DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 26: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the third quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
We’ve made it to Week 17 of the 2020 NFL season, and picking these games are always an adventure with top teams potentially resting stars.
As always, all lines are courtesy of OddsShark.
Matchup
Atlanta Falcons
4-11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10-5
Sunday, Jan. 3
1 p.m. ET
FOX
TB -6.5
If the Buccaneers win, they clinch the No. 5 seed and more importantly, a date with the NFC East champ. Tampa Bay should play hard for this pleasure, and it would be shocking if Bruce Arians doesn’t come to the same conclusion.
Pick: Tampa Bay 30, Atlanta 24
Matchup
Cincinnati Bengals
4-10-1
Baltimore Ravens
10-5
Sunday, Jan. 3
1 p.m. ET
CBS
BAL -11.5
The Ravens typically crush bad teams. That’s what happens when you run the ball terrifically and the defense is built to overwhelm poor quarterbacks. This shouldn’t be any different.
Pick: Baltimore 37, Cincinnati 19
Matchup
Dallas Cowboys
6-9
New York Giants
5-10
Sunday, Jan. 3
1 p.m. ET
FOX
DAL -3
The Cowboys have actually played decent football lately, while the Giants have been absolutely horrific the past three weeks. No reason to think New York is suddenly going to look great, but this is the NFC East, so who knows?
Pick: Dallas 24, New York 20