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NFL Week 17 picks against the spread

By Nick Villano

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 13: A view of the NFL logo on the goal post before an NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on December 13, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 13: A view of the NFL logo on the goal post before an NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on December 13, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (-3.5)

After the Miami Dolphins lost last week, they officially made this game meaningless. So what’s the best way to make a meaningless game more meaningful? Why, bet on it of course!

The Dolphins have a lot to work out, and they need more than this game to figure it out, but a good showing in Week 17 can help a lot of people. Ryan Tannehill wants to prove he’s the future quarterback of the Dolphins. Adam Gase wants to avoid bad news on Black Monday. This entire Dolphins franchise needs some major changes, but a lot of people will be fighting for their jobs this week. That could change this game.

The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, don’t have much to fight for. Josh Allen has been struggling in his first season, so he will probably look to prove himself a little more. Outside that, the Bills don’t really have much to prove. Sean McDermott isn’t going anywhere. He did much more with a bad roster than expected. The Dolphins just have everything to play for in this game, and the Bills are giving them points.

Miami 31, Buffalo 19

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers (-8)

Last week, the Green Bay Packers were getting points against the New York Jets. Now, they are getting more than a touchdown. Things really change in an instant.

The Detroit Lions are a pretty bad team that’s just playing out the strings, but so are the Packers if you look past Aaron Rodgers. Matthew Stafford is actually playing for his job. It’s one of the low key storylines that hasn’t gotten a lot of headlines. I mean, he isn’t actually fighting for his job because he’s got $49 million in dead cap money. However, he’s fighting for the confidence of his coaches and fanbase.

Joe Philbin is fighting to become the Packers head coach, and Rodgers is on his side. That might seem like a good idea, listening to your star QB, but in this instance it’s not the best choice. Philbin’s game plans and management hasn’t been very good, which will hurt him in this game. Take the points here, but don’t feel too confident about it.

Green Bay 24, Detroit 17