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NFL lines, Week 17: 5 best bets

By John Buhler

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 10: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sidelines during the second half of the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Titans 12-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 10: Head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sidelines during the second half of the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Titans 12-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Cam Newton No. 1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Cam Newton No. 1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers (+4) at Atlanta Falcons

I’m setting myself up for a win-win here alright. My hometown Atlanta Falcons have been arguably the most frustrating watch in the NFC this year. Some weeks, they look like they can get back to the Super Bowl. Other weeks, they don’t get set and get buzz sawed by the New Orleans Saints in a huge rivalry game.

Atlanta will host its other big rival in the Carolina Panthers on late Sunday afternoon. If Atlanta wins, the Falcons are in the NFC playoffs for a second straight year. Should they win, it will be by a field goal or like a point or something. Since Carolina still has something to play for in terms of seeding, I’m taking the Panthers getting four on the road versus the Falcons.

Keep in mind that Cam Newton is an Atlanta area native. Playing his hometown Falcons in the dome is always a big deal for him. Though he absolutely plays the Falcons better in Charlotte, he and his teammates would probably love nothing more than to complete the season sweep of the Dirty Birds and possibly keep them out of the playoffs in the process.

Atlanta will need to play a complete game to beat a better Carolina team at home. Not sure that it’s in the cards for the Falcons. Carolina could totally upset the Falcons, but Atlanta isn’t winning this game by more than a field goal. That being said, this should be the best game of the Week 17 slate. Enjoy it before you enjoy your New Year’s Eve.