Football Wagering Tips for Week 17 NFL Games, Betting Strategies, and Expectations
January 2, 2025 - NFL's Final Stretch
By Paul Ricci
We're in the home stretch of the NFL season, with two critical games left for various teams as they fight for a spot in the playoffs. While it's never easy to predict the outcome of these games, let's take a wild, unfiltered guess at some matchups ahead of Week 17.
December 28 - Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals
Last week can be a tough pill for the Broncos to swallow, squandering a 21-13 lead and missing out on a playoff spot, leaving their fate uncertain. However, if they want to shake off that upset and secure a place in the postseason, a win against the Bengals is essential.
The Bengals, on the other hand, are struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive, with just a slim 8% chance. But hey, if the fat lady has cleared her throat, you'd better not count these Bengals out yet. With Joe Burrow lighting up the field with 252 yards and three TDs against the Browns, they'll be determined to put on a show.
Given their recent performance and the stacked Bengals roster, who the hell knows? We're gonna put our money on the Bengals in this one.
Bengals to win moneyline @ -166
December 29 - Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are closing in on that coveted No.1 seed after a nail-biting win in Seattle. If they pull off wins in both Green Bay and Detroit, they'll earn a first-round bye in the playoffs, which would be a significant achievement, considering the guy who started the season as the backup quarterback is apparently carrying them.
Meanwhile, the Packers could be peaking at the right time, with Jordan Love showing some serious control over the offense. They've got one hell of a coach in their corner, and they're looking like a real contender for a deep playoff run. It's time for the Packers to prove they've got what it takes.
So, we're gonna go for the upset and put our money on the underdog Green Bay taking this one down.
Green Bay Packers moneyline @ +105
December 29 - Las Vegas Raiders @ New Orleans Saints
Even in victory, the Raiders left their fans unsatisfied by securing only the 2nd overall pick in the 2026 draft. With pride and records at stake, they'll need to bring their A-game to Vegas to outperform the Saints. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers has been a shining light in a dismal Raiders season, but will it be enough to topple the Saints?
We doubt it, but let's hope we're proven wrong.
Saints to win moneyline @ -130
If you're feelin' lucky and want to give your own parlay a shot, give our free parlay odds calculator a try!
Obviously, we're rolling the dice with this week's picks, but hey, that's what the NFL is all about, right?
Paul Ricci is a hard-hitting, no-nonsense sports writer with a knack for analyzing the betting scene. He's a die-hard sports fan and has been in the industry long enough to have a firm grasp on the best bet types for various sports, helping you make smart, informed decisions that'll lead you straight to the jackpot.
- Despite their loss in the previous week, the Denver Broncos need to overcome their disappointment and defeat the Cincinnati Bengals to secure a spot in the postseason.
- The Bengals, with a 8% chance of making the playoffs, are not ready to give up and will fight to keep their playoff dreams alive.
- In the matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, the Vikings are aiming to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs, while the Packers hope to prove they are a real contender for a deep playoff run.
- The Las Vegas Raiders, unsatisfied with their victory securing only the 2nd overall pick in the 2026 draft, will need to bring their A-game against the New Orleans Saints to win.
- The American football industry, including the NFL, has seen a rise in sports betting trends, with sports analysis experts like Paul Ricci offering insights to help fans make informed decisions.
- With the final stretch of the NFL season upon us, football enthusiasts and gamblers alike are required to keep up with the latest gambling trends, sports betting patterns, and sports analysis to increase their chances of winning.
