Fansided

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 Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans (-6.5)

This was a game some would believe would be a fight for the playoffs, but most people would think it’s because the Jacksonville Jaguars were the one fighting for the spot. Now, it’s the Houston Texans who are fighting for a varied amount of possibilities. The Texans did clinch a playoff berth, but they aren’t guaranteed a home game. If the Texans lost to the Jags, and the Colts win, then they’d fall all the way down to sixth in the AFC.

The Jaguars are another team that could see themselves in transition, but a big week 17 could keep things status quo. Blake Bortles job is very much on the line, if he even has a chance to get it back. Doug Marone has gone from hot seat to safe more times than any other coach this season. The Jaguars really are just a mess.

The Texans are still looking for that two seed and that bye week in the first round of the playoffs. They need the Patriots to lose, but that’s definitely possible this season. First, the Texans have to take care of business. Some of the stars on the Jags defense would love to end that dream for their rivals, but this isn’t the same team we’ve seen in the past.

Houston 20, Jacksonville 13

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (-9)

The Carolina Panthers went from playoff locks to a laughingstock. They haven’t won a game since the month of October. Boy, would this team love to spoil things for their rivals, the New Orleans Saints by upsetting them on their home turf. Unfortunately, they are playing without Cam Newton because of his shoulder injury and Taylor Heinicke because of an elbow injury. They are down to Kyle Allen and Garrett Gilbert. Look them up, because it’s starting to get funny who some of these teams are starting.

Nine seems like a lot of points, but this is Kyle Allen starting this week. He’s never started for an NFL team, and had his first action last week. This isn’t going to go well for Carolina, and this could be one of the locks of the week.

New Orleans 31, Carolina 9