NFL Week 17 picks against the spread

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-14.5)

Oh boy, that extra .5 on that line really makes things swing in the Bengals favor in this one. There are factors as to why to like the shorthanded Cincinnati team. It’s been over a month since they lost a game by more than 14 points, and they seem to be at least staying competitive with this current group. Is this team good? Obviously not, but they are at least an NFL football team as currently constructed. Plus, this could be Marvin Lewis’ last game as an NFL head coach. If he pulls something crazy and announces his retirement before the game as extra motivation, it could push this team further.

The Steelers come into this matchup asking for a prayer. They need the Browns to beat the Ravens, or the Colts and Titans to tie to have a shot at the postseason. They are both major long shots at this point. So, if the Steelers go into half time and see the Ravens are winning big on Cleveland, will that take the air out of the room? It’s possible, and playing with more than two touchdowns worth of points is just not worth the risk.

Take the points here, because there are so many possible ways to win with them. The Bengals could play with confidence for Marvin Lewis. The team could look to stay competitive in a division game. Pittsburgh could take their foot off the gas when they go up big, and Jeff Driskel could score some garbage points to cover the spread. Plus, the Steelers could be dejected by their drop out of the playoffs. There are just more reasons to bet against the Steelers than there is to bet for them.

Pittsburgh 28, Cincinnati 14 

Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5) @ Denver Broncos

This Denver Broncos team is yet another that looks like they are on the way to a tear down. Vance Joseph is probably out as head coach after a dismal season. The Broncos were in the playoff hunt going into December with the Raiders, 49ers and Browns on the schedule. That seemed like a lock at the time, but this team lost all three of those games. That’s when a team needs a tear down and a fresh start.

The Chargers had the chance to take the number one seed in the playoffs from the Kansas City Chiefs last week, but they lost. Now, they need the Raiders to beat the Chiefs to have any chance. That’s not likely. The Chargers loss to the Ravens probably locks them into a Wild Card spot, but that’s not the worst thing in the world. They are 6-1 on the road, including wins against the Steelers, Chiefs and the Seahawks.

This is yet another game on the road for the Chargers against a team that’s a lame duck. They might not have a ton to play for, but they will build a big enough first-half lead to carry them through the rest of the game.

Los Angeles (C) 28, Denver 14