NFL Week 17 Betting Tips: Increased workload should enable Swift score for Eagles

The playoffs are just two weeks away yet the picture is still murky. Who had the Chiefs losing to the Raiders, Bills scraping by the Chargers, Broncos going down at home to the Patriots, and 49ers losing by 14 points at home to the Ravens last week? I presume not many of you.

Winning has never been more critical for some franchises and therefore the majority of this weekend’s match-up could determine the future for some players and coaches. Let's get into my four best bets.

Tennessee Titans (-4.5) @ Houston Texans (-4.5)

Kick-off: 6pm Sunday GMT

These teams met just two weeks ago in Tennessee, where the home team was sent off 2.5-point favourites on the handicap. Unlike in prior meetings, the Texans were able to stop Titans’ running back Derrick Henry from being effective and consequently caused a minor shock with a 19-16 victory that kept them in the playoff race and booted out their rivals.

Despite being eliminated, the Titans will want to exact revenge on their divisional rivals and rookie quarterback Will Levis is back in the mix to start after recovering from a high ankle sprain. Texans counterpart CJ Stroud is trending towards playing, too, after sitting out the last two games with a concussion. 

These two sides have given up an average of 21.4 and 22.1 points per game this season and, although their first meeting was a lower-scoring and tight affair, this one may have a few more fireworks. I’m taking the over.

Prediction: Over 42.5 total points @ 10/11

Arizona Cardinals (+11.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (-11.5)

Kick-off: 6pm Sunday GMT

Philadelphia looked extremely good in the early part of the season, but their results have dropped off recently with three consecutive losses before narrowly holding off the New York Giants on Christmas Day. That being said, they can all-but win the NFC East with a victory over the beleaguered Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

If Philly plays their ‘B’ or ‘C’ game here they should win, although a lot depends on how effective they can be when rushing the ball. The Cardinals have given up the most rushing yards per game (147) in the league this season and Eagles’ running back D’Andre Swift will be licking his lips as he seeks a seventh touchdown on the year. 

Prediction: D’Andre Swift anytime touchdown @ 10/11

Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5) @ Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)

Kick-off: 9.25pm Sunday GMT

Last week’s results couldn’t have gone much better for the Seattle Seahawks, who now control their playoff destiny with a positive record of 8-7. Pete Carroll’s men have a 72% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL stats, and a home win over the Steelers on Sunday will open up the opportunity of jumping into the sixth seed in the NFC.

Pittsburgh are still in the hunt in the AFC thanks to their identical 8-7 record, so there’s a lot riding on this game, but I’m putting their impressive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last week down as a bit of a one-off and expect the Seahawks pass rush to lash down on Mason Rudolph on Sunday. Take Seattle to get the job done on the Money Line.

Prediction: Seahawks to win @ 4/6

Los Angeles Chargers (+3.5) @ Denver Broncos (-3.5)

Kick-off: 9.25pm Sunday GMT

The Chargers have fired their head coach and suffered major injury blows to their starting quarterback, two best wide receivers, and several key defensive players over the last few weeks. However, they still cost us a winning accumulator over the Christmas period as they only lost by two points to the in-form Buffalo Bills, who failed to cover the spread.

This week they travel to Denver to face an out-of-form Broncos side that needs to win or they will be eliminated from the playoff race. I’m expecting Denver to come out hot, especially as Russell Wilson is doubtful to remain with the franchise next year and will want to earn a new starting job.

Who do I trust more on offence? Denver. Which defence is ready to make a big play? Denver. Who has the most desire to win this game? Denver. Who has the most playmakers on their roster? Denver. Broncos to win by three or more is the wise wager.

Prediction: Broncos -2.5 alternative handicap @ 4/5

NFL Week 17 Tips

Titans @ Texans: Over 42.5 total points @ 10/11
Cardinals @ Eagles: D’Andre Swift anytime touchdown @ 10/11
Steelers @ Seahawks: Seahawks to win @ 4/6
Chargers @ Broncos: Broncos -2.5 alternative handicap @ 4/5