NFL Week #17 (2018 season)
NFL WEEK #17
BY PROFESSOR MJ
We would have gone 3-0 last week if the Jets had not squandered a 15-point fourth quarter lead, but that's okay as we still got a nice 2-1 record.
Leans
4 unofficial picks for you this week. Pretty unusual: they are all on favorites!
Buffalo Bills -4.5 vs Miami Dolphins. It should be cold in Buffalo this weekend, and the warm weather team from Miami is not going to like it. The Dolphins have only won once in Buffalo over the past six meetings. The longest tenured Buffalo Bill, Kyle Williams, has announced he will retire after this game. Expect his team to put an extra effort, while Miami has nothing to play for.
New York Giants -5.5 vs Dallas Cowboys. The weather could also play a role in this one, while favoring the home team. It will likely be Eli Manning's last home game so plenty of motivation for him, while Dallas is locked into the #4 seed for the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings -4.5 vs Chicago Bears. The Vikings need a win to clinch a playoff spot, or hope that the Eagles lose in Washington (which is unlikely). The Bears are unlikely to need a win, unless the Rams drop their game against the 49ers. Chicago traveled all the way to San Francisco last week, so they could be more fatigued (and with less incentive, like I mentioned earlier). The Bears have not been great on the road this season, except for a blowout in Buffalo.
Baltimore Ravens -5.5 vs Cleveland Browns. Hats off to Baker Mayfield for a great rookie campaign, but I expect him to get a reality check in a tough environment against a great defense. The Ravens win, and they are AFC North champions (while eliminating the Steelers). It's a huge game for them and I see them shutting down Cleveland's offense. Maybe a 27-10 win. The Ravens played last Saturday so they are benefiting from an extra day of preparation.
Week #17 Picks
Last year we finished with a 61.0% winning percentage. We won't reach such a high mark this season, but still a profitable year:
Season record: 25-19 (56.8% winning percentage).
For the final week of the regular season, I've got 3 solid picks for you. They are rated 4, 3 and 2 stars, respectively. I do feel very good about them. It also includes a pick on the Sunday night showdown between the Colts and Titans.
Click here to get my last 3 picks of the season!
Happy Holidays!
Professor MJ