NFL Week 17 Teaser Play

Playoff implications abound as Week 17 features a terrific slate of games, and we’ll back a trio of surging teams in this week’s teaser.

We’ve selected four games of interest Sunday for this week’s teaser play. Teasers adjust point spreads in the bettor’s favor, providing an opportunity to play multiple games in a single bet without being locked into the existing odds in a standard parlay.

We’ll play the six-point teaser option at +260 ($100 win returns $360 including investment).

Baltimore Ravens +3

An important matchup in terms of the #1 seed in the AFC, Baltimore has plenty to play for as Cleveland still has a chance to win the AFC North. The Ravens are the league’s hottest team, stretching their win streak to five with a 33-19 victory at San Francisco in Week 16, and Baltimore’s sixth-ranked pass defense (193.9 passing yards allowed per game) is built to counter Miami’s strength. Baltimore leads the league in rushing yards, and Lamar Jackson tore up Miami last year when throwing for 318 yards and rushing for 119 yards. The Dolphins struggled on the road versus Buffalo and Philadelphia earlier this season, they’re not built to travel in late December/January, and Tua will miss a key weapon in Jaylen Waddle. We expect a Baltimore win.

L.A. Rams +0.5

The Rams have emerged as a viable playoff threat since Kyren Williams returned from a six-week absence, winning five of their last six, the lone setback coming in overtime at Baltimore. L.A.’s defense has elevated its play, shutting down Cleveland recently, and we expect the Rams to keep an uneven Giants offense in check. New York exits an inspired effort versus Philadelphia, coming back from a sizable deficit to have an opportunity to force overtime on its final possession, but we’ve seen the Giants bounce under these circumstances. After a game win over Green Bay three weeks ago, the Giants were dominated the following week by New Orleans, and we expect the Rams to have their way in a comfortable win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3.5

Tampa Bay brings a four-game win streak to this important divisional matchup, and the Buccaneers enter with defensive momentum, dominating Jacksonville up front (only 37 rushing yards allowed) in a lopsided victory last week. Rachaad White has made a dynamic difference for the offense out of the backfield, proving valuable as a rusher and receiver, and Baker Mayfield has quietly dissected the secondaries of Green Bay and Jacksonville the last two games, completing a combined 48 of 63 passes for 664 yards, six TDs, and zero interceptions. Mayfield is playing the best football of his career, as relatively healthy Tampa Bay has improved significantly in recent weeks, and New Orleans has lost the last three games versus teams with a winning record, including a turnover-filled setback last week. Tampa Bay will lock up the NFC South with a win.

Atlanta-Chicago Under 44

Taylor Heinicke is banged-up, and Atlanta will struggle to score points on a Chicago defense that has played outstanding over the last four games, providing the Bears every chance to win. Chicago stifled Arizona and Detroit, winning its last two home games, and played well holding Minnesota to 10 points and Cleveland to 20 in road performances. This is an opportunity for Justin Fields to prove his worth. However, weather will be a factor, with snow and high winds expected, and the Bears can be woeful at times offensively. Defense remains the strength for Atlanta, and we will look for a low-scoring game that goes Under.