Bleacher Report's Expert Week 17 NFL Picks
NFL action will kick off on Wednesday, which means an early picks stocking-stuffer for those who celebrate Christmas. More importantly, a full breakdown of another 16-game slate for anyone looking to make extra cash during the holiday season.
Bleacher Report's NFL expert panel, which includes analysts Brad Gagnon, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski, and Maurice Moton, along with editors Wes O'Donnell, Ian Hanford, and Vince Michelino from B/R Betting Strategy, took a tough blow last week, falling short of the .500 mark on their consensus picks. But they hit on some big swings, going 4-2 with their lone-wolf selections.
As many of you travel for the holiday, our experts are riding with five road underdogs this week.
There are three lone-wolf picks, all in favor of home underdogs.
Will our panel benefit from fading favorites in Week 17? Before you read their reasons for going against the grain, check out our leaderboard standings.
ATS Standings
1. O'Donnell: 132-104-4 (9-7)
2. Hanford: 130-106-4 (7-9)
3. Sobleski: 127-109-4 (6-10)
4. Michelino: 126-110-4 (9-7)
5. Moton: 124-112-4 (9-7)
6. Davenport: 122-114-4 (7-9)
7. Knox: 121-115-4 (7-9)
8. Gagnon 114-122-4 (7-9)
Consensus picks: 112-88-2 (7-8)
Lines are from DraftKings as of Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.
Detroit Lions (13-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
1 of 16
DK Line: Detroit -4
Entering Week 16, the Detroit Lions seemed like a team that could lose its edge on the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC's No. 1 seed. Following a loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Lions found out that running back David Montgomery suffered a knee injury that will sideline him indefinitely.
Yet the Lions doubled up on the Chicago Bears in a 34-17 win. The Eagles lost to the Washington Commanders, so Detroit has sole possession of the NFC's No. 1 spot again.
On Monday, the Lions will face the San Francisco 49ers in a rematch of the 2023 NFC Championship Game.
Entering Week 16, these teams were among the clubs with the most players on injured reserve, but the Lions still have enough offensive firepower to score 30-plus points. The 49ers have scored 23 points over the last two weeks.
Gagnon believes the 49ers, with all of their injuries, have run out of gas at this point of the season. He sees another decisive win for the Lions on Monday night.
"Detroit made a statement last week, while the 49ers look like they have nothing left. Five of their last six losses have come by at least six points, while the Lions already have seven double-digit-point victories this season. They'll likely make that eight on Monday night."
Predictions
Davenport: Lions
Gagnon: Lions
Hanford: Lions
Knox: Lions
Michelino: 49ers
Moton: Lions
O'Donnell: Lions
Sobleski: Lions
ATS Consensus: Lions -4
Score Prediction: Lions 30, 49ers 17
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Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5)
2 of 16
DK Line: Washington -5
Result (OT): Commanders 30, Falcons 24 (Washington covers)
In a matchup between teams with rookie quarterbacks and playoff implications, the Washington Commanders will host the Atlanta Falcons for Sunday Night Football.
With a win, the Commanders can clinch a playoff berth, while the Falcons need a victory to stay ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the top spot in the NFC South.
Jayden Daniels' electric play has re-energized Washington's franchise. He's helped change the outcome of two contests on game-winning plays, throwing a last-second Hail Mary touchdown pass to beat the Chicago Bears in Week 8 and a late touchdown pass to Jamison Crowder last week.
In the short term, Michael Penix Jr. has brought new life to the Falcons' aerial attack. In his debut last week, he threw for 202 yards and an interception, though tight end Kyle Pitts deserves the blame for bobbling a pass that led to the turnover.
Penix looked poised in his first career start though. Atlanta injected him into the starting lineup amid a playoff push, and he doesn't look rattled under center.
Knox took extra time to think about his lean for this game, and he trusts Commanders head coach Dan Quinn more than a rookie quarterback in his second start.
"This is a far tougher call than it would have been with Kirk Cousins behind center for Atlanta. The Falcons again control their own destiny in the NFC South, and they are a more threatening team offensively with Penix at quarterback. However, I expect Dan Quinn to have a plan to throw off the rookie while getting another strong performance from his own first-year signal-caller.
"Jayden Daniels and the Commanders just cut through an Eagles defense that is far more consistent than Atlanta's. The Eagles may still have lost that game if Jalen Hurts had stayed on the field for Philly, but the confidence the Commanders gained from the win can propel them to a very strong finish."
Predictions
Davenport: Commanders
Gagnon: Falcons
Hanford: Commanders
Knox: Commanders
Michelino: Commanders
Moton: Falcons
O'Donnell: Commanders
Sobleski: Falcons
ATS Consensus: Commanders -5
Score Prediction: Commanders 28, Falcons 21
Green Bay Packers (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
3 of 16
DK Line: Minnesota -2
Result: Vikings 27, Packers 25 (Push)
A couple of days ago, the Green Bay Packers shut out the New Orleans Saints 34-0. Now, they'll focus on a critical road matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
In the first meeting between these teams, Green Bay fell behind 28-0 by the second quarter. The Packers made a run to close the deficit, but they lost 31-29 at home.
The Packers are a different team now, though.
After throwing an interception in his first eight games of the season, Love hasn't turned the ball over since Week 11. Green Bay is also leaning on running back Josh Jacobs who's scored 10 touchdowns over the last six weeks.
The Minnesota Vikings' second-ranked run defense will challenge the Packers' surging ground game. The Vikings have also won eight in a row.
Michelino focused on Green Bay's passing game. He thinks Love will have a much better performance than his first one against the Vikings and lead his team to victory.
"It was all fireworks the last time these two met when Minnesota won at Lambeau Field after nearly blowing a 28-0 lead," Michelino recalled. "The Vikings held on to win 31-29 in a shootout, but Jordan Love made things very interesting in the second half after shaking off the rust in his return.
"It turned out to be a sign of things to come as both teams are now destined for the playoffs. It's easy to fall in love with the Vikings when Darnold is playing like a bonafide MVP candidate, and Justin Jefferson continues to showcase why he's the best receiver in the league.
"But when the calendar flips to December, in the midst of Toyotathon, Jordan Love elevates his game like no other. The Vikings deserve to be favored at home as the better all-around team, but the Packers are rolling, and they've played great on the road this year. I love getting the points here, I'll take them and run.
Predictions
Davenport: Vikings
Gagnon: Packers
Hanford: Vikings
Knox: Vikings
Michelino: Packers
Moton: Packers
O'Donnell: Packers
Sobleski: Packers
ATS Consensus: Packers +2
Score Prediction: Packers 28, Vikings 26
Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12)
4 of 16
DK Line: Miami -6.5
Result: Dolphins 20, Browns 3 (Miami covers)
The Miami Dolphins are clinging to faint playoff hopes that could go up in smoke if the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos win their games on Saturday.
For now, they have extra motivation to play their best ball in hopes of creeping through the backdoor of the playoffs.
Without wideout Jaylen Waddle (knee) last week, the Dolphins beat an injury-riddled San Francisco 49ers squad 29-17.
As Sobleski noted, the Dolphins won't have to deal with cold weather, so he expects them to knock off the Cleveland Browns with their third-string quarterback.
"Typically, the weather report isn't a big discussion point in these comments. However, the Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa isn't a cold-weather quarterback. It's a good thing the team's late December trip to Cleveland will be unseasonably warm. Current weather projections have the temperature rising to the mid-50s.
"Aside from that factor, Cleveland can't muster any offense with its current setup, led by second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Whereas the Dolphins can definitely score points, with 29 or more in four of the last six contests."
Predictions
Davenport: Dolphins
Gagnon: Dolphins
Hanford: Browns
Knox: Dolphins
Michelino: Dolphins
Moton: Dolphins
O'Donnell: Dolphins
Sobleski: Dolphins
ATS Consensus: Dolphins -6.5
Score Prediction: Dolphins 26, Browns 16
New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3)
5 of 16
DK Line: Buffalo -9.5
Result: Bills 40, Jets 14 (Buffalo covers)
The Buffalo Bills' streak of dominance hit a speed bump last week, but they edged out the New England Patriots with a 24-21 victory.
Some bettors who saw the Bills struggle with the Patriots at home will be hesitant to back them against the New York Jets, who have improved on the offensive side of the ball before a nine-point clunker last week.
However, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' status is uncertain due to a knee injury.
Rodgers told reporters he's dealing with a "little" MCL injury and will play on Sunday.
O'Donnell saw the Bills' letdown ATS coming last week, but he's back on them to cover on Sunday.
"The Bills predictably had their slip-up this past week against New England, winning only by three against a 14-point spread. The Jets think they have been 'better' of late, thanks to Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams reminiscing enough to put up some statistics.
"In reality, they're still a mess, only capable of a couple of fantasy football-managers-care type plays. This matchup historically plays a bit tighter than a two-score game, but I'll roll my dice with Josh Allen and the Bills imposing their will after the previous week's lackluster performance."
Predictions
Davenport: Bills
Gagnon: Bills
Hanford: Jets
Knox: Jets
Michelino: Bills
Moton: Bills
O'Donnell: Bills
Sobleski: Jets
ATS Consensus: Bills -9.5
Score Prediction: Bills 31, Jets 21
Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13)
6 of 16
DK Line: Indianapolis -8
Result: Giants 45, Colts 33 (New York covers)
The Indianapolis Colts have lost a lot of trust among our panel in recent weeks. They're 1-3 ATS in their previous four outings and nearly lost the cover to a rallying Tennessee Titans team that scored 23 unanswered points last week.
Yet the Colts will play the New York Giants, who are 4-11 ATS this season. At home, they're 2-6 ATS.
O'Donnell knows that the Colts' blunders could allow the Giants to tighten the score, but he believes they match up well against Big Blue's biggest weakness.
"There's no reasonable number of points to be spotted that will make me feel comfortable taking the Giants. The Colts are the type of team to do something stupid enough to make this closer than it should be, but hopefully, they can lean on Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson and attempt as few passes as possible.
"Running wild on the league's second-worst rushing defense seems like something Indy should be more than capable of doing while thwarting whatever Big Blue thinks is an offensive game plan these days. Two weeks in a row of conservative vs. inept—and I'll stick with conservative."
Predictions
Davenport: Giants
Gagnon: Giants
Hanford: Colts
Knox: Giants
Michelino: Colts
Moton: Colts
O'Donnell: Colts
Sobleski: Giants
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Colts 24, Giants 15
Carolina Panthers (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
7 of 16
DK Line: Tampa Bay -8
Result: Buccaneers 48, Panthers 14 (Tampa Bay covers)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost control of their pathway to the playoffs in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but they can regain the top spot in the NFC South with a win and an Atlanta Falcons loss to the Washington Commanders.
Though the Buccaneers field the fifth-ranked scoring offense, they're way too careless with the football, committing 10 turnovers in their last five games. Fittingly, they fumbled away the game against the Cowboys.
The Buccaneers will likely play a cleaner game after a crucial loss, and the Panthers are tied for 20th in takeaways.
Remember, though, these teams battled into overtime in Week 13. Tampa Bay barely beat Carolina 26-23.
Sobleski noted the Panthers' recent strides despite their poor record. He expects Carolina to make Tampa Bay sweat it out through four quarters.
"Credit needs to go where it's due, and the Panthers have been playing relatively well," Sobleski said with applause. "Carolina has remained mostly competitive since the team's Week 11 bye. Don't let the 1-4 record during that stretch fool you.
"The upcoming contest against the Buccaneers has an eight-point spread, while the Panthers' average margin of loss since their bye week is seven, which is skewed by a 16-point defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys.
"Bryce Young and Co. are starting to figure it out, and this contest should be close."
Predictions
Davenport: Panthers
Gagnon: Panthers
Hanford: Panthers
Knox: Panthers
Michelino: Panthers
Moton: Buccaneers
O'Donnell: Buccaneers
Sobleski: Panthers
ATS Consensus: Panthers +8
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Panthers 26
Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10)
8 of 16
DK Line: New Orleans -1.5
Result: Raiders 25, Saints 10 (Las Vegas covers)
The New Orleans Saints couldn't get anything going against the Green Bay Packers last Monday. They went scoreless, with backup quarterback Spencer Rattler filling in for an injured Derek Carr.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara missed that game with a groin injury. The team opened up wideout Chris Olave's 21-day practice window, which gives him a chance to return soon.
With all the Saints' injuries on the offensive side of the ball, Moton likes the Raiders to win back-to-back games.
"Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce made it clear that he doesn't care about a 2025 draft pick," Moton said. "And even though he leads a flawed team (check the record), his players still exert maximum effort on the field.
"While we can debate which team is worse, the Raiders' key offensive playmakers are healthy. Budding star tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers will be the difference in this game.
"The Silver and Black win consecutive contests, knocking off an injury-riddled Saints squad that will struggle to score points twice this week."
Predictions
Davenport: Raiders
Gagnon: Saints
Hanford: Raiders
Knox: Raiders
Michelino: Raiders
Moton: Raiders
O'Donnell: Raiders
Sobleski: Raiders
ATS Consensus: Raiders +1.5
Score Prediction: Raiders 20, Saints 13
Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)
9 of 16
DK Line: Jacksonville -1
Result: Jaguars 20, Titans 13 (Jacksonville covers)
As one would expect, three-win division rivals have a pick 'em line. In Week 14, the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 10-6 in an uneventful game. This contest won't spur much offensive excitement, but the near-even line will make bettors sweat.
Moton believes the Titans' quarterback switch from Will Levis to Mason Rudolph gives them the edge in another low-scoring contest.
"Will Levis isn't a franchise quarterback, but he's good enough to move the ball against one of the league's worst pass defenses," Moton said.
"Over the last two weeks, Rudolph has thrown for 461 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. Of course, he will likely turn the ball over one or two times, but the Titans should be able to generate enough offensive production to overcome their mistakes. They have scored 57 points in their last two outings.
"Tennessee will avenge its Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville."
Predictions
Davenport: Jaguars
Gagnon: Jaguars
Hanford: Titans
Knox: Titans
Michelino: Titans
Moton: Titans
O'Donnell: Titans
Sobleski: Titans
ATS Consensus: Titans +1
Score Prediction: Titans 21, Jaguars 19
Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
10 of 16
DK Line: Philadelphia -9.5
Result: Eagles 41, Cowboys 7 (Philadelphia covers)
Despite the uncertainty around quarterback Jalen Hurts, oddsmakers gave the Philadelphia Eagles a massive edge with this line.
Nonetheless, the Eagles were on a hot streak, winning 10 consecutive games before a disheartening loss to the Washington Commanders last week.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys haven't checked out of a losing season. Even after a Commanders win eliminated them from playoff contention, the Cowboys upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win their fourth game in five weeks, with backup quarterback Cooper Rush filling in for an injured Dak Prescott.
Bettors should wait for news on Hurts to take a strong stance on this matchup, but Michelino will side with Dallas regardless of the Eagles' quarterback situation.
"What a difference a week makes! Despite contrasting records and playoff outlook, it almost feels like the momentum has completely reversed for the Cowboys and Eagles heading into this matchup. It's been a lost season for Dallas, but that doesn't mean there isn't still plenty to play for in terms of pride and effort.
"It would've been easy to roll over after losing Dak for the season, but Mike McCarthy still has this team playing hard, scheming up creative ways to win (and keeping Jerry Jones happy in the process).
"The short-term outlook for Philly is a little more blurred, as we still don't know if Jalen Hurts (concussion) will be cleared to play for Week 17. The Kenny Pickett experience dampers both the outlook for the Eagles' prospects and Saquon's chance to break the rushing record.
"With the Cowboys playing spirited football and Micah Parsons' ability to wreck a game, it's hard to pass up taking that many points in this division matchup, even with Hurts under center. I think they give Jerry another reason to smile this week."
Predictions
Davenport: Cowboys
Gagnon: Eagles
Hanford: Cowboys
Knox: Cowboys
Michelino: Cowboys
Moton: Cowboys
O'Donnell: Eagles
Sobleski: Cowboys
ATS Consensus: Cowboys +9.5
Score Prediction: Eagles 24, Cowboys 20
Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
11 of 16
DK Line: Los Angeles -5.5
Result: Rams 13, Cardinals 9 (Arizona covers)
Like last year, the Los Angeles Rams are on a hot streak in the latter half of the season. In 2023, the Rams lost one regular-season game after their Week 10 bye. They're on a four-game winning streak and have beaten five of their last six opponents.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have faded over the past several weeks. Following their Week 11 bye, they have lost four of five contests. Though overall, Cardinals two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray has disappointed as a passer this season, throwing for 16 touchdowns while averaging 219.2 passing yards in 15 games.
As these teams trend in opposite directions, Knox expects the Rams to even their season series with the Cardinals.
"I'm always leery of divisional games, and the Cardinals did win the first meeting convincingly. However, Los Angeles has become a markedly better—and healthier—team since then, while Arizona has declined," Knox said. "I think coaching and preparation will make the difference here.
"The Rams keep showing up big for pivotal games, while the Cardinals have repeatedly appeared ill-prepared. With nothing left to play for, I just don't see Jonathan Gannon's squad putting up the fight we're likely to see out of the Rams this week."
Predictions
Davenport: Cardinals
Gagnon: Rams
Hanford: Rams
Knox: Rams
Michelino: Rams
Moton: Rams
O'Donnell: Rams
Sobleski: Cardinals
ATS Consensus: Rams -5.5
Score Prediction: Rams 31, Cardinals 24
Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
12 of 16
DK Line: Cincinnati -3
Result (OT): Bengals 30, Broncos 24 (Cincinnati covers)
The Cincinnati Bengals must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bengals need their sixth-ranked scoring offense to produce at a high level in a tough matchup to cover the spread.
Joe Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards (4,229) and touchdowns (39). His top receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, is the No. 1 pass-catcher in receptions (108), receiving yards (1,510) and touchdowns (16).
On the other hand, the Bengals also need their 28th-ranked scoring defense to make crucial stops, which may be an issue for them.
Davenport backed Denver to win outright because he thinks its fourth-ranked scoring defense will slow down Cincinnati's high-powered offense.
"This spread indicates that Vegas sees these teams as fairly evenly matched, which is a bit surprising. The Bengals still have a faint chance of making the playoffs after their best defensive performance of the season against the Browns last week, but said performance says a lot more about how abjectly awful Dorian Thompson-Robinson is than any defensive improvement by Cincinnati.
"Seriously, Cleveland. Just roll out Sal the Nacho Vendor at quarterback. It would be less embarrassing for the franchise. An M1 Abrams isn't that obvious a tank.
"Denver gave up 34 last week in Los Angeles, but it still has a far superior defense—and the Broncos pass rush should have success against a suspect Cincinnati line.
"Joe Cool and Ja'Marr Chase will get theirs, but Denver's offense isn't cat food. The Bengals aren't going to look so stout against a quarterback capable of forward passes.
"Denver locks down a playoff spot while making the Bengals feel like that person who decides to try fruitcake and then spends 36 hours in the bathroom."
Predictions
Davenport: Broncos
Gagnon: Bengals
Hanford: Bengals
Knox: Broncos
Michelino: Broncos
Moton: Bengals
O'Donnell: Broncos
Sobleski: Bengals
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Broncos 30, Bengals 27
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12)
13 of 16
DK Line: Los Angeles -4.5
Result: Chargers 40, Patriots 7 (Los Angeles covers)
Last Thursday, the Los Angeles Chargers won a crucial contest with the Denver Broncos, and they're one win away from a playoff berth.
As road favorites, the Chargers are 3-1 ATS, and their offense seems like it's back on track. Last week, Los Angeles scored more than 17 points for the first time in about a month.
The Chargers opened up running back J.K. Dobbins' 21-day practice window, though he may be a long shot to play on Thursday.
Regardless, Davenport sided with the Chargers, who have more at stake than the playoff-eliminated New England Patriots.
"A pretty good argument can be made here for taking New England and the points at home—it's a sizable spread for a team traveling east for an early game on a Saturday," Davenport said. "The Pats also hung around for most of last week's game against the Bills before eventually losing by a field goal.
"But the Bolts are coming off an impressive win over Denver. The Chargers are playing for something besides pride and screwing up their draft slot (Looking at you, Raiders. Looking. Right. At. You.). And while the Los Angeles run game remains a concern, a combination of Justin Herbert's right arm and a stout L.A. defense will propel the Chargers to a seven-point win and cover."
Predictions
Davenport: Chargers
Gagnon: Patriots
Hanford: Chargers
Knox: Chargers
Michelino: Patriots
Moton: Chargers
O'Donnell: Chargers
Sobleski: Chargers
ATS Consensus: Chargers -4.5
Score Prediction: Chargers 26, Patriots 20
Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
14 of 16
DraftKings Line: Kansas City -2.5
Result: Chiefs 29, Steelers 10 (Kansas City covers)
The Kansas City Chiefs have covered the spread in consecutive weeks, and a victory on Wednesday or a Buffalo Bills loss on Sunday would give them home-field advantage in the AFC. If the Chiefs lock up the No. 1 seed, they may sit their starters in Week 18, an extra incentive to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Although Patrick Mahomes didn't show any lingering effects from his ankle injury in last week's game, he could use the rest. The same goes for Chris Jones, who exited that contest with a calf injury.
The Chiefs will face a tough challenge in Pittsburgh, though.
George Pickens (hamstring) has gone through full practices, indicating that he will return from a three-game absence. With him, the Steelers offense will get a much-needed boost after the unit scored just 30 points over the last two weeks.
With Pickens and safety DeShon Elliott likely to play on Wednesday, Hanford took the Steelers to win outright.
"Reinforcements should come for Pittsburgh on Christmas in the form of George Pickens and DeShon Elliott," Hanford said. "This game caps off a brutal three games in an 11-day stretch that has already featured losses to the Eagles and the Ravens, but I see this as a get-right opportunity for Mike Tomlin's squad.
"The Chiefs do not boast the same kind of explosive offense that either Baltimore or Philadelphia currently have, and the Steelers have the pass rush to exploit Kansas City's shaky play at offensive tackle.
"I expect Jaylen Warren's expanded role to continue and George Pickens to have a major impact in his (likely) return to the field. The Chiefs have walked a fine line all season long, but the Steelers get it done at home and win a tight one.
Predictions
Davenport: Chiefs
Gagnon: Chiefs
Hanford: Steelers
Knox: Chiefs
Michelino: Steelers
Moton: Chiefs
O'Donnell: Steelers
Sobleski: Steelers
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Steelers 23, Chiefs 21
Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at Houston Texans (9-6)
15 of 16
DK Line: Baltimore -5.5
Result: Ravens 31, Texans 2 (Baltimore covers)
Following a Week 13 bye, the Baltimore Ravens have outscored their opponents 69-31. They still have a chance to win the AFC North title.
On the road, the Ravens will face an injury-riddled Houston Texans squad.
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell will miss the remainder of the season with a dislocated kneecap and a torn ACL. Guard Shaq Mason is week-to-week with a knee injury. Already without wideout Stefon Diggs, Houston may be concerned about the pileup of injuries before its wild-card matchup.
If that's the case, the Ravens could run away with this game, and they may play with more urgency if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose in the first Christmas Day contest. If Pittsburgh loses, Baltimore would control its destiny toward a division title.
Hanford sided with Baltimore because he has no faith in Houston keeping pace with its key injuries on offense.
"I just don't see Houston putting up the points necessary to beat Baltimore here. The Ravens average around seven points per game more than Houston on the season, and C.J. Stroud just lost another weapon after Tank Dell suffered a devastating injury last week.
"The Ravens are fighting for the AFC North crown and are 5-2 against the spread as a road favorite this season. I see this as a repeat of last year's playoff matchup and don't think Houston is quite ready to score with the Ravens' prolific offense. Ravens win by a touchdown."
Predictions
Davenport: Texans
Gagnon: Ravens
Hanford: Ravens
Knox: Ravens
Michelino: Ravens
Moton: Ravens
O'Donnell: Texans
Sobleski: Ravens
ATS Consensus: Ravens -5.5
Score Prediction: Ravens 28, Texans 22
Seattle Seahawks (8-7) at Chicago Bears (4-11)
16 of 16
DK Line: Seattle -3
Result: Seahawks 6, Bears 3 (Push)
Although the Seattle Seahawks have lost consecutive games, they're still in the mix for the NFC West title. Seattle is getting three points against the team with the second-longest active losing streak.
On the road, Seattle is 5-1 straight up and 4-1-1 ATS.
Meanwhile, the Bears' interim staff has been outcoached since they fired Matt Eberflus.
Gagnon couldn't make a case to back the home underdogs. He's sided with the Seahawks, who have traveled well this season.
"It's pretty tough to get behind the Bears with only a few points in one's back pocket at this stage," Gagnon said. "They haven't won since mid-October, and they looked shot in Week 16 despite another decent showing from Caleb Williams.
"The Seahawks have something to play for here, and the Seahawks haven't lost on the road since September. They should take care of business in this spot."
Predictions
Davenport: Bears
Gagnon: Seahawks
Hanford: Seahawks
Knox: Seahawks
Michelino: Seahawks
Moton: Seahawks
O'Donnell: Seahawks
Sobleski: Bears
ATS Consensus: Seahawks -3
Score Prediction: Seahawks 24, Bears 17
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