over Falcons

If the Falcons lose, the NFC South crown will come down to the final week of the season. That feels right.

Lions over 49ers

It won’t make up for last season’s NFC Championship, but I believe the Lions will get a bit of revenge against the 49ers. And, if I’m right about my Packers-Vikings pick, then Detroit will nab the No. 1 seed in the NFC.