PATRIOTS (-14 ½) over Jets: Even with the Steelers having run up the home-field advantage white flag with Sunday’s benching of Big Ben, et. al., expect key Pats operatives to get enough work to maintain game sharpness (the Patriots Way).
Redskins -3 over GIANTS: Head coach Steve Spagnuolo indicated Eli Manning will be Giants QB as long as physically able. Home side has enjoyed best of this series recently, though bulk of that stretch featured Giants deploying difference-making receivers able to gain separation.
RAVENS (-9 ½) over Bengals: Cincy picked off wheezing Lions. Now, Bungles must travel to meet a side that specializes in taking out mediocrities and only needs not to lose (or to see the Bills or Titans not win) to advance. Single-digit lay? Yes, please.
LIONS (-6) over Packers: Matthew Stafford wants to play. You get a shot to take on the Pack at Ford Field with Aaron Rodgers sidelined, you pounce. Detroit long has been fatally flawed, but should make this last hand stand up in likely Jim Caldwell swan song.
DOLPHINS (+2) over Bills: Quick revenge for Miami, which gains a measure of seasonal satisfaction by frustrating Buffalo’s postseason quest for another year. You want the Bills on the road in December, against anyone trying to look good or possessing any tangible talent base?
FALCONS (-4) over Panthers: If Falcons win this, they snag an NFC wild-card invite. A Seattle loss to the Cards will serve as well. Panthers can win NFC South if they register a better Week 17 result than the Saints (who visit the Bucs). Tricky, because large in-game Saints lead could dampen incentive for this underdog.
BUCCANEERS (+6 ½) over Saints: With healthier Jameis Winston, Bucs losing “closer,” having dropped last four decisions (against respectable sides) — all by less than a touchdown. Could turn into classic Week 17 division-home-dog close call on natural grass.
TITANS (-3) over Jaguars: Jax head coach Doug Marrone has been making noises the troops will go full-bore here — but there’s no way they’ll be trying any harder than Tennessee, which takes a giant stride toward punching wild-card ticket with a win (or less-satisfying results for the Bills and Chargers).
COLTS (-5) over Texans: With key Houston operative DeAndre Hopkins now out, market projected to climb higher. It’s up to you to what degree you feel comfortable chasing 3-12 Colts outfit with an iffy defense.
Browns (+10 ½) over STEELERS: For Pittsburgh, this is a burden to be borne, to preserve shot at the top AFC seed. Home side may be playing with postseason fire, starting Landry Jones and resting Le’Veon Bell. They pulled same stunt a decade ago, engaged Jax with key starters having been off three weeks — and lesser Jags won, at Heinz!
VIKINGS (-11) over Bears: Mike Zimmer’s one who doesn’t believe in breaking momentum. Having lost at Carolina in Vikes’ third straight road game three weeks ago, it’s now full steam ahead toward potential home-field Super Bowl.
Cowboys (-2 ¹/₂) over EAGLES: Philadelphia honcho Doug Pederson has asserted all Eagles starters will play to some extent in this windup. That includes QB Nick Foles, of course — but expect to see a generous dose of ex-Indiana QB Nate Sudfeld, as well. Tough call!
Raiders (+8) over CHARGERS: Among enhancements of the all-divisional Week 17 matchup slate is the extra dash of incentive it provides rivals to display snark in spoiler roles. Compelled to take Silver & Black at market, given Bolts’ conservatism when favored at this price point.
SEAHAWKS (-9) over Cardinals: ’Hawks snatch wild-card berth if they don’t lose here — while earning a better Week 17 result than do the Falcons, in the process. Cards have been broadly subpar away from Arizona all year — excepting their visit to San Francisco prior to Jimmy Garoppolo’s late-season emergence. Drew Stanton again?
BRONCOS (-3¹/₂) over Chiefs: Paxton Lynch to get call for Broncs. Camp Chiefs agog at Patrick Mahomes II getting starting assignment, as Alex Smith rests to prepare for anticipated No. 4/5 wild-card round landing. Favoritism in this game flipped to Denver before Mahomes’ promotion became clear to the masses. Good luck, young man.
49ers (-3 ½) over RAMS: Such Rams stars as Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and Aaron Donald aren’t expected to expose themselves to injury. If Rams wind up dropping to the NFC’s No. 4 slot, they open up chance to draw Panthers/Eagles postseason path they have significant matchup reasons to prefer. Jimmy Garoppolo rolls.
Last week: 6-6-2
Season: 106-100-14
Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1