Tweet
NFL opening line report: Setting lines for Week 17 is always a challenge for oddsmakers
Patrick Everson
“Early sharp money is on Atlanta, but it’s doubtful this will get too out of hand, considering the Panthers still have something to play for.”
Sportsbooks would love to have all the lines up already for the final week of the NFL’s regular season, but enough uncertainties exist in pivotal games that some numbers will have to wait until Tuesday. Still, Patrick Everson has some insights on where the lines will land in Week 17, thanks to Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook
BookmakerPatrick Everson
“Early sharp money is on Atlanta, but it’s doubtful this will get too out of hand, considering the Panthers still have something to play for.”
Sportsbooks would love to have all the lines up already for the final week of the NFL’s regular season, but enough uncertainties exist in pivotal games that some numbers will have to wait until Tuesday. Still, Patrick Everson has some insights on where the lines will land in Week 17, thanks to Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook
.eu.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (no line)
The line for this NFC East clash is on hold since Philadelphia played in the Week 16 Monday nighter against Oakland. The Eagles (13-2 SU, 10-5 ATS) were awful on their home field, but connected on a last-minute field goal, then picked up a Raiders fumble on one of those last-second lateral plays and scored a touchdown to secure a 19-10 victory as a 10-point favorite.
With that win, Philly clinched home-field advantage for as long as it stays in the NFC playoffs.
Dallas (8-7 SU, 7-7-1 ATS) was eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday, despite being on its home field and with Ezekiel Elliott back in the lineup. The Cowboys dominated the yardage stats against Seattle, but had three turnovers while forcing none, and that was a huge key in a 21-12 loss as a 4.5-point home chalk.
“This one won’t be as glamorous as it would’ve been had Dallas won in Week 16, but it will still deliver decent action given the teams,” Cooley said. “We have to expect Nick Foles will still be playing considering his limited time in the system, and the Eagles are deep, so them limiting starters doesn’t hurt them too much. Philadelphia deserves to be favored here, as it is just a much better team all around.”
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-3)
Atlanta is clinging to the sixth and final NFC playoff spot, with its Week 16 result putting the defending NFC champion in the likely position of having to win this week to stay in that spot. The Falcons went to New Orleans as a 5.5-point underdog Sunday and couldn’t get the offense going in a 23-13 setback.
Carolina is currently in the wild-card spot of No. 5 in the NFC, but could still win the South Division and, though unlikely, get as high as the No. 2 seed. The Panthers (11-4 SU, 9-6 ATS) barely escaped as a 10-point home fave against Tampa Bay on Sunday, with a last-minute Cam Newton touchdown securing a 22-19 victory.
“Obviously, the Falcons have everything on the line in this one,” Cooley said. “Early sharp money is on Atlanta, but it’s doubtful this will get too out of hand, considering the Panthers still have something to play for.”
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (no line)
Jacksonville is stuck at the No. 3 slot in the AFC, regardless of what happens in Week 17. The Jaguars (10-5 SU, 9-6 ATS) had won seven of eight heading into San Francisco on Sunday, but lost a shootout 44-33 laying 4 points.
However, thanks to Tennessee also losing in Week 16, the Jags clinched the South Division. The Titans (8-7 SU, 7-7-1 ATS) fell to the Los Angeles Rams 27-23 as a 5.5-point home pup, their third straight defeat, yet still managed to hang on to the AFC’s No. 6 seed. The Chargers and Bills remain in contention to swipe that spot from the Titans.
Cooley said
BookmakerDallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (no line)
The line for this NFC East clash is on hold since Philadelphia played in the Week 16 Monday nighter against Oakland. The Eagles (13-2 SU, 10-5 ATS) were awful on their home field, but connected on a last-minute field goal, then picked up a Raiders fumble on one of those last-second lateral plays and scored a touchdown to secure a 19-10 victory as a 10-point favorite.
With that win, Philly clinched home-field advantage for as long as it stays in the NFC playoffs.
Dallas (8-7 SU, 7-7-1 ATS) was eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday, despite being on its home field and with Ezekiel Elliott back in the lineup. The Cowboys dominated the yardage stats against Seattle, but had three turnovers while forcing none, and that was a huge key in a 21-12 loss as a 4.5-point home chalk.
“This one won’t be as glamorous as it would’ve been had Dallas won in Week 16, but it will still deliver decent action given the teams,” Cooley said. “We have to expect Nick Foles will still be playing considering his limited time in the system, and the Eagles are deep, so them limiting starters doesn’t hurt them too much. Philadelphia deserves to be favored here, as it is just a much better team all around.”
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-3)
Atlanta is clinging to the sixth and final NFC playoff spot, with its Week 16 result putting the defending NFC champion in the likely position of having to win this week to stay in that spot. The Falcons went to New Orleans as a 5.5-point underdog Sunday and couldn’t get the offense going in a 23-13 setback.
Carolina is currently in the wild-card spot of No. 5 in the NFC, but could still win the South Division and, though unlikely, get as high as the No. 2 seed. The Panthers (11-4 SU, 9-6 ATS) barely escaped as a 10-point home fave against Tampa Bay on Sunday, with a last-minute Cam Newton touchdown securing a 22-19 victory.
“Obviously, the Falcons have everything on the line in this one,” Cooley said. “Early sharp money is on Atlanta, but it’s doubtful this will get too out of hand, considering the Panthers still have something to play for.”
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (no line)
Jacksonville is stuck at the No. 3 slot in the AFC, regardless of what happens in Week 17. The Jaguars (10-5 SU, 9-6 ATS) had won seven of eight heading into San Francisco on Sunday, but lost a shootout 44-33 laying 4 points.
However, thanks to Tennessee also losing in Week 16, the Jags clinched the South Division. The Titans (8-7 SU, 7-7-1 ATS) fell to the Los Angeles Rams 27-23 as a 5.5-point home pup, their third straight defeat, yet still managed to hang on to the AFC’s No. 6 seed. The Chargers and Bills remain in contention to swipe that spot from the Titans.
Cooley said
.eu was waiting until Tuesday to post this line, recognizing Jacksonville might not field all its best players.
“It doesn’t feel like the Jags are really in a position to sit players, considering the youth on that team, but you never know,” Cooley said. “Tennessee’s season is on the line. The Titans should be favorites given the situation.”
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (no line)
Los Angeles continues to be a major surprise this season and currently occupies the No. 3 seed in the NFC race, already owning the West Division title. The Rams (11-4 SU, 9-6 ATS) held off Tennessee 27-23 Sunday, failing to cash as 5.5-point road favorites.
The Jimmy Garoppolo era is off to a strong start in San Francisco, with the team 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS since he took over as signal-caller. In Week 16, the 49ers (5-10 SU, 8-7 ATS) had their biggest scoring output of the season, beating Jacksonville 44-33 as a 4-point home ‘dog.
“I definitely don’t expect L.A. to rest any of its young guns, as the Rams need experience and rhythm,” Cooley said. “That said, the public loves Jimmy G and the Niners right now, so we have to be wary of that and the fact that the Rams are in limbo of sorts.”
Cooley said the Rams will certainly be favored, but the number could be a little tighter if it looks like any key players are resting this week.
“It doesn’t feel like the Jags are really in a position to sit players, considering the youth on that team, but you never know,” Cooley said. “Tennessee’s season is on the line. The Titans should be favorites given the situation.”
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (no line)
Los Angeles continues to be a major surprise this season and currently occupies the No. 3 seed in the NFC race, already owning the West Division title. The Rams (11-4 SU, 9-6 ATS) held off Tennessee 27-23 Sunday, failing to cash as 5.5-point road favorites.
The Jimmy Garoppolo era is off to a strong start in San Francisco, with the team 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS since he took over as signal-caller. In Week 16, the 49ers (5-10 SU, 8-7 ATS) had their biggest scoring output of the season, beating Jacksonville 44-33 as a 4-point home ‘dog.
“I definitely don’t expect L.A. to rest any of its young guns, as the Rams need experience and rhythm,” Cooley said. “That said, the public loves Jimmy G and the Niners right now, so we have to be wary of that and the fact that the Rams are in limbo of sorts.”
Cooley said the Rams will certainly be favored, but the number could be a little tighter if it looks like any key players are resting this week.
Comment