Free NFL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets For Week 17 (2024)
The 2024 NFL season is flying by, and we’ve got you covered with our free NFL picks, predictions & best bets today. In this article, we’ll break down our top free NFL picks against the spread and highlight the best bets for Week 17 NFL betting action. Additionally, we’ll share the top NFL betting targets for your favorite sportsbook. Let’s win some money together.
Free NFL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets – Week 17
Week 17 is here, and it is the gift that keeps on giving. Kick-started by the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens picking up wins on Christmas Day, Sunday’s slate of games also features a battle between two NFC North titans in the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Sam Darnold and company need to win out if they hope to capture the number one seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.
The day culminates in a battle between two rookie quarterbacks on Sunday Night Football, with Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons battling Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. The two first-year signal callers finished one-two in the Heisman Trophy voting a year ago and have their teams in position to make the postseason. Atlanta could lock up the NFC South with a win and a loss by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Without further ado, as always, there are picks to be made and money to be won. Coming off a 2-3-1 week, here are the picks. Let’s get into our Free NFL Picks with predictions and best bets for Week 17.
Carolina Panthers (+7.5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7.5)
Following Carolina’s week two loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Panthers head coach Dave Canales choose to bench Bryce Young. However, since returning to the starter’s role in week 8, the Alabama product has looked like the franchise quarterback that led Carolina to select him first overall. Over his last eight games, Young has thrown ten touchdown passes while completing over 60 percent of his passes.
Following their 26-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Buccaneers no longer control their own destiny in the NFC South. They need to win out and have the Falcons drop one of their next two games in order to capture the division crown. Tampa Bay has won four straight games against Carolina and will have no margin for error in this one with its playoff hopes on the line. Nonetheless, the first matchup between these two teams went to overtime early on in the season. Give me the road team to cover a generous number in one of the sneaky good games of the weekend.
Pick: Panthers (+7.5)
Dallas Cowboys (+7.0) vs Philadelphia Eagles (-7.0)
Dallas has played its best football of the season over the last month despite being eliminated from postseason contention in the NFC. The Cowboys have won four of their last five games, including wins over the Commanders and Buccaneers. Furthermore, Cooper Rush has thrown nine touchdown passes with just one interception over that period.
Now likely out of the running for the number one seed in the NFC, the Eagles fell 36-33 in a thriller to the Washington Commanders. Along with this, Jalen Hurts exited the game in the first quarter after suffering a concussion. Set to turn to Kenny Pickett for the second straight week; the former Pittsburgh Steeler played well in relief of Hurts on Sunday. Philadelphia has the better roster and needs a victory to clinch the NFC East. With that said, this is a generous number. I’ll take the Cowboys to cover.
Pick: Cowboys (+7.0)
Atlanta Falcons (+4.5) vs Washington Commanders (-4.5)
Penix Jr. played well in his first start in the NFL. The Washington Huskies product completed 18 of his 27 passes for 205 yards. The Falcons also rushed for 127 yards, leading them to a 34-7 blowout victory over the New York Giants. Now in the NFC South driver’s seat, Atlanta needs to win out to lock up the division crown.
Daniels added another vintage moment to one of the best rookie seasons ever by a quarterback. The reigning number two overall pick tossed five touchdown passes in the team’s win over the Eagles. Washington’s defense has struggled against the run this season. They have given up the fourth most rushing yards per game, including a 150-yard performance by Saquon Barkley on Sunday. Pair that with the emotion of coming off a major divisional victory, and this could be an upset spot for the Commanders.
Pick: Falcons (+4.5)
Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs San Francisco 49ers (+3.5)
In a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship game, many expected this contest to be for the number one seed in the NFC. Instead, Detroit will look to stay perfect on the road and potentially lock up the NFC North if the Vikings fall to the Packers. Dan Campbell’s group bounced back after a week 15 loss. They pounded the Bears 34-17 while racking up 475 yards of total offense.
Sunday was a microcosm of San Francisco’s season. The 49ers trailed the Miami Dolphins by three at halftime before faltering in the game’s final 30 minutes. They managed just seven points while committing multiple self-inflicted wounds. Kyle Shanahan’s group was penalized 11 times for 90 yards. Moreover, it was announced on Thursday that Trent Williams would be shut down for the season due to an ankle injury. San Francisco has covered just once in its last seven games. Look for the Lions to roll on Monday night.
Pick: Lions (-3.5)
Las Vegas Raiders vs New Orleans Saints (O/U 38.0)
Las Vegas snapped its ten-game losing skid by defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 19-14 in a battle between two teams fighting for the first overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. Remaining one of the worst offenses in the NFL, the Raiders have not scored more than 20 points in a game in two months. Furthermore, they rank last in the league in rushing yards per game (77.5) and 28th in total offense (300.1).
New Orleans became the first team to be shut out during the 2024 season, falling 34-0 to the Packers. They managed just 196 total yards while turning the ball over twice. Neither Derek Carr nor Alvin Kamara has practiced this week, meaning Rattler will likely start again on Sunday. I cannot see either of these teams scoring 20 points.
Pick: Under 38.0
Tennessee Titans vs Jacksonville Jaguars (O/U 40.5)
This game will matter only for draft positioning in a matchup between two AFC South teams. Tennessee has lost four games in a row, including a 38-30 loss to the Colts on Sunday. However, Mason Rudolph has been a clear upgrade over Will Levis, leading the Titans to eclipse the 25-point plateau in back-to-back games.
Jacksonville has dropped seven of its last eight games and could move into the top three of the draft order with a loss. Continuing to struggle on the defensive side of the ball, the Jaguars have given up the fourth most passing touchdowns in the league. Furthermore, they rank last in passing yards allowed per game (263) and 27th in third-down percentage (43.4). In the corner TV game of all corner TV games, play the over in this one.
Pick: Over 40.5
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