Week 17 of the 2025 NFL regular season has a lot on the line in its 16 games, from playoff implications to seeding scenarios to draft positions. The wild rather unpredictable league year should continue at the end of the calendar year.
Here's unwrapping the holiday edition of AllSportsPeople' fearless forecast of game picks and predictions against the spread for another full slate:
POWER RANKINGS: Seahawks edge Patriots for new No. 1; Packers fade for Week 17
NFL picks against the spread for Week 17
Games of Midweek
Cowboys (-6.5. 50.5 o/u) at Commanders
Thursday 1 p.m. ET, Netflix
Dallas is trying to find enough offense to finish hot with Dak Prescott after cooling off a bit, especially at home. Getting a road game against reeling rivals with a bad overall defense should allow the Cowboys to work toward a positive finish. The Commanders, however, will be game with whoever's at QB.
Pick: Cowboys win 27-23 but fail to cover the spread.
Lions (-6, 44.5 o/u) at Vikings
Thursday 4:30 p.m. ET, Netflix
The Lions' running game will be contained again and Jared Goff will see some pressure. But they have enough playmakers to break through on the Vikings defense, while the Vikings' offense lacks the firepower to exploit a beat-up defense with likely Max Brosmer at quarterback again.
Pick: Lions win 24-20 but fail to cover the spread.
NFL STANDINGS: Updated AFC, NFC playoff pictures after Week 16
Broncos (-12.5, 36.5 o/u) at Chiefs
Thursday 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video
The Broncos are inching toward taking control of the division title in 2025 with the Chiefs completely fading out of the playoffs. The Chiefs are down Patrick Mahomes and maybe Gardner Minshew, too, for what feels like it will be Travis Kelce's last home game in Kansas City. The inspiration makes it more competitive than expected in prime time.
Pick: Broncos win 20-17 but fail to cover the spread.
MORE: Gardner Minshew injures knee in first start after Patrick Mahomes' ACL tear
Lock of the Week: Steelers (-4.5, 34.5 o/u) over Browns
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Browns showed fight until the end against the Bills but Buffalo isn't good on the road while Pittsburgh is finding its defensive and running game identity at the right time. Cleveland will be rocked badly at home, save for Myles Garrett getting a record-breaking sack on Aaron Rodgers.
Pick: Steelers win 24-13 and cover the spread.
MORE: How long will Steelers be without DK Metcalf after punching fan at Lions game?
Upset of the Week: Eagles (+2.5, 44 o/u over Bills
Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
The Eagles have gotten Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and the running game gooing which is bad news for the Bills' sieve of a run defense in the middle of the field. The Eagles have the tough defensive coverage inside and revved up pass rush to make it tough on Josh Allen to match once James Cook is contained.
Pick: Eagles win 24-23.
Texans at Chargers (-2, 39.5 o/u)
Saturday 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network
The Chargers are back on track with their offense, finding more of a running game to open things up for Justin Herbert. But here the problem can be the Texans' pass rush and a defense that gave Herbert all kinds of problems in last year's playoffs. C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins lead the Texans' passing game to better things late.
Pick: Texans win 24-23.
MORE: What Texans' tight win over Raiders means for their playoff chances
Ravens at Packers (-2.5, 40.5 o/u)
Saturday 8 p.m. ET, Peacock
The Packers may need to roll with Malik Willis, while the Ravens might need to with their capable backup, Tyler Huntley. That means the running games and defenses will come more into play. Green Bay is more put together and executing with the right personnel and scheme in those areas than Baltimore.
Pick: Packers win 20-17 and cover the spread.
MORE: Latest news on Jordan Love after entering concussion protocol
Cardinals at Bengals (-7, 53.5 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Bengals found some of Joe Burrow's groove returning in Miami and they should keep up the offensive momentum at home with Chase Brown and the wide receivers and tight ends to rip into the Cardinals' lost defense under Jonathan Gannon. They also can contain everything the Cardinals do offensively except for Trey McBride.
Pick: Bengals win 31-21 and cover the spread.
Saints (-2.5, 39 o/u) at Titans
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Saints are digging deep to play good versatile offense with Tyler Shough developing well under Kellen Moore. They are playing more inspired defense with Demario Davis and other prideful veterans leading. The Titans will cool with their rookie Cam Ward but stay right in this until the end.
Pick: Saints win 23-20 and cover the spread.
Jaguars (-6.5, 46.5) at Colts
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Jaguars are feeling the trajectory toward stealing the AFC South with a legitimate chance to make a deep playoff run ahead of Super Bowl 60. The Colts once felt that way but injuries have gotten the better of them at the wrong time with coach Shane Steichen.
Pick: Jaguars win 27-17 and cover the spread.
Buccaneers (-5.5, 45 o/u) at Dolphins
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Buccaneers need to get well in this game against a team for which beleaguered coach Todd Bowles once played. They get a nice short road trip and a defense they can maul with Baker Mayfeldl not needing to duel Tua Tagovailoa.
Pick: Buccaneers win 23-20 but fail to cover the spread.
Patriots (-13.5, 43 o/u) at Jets
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Patriots won't see much pressure or danger from the Jets' pass rush and coverage against red-hot again Drake Maye. This time the Patriots will start well out of the game and close well with Maye making his case for MVP.
Pick: Patriots win 31-17 and cover the spread.
MORE: Patriots clinch playoff spot for first time since 2021
Seahawks (-7, 42.5 o/u) at Panthers
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Seahawks are having great offensive mojo with Sam Darnold and the running game finally meshing well together. Their defense also keeps swarming against the run and containing vs. The pass for Mike Macdonald. This is a tough draw for the Panthers as they try to join the Seahawks in the playoffs.
Pick: Seahawks win 24-20 but fail to cover the spread.
Giants at Raiders (-1.5, 42 o/u)
Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
The No. 1 Pick Bowl would be good for either team to win but the Giants are bound to have more competitive offensive fight in the desert with Jaxson Dart's arm and legs. There are some good pass rushers on the field, including Maxx Crosby and Brian Burns, but the road advantage goes to New York because of QB.
MORE: Updated draft order heading into Week 17
Pick: Giants win 24-20.
Bears at 49ers (-2.5, 50.5 o/u)
Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
The Bears are inconsistent in the passing game and weak on run defense, which will both lay into the hands of the host 49ers in a critical NFC game for playoff positioning. The 49ers are healthier and much more diverse with their offensive execution.
Pick: 49ers win 27-20 and cover the spread.
MORE: Brock Purdy makes history for 49ers in dominant win over Colts
Rams (-8, 49.5 o/u) at Falcons
Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins will have a fun pocket passing dueal and both pass defenses can be burned all over the field. The Rams are in line to have more reliable downfield weaponry and a steadier power running game with Kyren Williams, while they can help to contain Bijan Robinson on the ground on the other side.
Pick: Rams win 27-20 but fail to cover the spread.
Stats of the Week
- Week 16 record straight up: 7-8
- Week 16 record against the spread: 7-8
- 2025 season record straight up: 146-91
- 2025 season record against the spread: 114-120