Pro Picks is a regular feature that highlights predictions for upcoming NFL games. With the stakes high in Week 17, teams will be fighting for playoff spots, draft positions, and much more. This holiday week will be packed with football action, featuring NFL games on five out of six days, including a Christmas Day doubleheader showcasing four of the top five teams in the AFC.

In a mid-week clash, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, delivered an impressive 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Russell Wilson struggled. Immediately following, two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens dominated the Houston Texans, winning decisively at 31-2. The only Thursday night game features the Bears squaring off against the Seahawks, while three Saturday matchups set the stage for a lighter Sunday with just nine games on the docket. The Week 17 action concludes with the 49ers facing the Lions on Monday night.

Here’s a prediction rundown for this week’s matchups.

**Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England (3-12)**
**Line:** Chargers -4
To lock in a wild-card spot, the Chargers will need to win this matchup. Though the Patriots recently fought hard against the Bills, they have struggled at home, dropping their last eight December games. With Justin Herbert undefeated against the spread (ATS) when playing in the Eastern time zone, expect a win for the Chargers.
**Best Bet: Chargers 23-16**

**Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)**
**Line:** Bengals -3
Cincinnati needs a win to stay calculated in the playoff race as they have been favored 12 times despite a less-than-ideal record. On the other hand, the Broncos also strive for a wild-card spot. They boast a strong 11-4 ATS record and may upset the Bengals.
**Upset Special: Broncos 23-22**

**Seattle Seahawks (8-7) at Chicago Bears (4-11)**
**Line:** Seahawks -3.5
The Seahawks are looking to stay in contention for a slim playoff chance, while the Bears are on an unfortunate nine-game losing streak. Expect Geno Smith and Jaxon Smith-Njigba to exploit Chicago’s struggling pass defense.
**Seahawks: 26-20**

**Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6)**
**Line:** Rams -6.5
With a four-game winning streak, the Rams are close to clinching the NFC West. They seek revenge against the Cardinals after a previous lopsided defeat. Arizona has been eliminated from playoff contention, leaving them to play disruptor. With a solid rushing game led by Kyren Williams, look for a strong performance from the Rams.
**Rams: 26-16**

**New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3)**
**Line:** Bills -9.5
The outcome of this matchup will depend on whether the Bills have secured the top seed in the AFC beforehand. As they prioritize keeping Josh Allen and their key players healthy, they still cannot overlook the Jets, led by Aaron Rodgers.
**Bills: 27-16**

**Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10)**
**Line:** Raiders -1
The Raiders are in a tough spot, possibly hurting their draft prospects with wins. Saints’ coach wants to finish the season strong, but the players are primarily focused on securing victory over draft implications.
**Raiders: 20-16**

**Carolina Panthers (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)**
**Line:** Buccaneers -8
The Panthers seek to spoil the Buccaneers’ playoff ambitions. As both teams come into this game seeking improvement, Chuba Hubbard’s performance combined with Baker Mayfield’s managing of risk will be crucial.
**Buccaneers: 26-20**

**Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)**
**Line:** Jaguars -1
This matchup may ironically hinder both teams’ standings in the draft. With both squads struggling, watching out for a close contest is key.
**Titans: 19-17**

**Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13)**
**Line:** Colts -7.5
The Giants need to avoid losing the top draft pick, while the Colts still cling to playoff aspirations. A powerful offensive outing from Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson could spell trouble for New York.
**Colts: 27-16**

**Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)**
**Line:** Eagles -9
After being eliminated from playoff contention, the Cowboys can only aim for a winning record. The Eagles need to win for their position in the NFC East. If star QB Jalen Hurts can’t play, Dallas may seize the opportunity.
**Eagles: 24-17**

**Green Bay Packers (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2)**
**Line:** Packers -1
The Vikings are positioning themselves for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, making this matchup critical as they face a familiar rival. A statement game looms on the horizon with home-field advantage at stake.
**Vikings: 27-22**

**Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12)**
**Line:** Dolphins -6.5
Tua Tagovailoa will lead the Dolphins in hopes of keeping playoff hopes alive in adverse weather. Meanwhile, the Browns will look to keep their first-round pick status intact with a loss.
**Dolphins: 25-16**

**Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5)**
**Line:** Commanders -4
As both teams are highly competitive in the playoffs, rookie quarterbacks battling will provide an intriguing game dynamic. With Washington seeking a playoff berth, this matchup is pivotal.
**Commanders: 24-23**

**Detroit Lions (13-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-9)**
**Line:** Lions -3.5
Although the 49ers are out of the playoff race, the Lions are still aiming to secure the top seed in the NFC by winning. This game’s outcome will hinge on Detroit’s performance as they maneuver postseason preparations.
**Lions: 26-23**

In summary, last week’s performance included a record of 12 wins to 4 losses, with an ATS of 8-7-1. Overall, the performance reflects a strong record of 170-72 straight up and 132-106-4 against the spread. As crunch time approaches, preparatory strategies will significantly impact the last games of the season.