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Best NFL Player Props for Week 17: Cowboys, Lions, and Chiefs Top Picks

Alex Payton

Best NFL Player Props for Week 17: Cowboys, Lions, and Chiefs Top Picks image

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NFL Week 17 arrives on Christmas Day, giving fans the gift of three games. While several key players will be out and these matchups aren't quite what they seemed just a few weeks ago, it's still wall-to-wall football with plenty of opportunities to identify key prop angles.

 

Best NFL Player Props for Week 17

The Cowboys' high-octane passing attack, featuring CeeDee Lamb as the primary aerial weapon, faces a Washington Commanders secondary that has struggled with consistency throughout the campaign. Meanwhile, the Lions' explosive ground game, spearheaded by dual-threat Jahmyr Gibbs and complemented by Amon-Ra St. Brown's precise route-running, must contend with a Vikings defense that has shown significant improvement in recent weeks.

These individual battles within the larger team framework present the sharpest betting angles of the week. Our comprehensive analysis examines the statistical trends, situational factors, and defensive matchups to identify the most compelling player props across all six teams in action.

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Week 17 NFL Player Props: Premium Picks for Every Team

Smart prop betting requires identifying where player usage patterns meet defensive vulnerabilities. We've dissected the matchups involving the Cowboys, Commanders, Lions, Vikings, Broncos, and Chiefs to pinpoint the strongest single prop bet for each roster. Below is our complete breakdown, followed by detailed analysis of our highest-confidence selections.

TeamOpponentBest Player to BetProp Pick (Line & Odds)
DALWASDak PrescottPassing Yards Over 272.5 (-112)
WASDALChris Rodriguez Jr.Rushing Yards Over 47.5 (-118)
DETMINJahmyr GibbsRushing + Receiving Yards Over 113.5 (-111)
MINDETT.J. HockensonReceiving Yards Over 29.5 (-113)
DENKCRJ HarveyRushing Yards Over 53.5 (-111)
KCDENIsiah PachecoRushing Yards Over 37.5 (-112)

Premium Prop Spotlight

These three selections from our table represent our highest-conviction plays for Week 17, each offering compelling value based on usage patterns and matchup dynamics.

Jahmyr Gibbs (DET): Over 113.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-111)

Gibbs operates as the centerpiece of Detroit's offensive philosophy, functioning equally well between the tackles and split out wide. The separate market lines of 74.5 rushing yards and 34.5 receiving yards telegraph his dual-threat workload. Against Minnesota's disciplined defensive front, the Lions will utilize Gibbs' versatility to create favorable one-on-one matchups in space. His elite acceleration and reliable hands provide multiple avenues to exceed this combined total through consistent touches in both phases.

Isiah Pacheco (KC): Over 37.5 Rushing Yards (-112)

This rushing total appears significantly undervalued for Kansas City's primary ball carrier. Despite Denver's reputation for stout run defense, Pacheco's projected 10.5 carries should generate sufficient volume to surpass this modest benchmark. His physical running style and ability to manufacture tough yards between the tackles makes him ideally suited for grinding out positive gains. The line suggests a conservative projection that fails to account for his consistent floor production.

T.J. Hockenson (MIN): Over 29.5 Receiving Yards (-113)

Hockenson's receiving total presents exceptional value regardless of Minnesota's quarterback situation. As the Vikings' most reliable pass-catching option, he serves as the primary security blanket in short-yardage situations and third-down conversions. His route precision and sure hands in traffic make him a near-automatic target in the intermediate passing game. Against his former Lions squad, Hockenson needs just two quality receptions to eclipse this conservative projection.

Matchup Breakdowns and Prop Analysis

 

Strategic prop betting requires understanding how individual player strengths align against specific defensive weaknesses. Here's our detailed examination of each game's most compelling individual matchups.

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Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders

Dak Prescott (DAL): Over 272.5 Passing Yards (-112)
The Cowboys' aerial attack should find consistent success against Washington's vulnerable secondary coverage. Prescott's pocket presence and decision-making have been sharp in recent outings, while the Commanders have surrendered substantial passing yardage to opposing quarterbacks throughout the season. Dallas will likely maintain an aggressive downfield passing approach, utilizing CeeDee Lamb's elite route-running to attack Washington's coverage gaps. The game environment at FedExField should favor offensive rhythm and tempo.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS): Over 47.5 Rushing Yards (-118)
Despite Washington's expected deficit situation, this rushing line undervalues Rodriguez's projected workload in the early game script. The Commanders will attempt to establish ground game consistency before abandoning the run entirely. Rodriguez's physical running style and goal-line usage should generate sufficient attempts to reach this modest yardage threshold. His recent usage patterns suggest he'll handle enough early-down work to accumulate yards through volume rather than explosive plays.

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

Jahmyr Gibbs (DET): Over 113.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-111)
This NFC North rivalry matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium positions Gibbs as Detroit's primary offensive weapon in both traditional and spread formations. His exceptional versatility allows the Lions to deploy him in motion, create mismatches against linebackers in coverage, and utilize his acceleration on designed screens. Minnesota's defense has shown vulnerability against dual-threat backs, and Gibbs' combined usage provides multiple paths to success beyond a single rushing or receiving performance.

T.J. Hockenson (MIN): Over 29.5 Receiving Yards (-113)
Hockenson's receiving projection significantly undervalues his role as Minnesota's most dependable target in crucial down-and-distance situations. His precise route-running and reliable hands make him the quarterback's preferred option on third-down conversions and red zone possessions. Against Detroit's defensive scheme, Hockenson should find favorable matchups working the seams and intermediate routes. This total requires minimal production from a player of his caliber and usage rate.

Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

RJ Harvey (DEN): Over 53.5 Rushing Yards (-111)
Denver's optimal game plan for competing at Arrowhead Stadium centers on controlling possession and limiting Kansas City's explosive offensive opportunities. This strategy demands a commitment to establishing rushing attack consistency through Harvey's between-the-tackles running style. While the Chiefs' run defense presents challenges, Harvey's projected volume should provide adequate attempts to reach this yardage total through sustained drives and short-yardage situations.

Isiah Pacheco (KC): Over 37.5 Rushing Yards (-112)
This represents one of Week 17's most attractive rushing props given Pacheco's established role and consistent usage patterns. Plus, what else will Kansas City even do offensively in this game? Even against Denver's disciplined front seven, Pacheco's workload and ability to generate positive yardage on standard rushing attempts should easily surpass this conservative projection. The total fails to reflect his reliable floor production in divisional matchups.

Editorial Team