NFL Week 17 Betting Preview

There are only two weeks left in the NFL regular season, and several teams still have work to do if they want to make the playoffs. As always, UK viewers can catch the action on Sky Sports NFL, with RedZone available via NFL Game Pass. Two more games are scheduled on Christmas Day UK time as the Dallas Cowboys face the Washington Commanders, while there’s an NFC North battle to look forward to between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, while the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos overnight. There are three more games before the regular Sunday slate, including the clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers, which could decide playoff matters in both the AFC and NFC.

Game 1 – Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings (Thursday, 21:30)

Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions will hope to get their season back on track after last week’s 29-24 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Lions now have an 8-7 record, which means they remain in the hunt for the playoffs, but need to win out and hope other teams help them out. Thankfully for them, the Vikings look to have injury woes, which should improve Detroit’s chances of victory.

Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered an injury to his throwing hand last week and he is not expected to feature on Thursday, in what is a short week for the Vikings. Backup Max Brosmer has only started one game and he threw four interceptions as the Vikings lost 26-0 to the Seattle Seahawks. With a rookie at the helm, expect the Vikings to regress, and this looks like a perfect spot for the Lions to get back on track.

Tip 1: Detroit Lions -6.0 @ 10/11 with bet365

Game 2 – Baltimore Ravens vs Green Bay Packers (Sunday 01:00)

Neither the Ravens nor the Packers have done enough to cement their postseason spot and it would be great to witness a high-scoring game as both teams put it on the line. Sadly, starting quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Jordan Love are both doubtful and it may be a late decision for either to feature. Green Bay only managed to score 16 points against the Chicago Bears last week, so it looks better to be on the unders with so much at stake this weekend.

Tip 2: Under 40.5 Points @ 10/11 with bet365

Game 3 – Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 18:00)

The Indianapolis Colts are in disarray after five straight defeats. They have gone from Super Bowl contenders to possibly missing out on the playoffs. However, they host their AFC South rivals Jacksonville this week and the spread looks a little big in the Jaguars’ favour. Yes, the visitors should win, but the return of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has helped the Colts stay competitive. Their defence let them down against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, but Rivers knows the offence and playbook like the back of his hand. Jacksonville have won six games in a row, but they have conceded 19 points or more in four of those ties, so they are far from perfect. Expect the veteran and running back Jonathan Taylor to go down swinging in a must-win game for the Colts.

Tip 3: Indianapolis Colts +6.5 @ 10/11 with bet365