NFL Week 17 picks against the spread

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants (-7)

This line started at Giants -3, but quickly moved to the Giants by a touchdown after rumors swirled that the Dallas Cowboys would be sitting most of their starters. However, Ezekiel Elliott claims that him resting this week is quote “not an option.”

The Giants are really being given the benefit of the doubt that they’d even be able to beat the Cowboys backups. Even though the Cowboys are locked into the four seed, they would love to send the Giants season home with a loss.

The Giants still shouldn’t be getting a touchdown against anyone. This is still a five win team. Did they look decent against the Colts last week? Sure, but they still lost the game. I expect something similar this week.

Dallas 21, New York (G) 20

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could decide to use this week to see what they have in Ryan Griffin. This is despite the team still not knowing what they are going to do with Jameis Winston. It’s just what happens when you have a franchise like this. Dirk Koetter is another name that will likely lose his job this year, so he will want to put on a good performance this week to prove himself to his next team.

The Falcons, on the other hand, look like they are bringing back their head coach and quarterback despite a disappointing season. They might make changes at offensive and defensive coordinator, but the big moves are coming to their opponent this time around.

It’s strange that the Bucs are getting points this week, especially with so much up in the air. The Falcons are a confusing team, but a win here lets them end the season on a three game winning streak, and in second place in the division. That completely changes how to look at this team going into the offseason. One could argue that changes how this team looks entirely, and the players and coaches will want that.

Atlanta 31, Tampa Bay 20