Just 16 games remain on the regular season schedule in the NFL, and for some teams, there won't be any moment in their campaign bigger than this. Tons of line movement is the norm in Week 17, and this year is no exception.
Note: All current NFL odds listed as of Wednesday morning. Check up-to-the-minute odds at BookMaker.eu.
Jets vs. Bills, Sunday 1:00 p.m. ET
Opening NFL Odds: Pick 'Em
Current NFL Odds: New York -3
This line move happened almost immediately when the betting lines were posted on Sunday. With the Steelers playing against hapless Cleveland with Austin Davis under center, it's clear that the Jets need to win this game to get into the postseason. A loss at the hands of their former head coach would likely send them home in spite of the fact that they have 10 wins.
Redskins vs. Cowboys, Sunday 1:00 p.m. ET
Opening NFL Odds: Pick 'Em
Current NFL Odds: Dallas -4
This is a game which has ended up meaning nothing for the Redskins. We're not sure how Jay Gruden is going to play this one, though his history in the UFL and the AFL suggests that with a playoff game coming up next week against likely either Minnesota or Green Bay at home, he isn't going to put anyone who is even remotely dinged up in the line of fire. Kirk Cousins probably won't be risked either. The Cowboys showed themselves well last week in Buffalo, playing hard to the bloody end. They won't have Dez Bryant, who was put on IR on Wednesday, but you know they're at least going to try hard. That's why they're up to -4 to finish off this season with a win against a team which is completely disinterested.
Chargers vs. Broncos, Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET
Opening NFL Odds: Denver -8
Current NFL Odds: Denver -9
The Broncos are actually pretty sharp in this game early in the week, which isn't something you'd expect with all that's on the line for them in this one. Denver knows that a win will not only win the AFC West title, but it'll also secure a first round bye in the playoffs. A loss, and in all likelihood, the Broncos will have to go on the road to take on Houston or Kansas City in the opening round, neither game of which will be all that much fun. The Chargers have had a disastrous campaign, but you can't blame Philip Rivers. He hasn't had much in the way of receivers to work with, and his defense has been atrocious. If the Bolts can get some positive things going early against the Denver defense though, this could end up being a game where the Broncos get tight, and perhaps the line movement won't end up being justified.
Seahawks vs. Cardinals, Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET
Opening NFL Odds: Arizona -4
Current NFL Odds: Arizona -6.5
We need to make sure we stay realistic about this game. The Cardinals have already won the NFC West and have locked up a first round bye in the playoffs. From here though, a win and a Carolina loss would win the No. 1 seed. With the Panthers favored by double-digits at home against the Bucs in a game running concurrently though, one has to wonder just how hard Arizona is going to be playing in this one.
Of course, the other factor is the way Seattle has played of late. The Seahawks feel like they basically punted last week's game at home against St. Louis, and the common thought is that Pete Carroll isn't really going to care all that much about this game. The difference between going to Washington or going to Green Bay or Minnesota isn't all that big of a deal to a team which is still amongst the favorites to win the Super Bowl, so this week is probably better served as a de facto bye for the Seahawks, which explains the line movement.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
