Week 17 of the NFL season unfolds with a highly anticipated Christmas Day tripleheader featuring division rivalry matches. The action begins with the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) visiting the Washington Commanders (4-11), followed by an NFC North clash where the Detroit Lions (8-7) aim to keep their playoff dreams alive against the Minnesota Vikings (7-8). The day concludes with the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) hosting the Denver Broncos (12-3). As fans prepare for these matchups, betting insights and daily fantasy strategies are crucial for making informed decisions.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
Both the Cowboys and the Commanders have faced disappointing seasons, with playoff aspirations now out of reach. The Cowboys enter this game on a three-game losing streak, while the Commanders recently fell to the Philadelphia Eagles. Injuries have plagued Washington, particularly affecting starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. In their earlier meeting this season, Dallas dominated, defeating Washington 44-22.
Currently, Dallas is favored by a touchdown in this matchup, which has the third-highest total points projection of the week at 50.5.
Matt Bowen emphasizes that the Cowboys control the pace of the game. “When they score, Washington will be forced out of its comfort zone,” he noted. This chaos often leads to points through turnovers and quick drives. The expectation of a high-scoring game is reflected in the betting trends, as six straight Commanders home games and five consecutive Cowboys road games have gone over the total.
Notable player props include:
– CeeDee Lamb: Over 77.5 receiving yards (-114)
– George Pickens: Over 80.5 receiving yards (-110)
For fantasy players, Bowen suggests selecting Dak Prescott as a captain in daily fantasy lineups, given his recent performance, which includes multiple games with over 290 passing yards.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Lions are in a fight for their playoff lives, while the Vikings are looking to finish a disappointing season on a positive note. In their previous matchup, the Vikings narrowly defeated the Lions by three points. This time, Detroit comes in as a 7.5-point favorite.
With a strong performance expected from Jared Goff, who has cleared 241.5 passing yards in eight of his last ten games, the Lions look to capitalize on Minnesota’s struggles. Bowen points out that Goff’s receiving options, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, are positioned to thrive, especially given the Vikings’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Key player props include:
– Jahmyr Gibbs: Over 33.5 receiving yards (-111)
– Amon-Ra St. Brown: A solid captain choice given his anticipated volume in the passing game
Betting trends indicate that the Lions have covered the spread in 14 of their last 16 games following a loss, highlighting their resilience as they seek to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
In the final game of the day, the Broncos are in a strong position, currently holding the best record in the NFL and aiming to clinch the AFC West with a victory. The Chiefs, on the other hand, are reeling from the loss of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL, leaving them eliminated from playoff contention.
Denver enters this matchup as a 13.5-point favorite, and the total points projection is set at a low 36.5, reflecting concerns over Kansas City’s offensive capabilities without Mahomes. The Broncos are expected to adopt a conservative game plan, which could limit scoring opportunities.
Player props to watch include:
– Bo Nix: Over 227.5 passing yards (-113)
– Courtland Sutton: Over 60.5 receiving yards (-114)
In daily fantasy, selecting the Broncos D/ST as a captain could yield substantial returns given their advantageous matchup against a struggling Chiefs offense.
As the Christmas Day tripleheader approaches, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for an exciting day of NFL action, with each game offering unique insights and opportunities for profit.
