Top Three NFL Underdog Bets in Week 17

Underdogs should provide bettors with decent value in Week 17 as teams are trying to get into the playoffs. With eight total playoff berths still available, there are still plenty of meaningful games in the last two weeks of the season.

Here’s a look at the current NFL odds and my top three NFL underdog bets for Week 17.

Chiefs at Bengals (+5.5)

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 2nd
• Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH

The Kansas City Chiefs have clinched a playoff spot and their division. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are sitting in the third seed, but they haven’t clinched a postseason spot yet. If they end the season with two losses, they could find themselves eliminated from the playoffs.

Regardless, the Bengals are coming off a 41-21 win over the Baltimore Ravens, where Joe Burrow looked terrific. He threw for 525 yards and four touchdowns against the division rival.

Burrow has played well lately, posting a passer rating no lower than 103.8 in his last three games. He’s led the Cincinnati offense to 1st in yards per pass attempt (8.7) and 8th in pass yards per game (259.0).

The Chiefs’ defense ranks 25th in passing yards allowed per game (245.7) and 20th in passing yards per attempt allowed per attempt (6.8).

Cincinnati has the fourth-best rushing defense (92.1 yards per game), which will help the Bengals get the Chiefs’ offense, which leads the league in third-down conversions (51.67%), off the field.

Even though Kansas City has a great offense, ranking 3rd in yards per game, they only average 0.8 more points per game than the Bengals.

While I think the Chiefs will win this game, I believe the Bengals can stop Kansas City’s running game in third and short situations. I also think that Joe Burrows and the Bengals’ passing attack will keep this game close. As such, I’m taking the Bengals to cover the 5.5-points.

Eagles at Washington (+4)

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 2nd
• Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: FedExField in Landover, MD

These teams played two weeks ago in Philadelphia in a game that the Philadelphia Eagles won 27-17.

In the last meeting between these two teams, the Eagles beat the Washington Football Team by tallying 238 rushing yards to Washington’s 63.

I expect Washington to focus on stopping the Eagles’ ground game this time. The Washington defense ranks 8th in rush yards allowed per game.

I believe the Miles Sanders injury will play a significant role in this game. Sanders, who had 131 yards on the ground versus Washington in Week 15, will be sidelined for this contest due to a hand injury. That should weaken the Eagles’ rushing attack and make it easier for Washington to contain Philadelphia on the ground. I like Washington to keep this game within a field goal, thus covering the spread.

Rams at Ravens (+3.5)

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 2nd
• Time: 4:25 p.m. EST
• Venue: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD

The Ravens haven’t won a game since Nov. 28th. I think this is a great bounce-back spot at home for them, though.

With either Lamar Jackson or Tyler Huntley at quarterback in Week 17, the Ravens should have a lethal ground game that could give the Rams problems.

Both Jackson and Huntley have shown that they can pick up yards on the ground. Jackson is the team’s leading rusher, and against Green Bay, Huntley rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns.

The last time the Los Angeles Rams played a top-ten rushing team in the Cardinals, they gave up 61 yards to Kyler Murray and two touchdowns to running back James Conner.

The Ravens are third in the NFL in time of possession (54.02%). I expect them to use their running game to keep the Rams’ offense off the field and control the clock. I believe the Ravens will win this game.

Week 17: NFL Underdog Bets

This week, NFL underdog bets offer us great value. With so many playoff spots still on the line, this week should make for some exciting betting action. Which one of these underdog bets is your favorite?

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