NFL Picks Week 17: Baltimore hosts Miami in AFC clash

The NFL regular season is down to the final two weeks and final playoff seedings have yet to be decided. There are numerous crucial games yet to be played. We’ll take a look at five of those with the Ravens hosting the Dolphins as the featured game.

Miami Dolphins versus Baltimore Ravens

Both teams come into play “burning hot” with the AFC number one seed on the line. Baltimore can clinch the spot with a win and Miami can move into first with a win with one week left. Baltimore is  3.5-point home favorite with odds of -161 to +136 and an over/under of 47.5.  The teams have been trending in games “over” the line and the score prediction is a 35-20 blowout by the Ravens with 79 percent confidence. Baltimore is 4-1 in their last five games as favorites. They also have a +31 to +28 edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. After demolishing San Francisco last week, the Ravens are clear favorites and it’s hard to pick against them. Go with Baltimore to win and cover in a game “over” the line.

Tennessee Titans versus Houston Texans

Neither team enters playing their best football. Tennessee is 2-4 over their last six, while Houston is 3-3 over the same period. Houston is a 5.5-point favorite with odds of -244 to +197 with an over/under of 43.5.  The teams have been involved mainly in games “under” the line, but the score prediction is for a 50-point total with 71 percent confidence. Houston has a +19 to +4 edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. They won the first meeting between the teams a few weeks ago by a 19-16 score in overtime. I like the Texans to repeat with another win, but feel Tennessee will cover but will pass on the over/under bet.

Cincinnati Bengals versus Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City looks to get back on track after losing four of their last six games. Cincinnati is coming off a loss after winning their previous three. The Chiefs are 6.5-point home favorites with odds of -333 to +267 and an over/under of 44.5. Cincinnati is a five-star underdog value pick. The score prediction is for Kansas City to win, 28-22, with 51 percent confidence. If that held up, the Bengals would cover.  There is a 78 percent chance that one score will decide the game. Cincinnati has a +23 to +18 edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. I like Kansas City to win, but Cincinnati to cover in a game “over” the line.

Pittsburgh Steelers versus Seattle Seahawks

Both teams enter at 8-7 with decent playoff chances, but this game is vitally important. Seattle is “average up” versus “ice cold down” after two straight wins. The Seahawks are 3.5-point home favorites with odds of -161 to +136 with an over/under of 40.5. The teams have been trending in games on opposite sides of the line. The score prediction is for Seattle to demolish Pittsburgh by a 37-13 score but with only 58 confidence. Seattle has won their last five games as favorites. Note that the Steelers have been very inconsistent with regard to their favorite/underdog status. I like Seattle to cruise in this one, winning in double digits in a game “over” the line.

New Orleans Saints versus Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Saints come in “ice cold down” after a 2-4 stretch while Tampa Bay is “burning hot” after a four-game winning streak. This game is important in the extremely tight NFC South. The Buccaneers are 2.5-point favorites with odds of -139 to +113 with an over/under of 42.5. The teams have been trending on opposite sides of the line and the score prediction has Tampa Bay by 31-16 with 71 percent confidence. The Saints lost by 17 points at home in the first meeting between the teams. Both teams have been moderately consistent with regard to their favorite/underdog status. Note that the Buccaneers have won four of their last five as favorites. I like Tampa Bay at home to win and cover but pass on the over/under bet.