NFL expert picks, predictions for Week 17 straight up (2024)

Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX

Tom Brady averages 311.3 passing yards with eight TDs and no interceptions in his last three games. He's warming up in time for the playoff run, and Tampa Bay hands Atlanta its 10th one-score loss of the season.

Pick:Buccaneers 31, Falcons 24

Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX

The winner in the NFC East clash will put pressure on Washington to win in the prime-time spot. The Cowboys have averaged 36 points per game the last three weeks. The Giants have struggled to score. Andy Dalton putsDallas on the cusp of a playoff berth. Will they get a little help?

Pick:Cowboys 30, Giants 20

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

The opening line has dropped 5.5 points; a nod to the improvement from the Jets the last two weeks. The Patriots offense has slumped down the stretch, and BillBelichick has an interesting offseason coming. New Englandcloses with a victory.

Pick:Patriots 23, Jets 13

Sunday, 1 p.m.,FOX

Detroit has little incentive to play Matthew Stafford here. Dalvin Cook is a little too far behind Derrick Henry for the rushing title, but he still closes out the Lions with a big performance.

Pick:Vikings30, Lions 23

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

The line has jumped up 3.5 points, which is a little eye-popping considering the Steelers won the first meeting 38-7. Which Cleveland players will be out because of COVID-19?Will the Steelers sit their starters or try to eliminate their AFC North rivals?This is a game we would stay away from because of those variables, butthere is no better time for the Browns to break throughthan now.

Pick:Browns 26, Steelers 23

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

The Ravens need this one to keep their playoff hopes alive, androokie J.K. Dobbins has offered a spark in the running game to compliment Lamar Jackson. Cincinnati has not folded the last two weeks and is capable of being a spoiler. Jackson just won't let it happen.

Pick:Ravens 34, Bengals 21

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

Miami needs a win to get in the playoffs, and this could be every bit the thriller the 31-28 shootout in Week 2 was between the teams.The Dolphins pull the first real upset of the day, and TuaTagovailoaenjoys his first signature victory.

Pick:Dolphins 28, Bills 24

Sunday,4:25p.m.,FOX

The Seahawks won the first meeting 37-27,but theymustbe careful here. C.J. Beathard threw three TD passes last week, and Jeff Wilson and George Kittle can give Seattle's defense problems. Russell Wilson delivers a clutch drive, however, and that puts the pressure on the Packers and Saints in the afternoon window.

Pick:Seahawks 28, 49ers 25

Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS

The Rams are favored now, but this line could shift dramatically if Jared Goff (thumb) is unable to play. John Wolford is the Rams'backup, and Los Angeles faces the task of keeping up with Kyler Murray. The Cardinals have their own issues, but Murray does enough to scratch out a victory.

Pick:Cardinals 24, Rams 19

Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS

The Colts are in a must-win situation, and they will rely on rookie Jonathan Taylor against a shaky Jaguars'run defense. Jacksonville has the No. 1 pick locked up, so the future of this AFC South rivalry is much brighter. Philip Riversplays a clean game.

Pick:Colts 31, Jaguars 20

Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS

The Titans still control their playoff destiny,and they will need a win against the rival Texans to get there.Houston ranks 31stin run defense, and Derrick Henry needs 223 yards to get to 2,000 rushing yards for the season. It's not impossible.

Pick:Tennessee 31, Houston 23

Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS

The Broncos have won one of their last five games,and the Raiders have lost three straight games. Derek Carr leads Las Vegasto a .500 record in Jon Gruden's third season, and that will increase expectations for 2021.

Pick:Raiders 28, Broncos 21

Sunday, 4:25 p.m., FOX

The Chiefs have little incentive to play starters in this game, and that makes it tough to go against the Chargers and rookie quarterback Justin Herbert – who completes a record-setting season in stylewith a fourth straight victory.

Pick:Chargers 29, Chiefs 24

Sunday, 4:25 p.m., FOX

In the first meeting on Nov. 29, the Packers jumped out to a 27-3 lead in the first half, but Mitchell Trubisky found something in the second half of a 41-25 loss. He's been hot ever since and the offense is clicking. The problem? Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are clicking too, and they need this win for home-field advantage. Trubisky is 1-5 against Green Bay.The Packers pull through in the fourth quarter, but it will be close.

Pick:Packers 33, Bears 26

Sunday, 4:25 p.m., FOX

The Saints still have a shot at home-field advantage with a little help. Alvin Kamara had 148 total yards in the first meeting, and he will be the difference on the road in yet another one-score loss for the Panthers.

Pick:Saints 30, Panthers 23

Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC

Washington needs a road victory here, but the question remains whether Alex Smith will be healthy enough to start atquarterback in a must-win situation. Dwayne Haskins' release on Monday means Kyle Allen would start if Smith cannot play. Jalen Hurts has a chance to play spoiler, and with the Cowboys watching closely,it will be close. Washington, however, comes up with a late turnover to clinch the division.

Pick:Washington 24, Philadelphia 21