Steelers, Chiefs top plays in final week of regular season
Overall, the last week of the NFL’s regular season can be challenging. Will teams with no chance to make the playoffs just phone it in? Another challenge is many coaches tend to play starters only a quarter or a half, sometimes not all, to avoid unnecessary injuries, especially when it comes to players for teams headed to the playoffs.
The key in week 17 is to lock in on teams that need to win for a chance to make the playoffs. These are the teams that have the extra incentive to play a little harder than usual. There are five teams I like against the spread with Kansas City and Pittsburgh looking like big winners.
Kansas City hosts Oakland, which is coming off an emotional win last week in what was likely the Raiders last game in Oakland. The Chiefs need the win to secure the AFC top seed in the playoffs and will play all their starters. They should easily cover the 14 points they are giving the Raiders.
Pittsburgh is another team I like playing at home where quarterback Ben Roethlisberger & company play their best football. Several scenarios need to play out for the Steelers and they need a win just for a shot to make the playoffs. They are giving Cincinnati 14.5 points but the Steelers should dominate this one on both sides of the ball.
While Pittsburgh and Kansas City are the key plays, other teams I like to cover ATS are Baltimore, Indianapolis and Philadelphia.
Baltimore needs to win - along with several scenarios — to have a shot at the playoffs. The Ravens defense should dominate this game and the offense will do enough to cover the 5.5 point spread against Cleveland.
Indianapolis and Tennessee both need a win to make the playoffs. The stat to consider is Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck is 10-0 in his career against the Titans. Tennessee is also banged up including quarterback Marcus Mariota, who is questionable with neck and foot injuries. The Colts should easily cover the 3 points they re giving the Titans.
Philadelphia is in the same boat as Baltimore, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Tennessee and need a win for a shot at the playoffs. The key here is the Eagles defense and quarterback Nick Foles who has been cooking like Betty Crocker since he has started. The Eagles should cover the 7 points that Washington is getting.
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Dallas at Giants (-6): Dallas clinched the No. 4 seed in the NFC and will likely rest some key players. The Giants playing at home should cover this point spread. Nowak’s pick: Giants 27-17.
Oakland at Kansas City (-14): See above. Nowak’s pick: Chiefs 38-13.
Carolina at New Orleans (-7): The Saints have clinched the top seed in the NFC and likely won’t be playing their top players. Carolina back Christian McCaffrey has been dominant the second half of the season and should have a big game in this spot. Nowak’s pick: Panthers 27-24.
Jets at New England (-13.5): The Patriots have a shot to get the top seed with a win and if Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers both lose. The Pats will play well enough to win but I think the Jets keep this close. Nowak’s pick: Patriots 27-20.
Philadelphia at Washington (+7): See above. Nowak’s pick: Eagles 3013.
Detroit at Green Bay (-8): No playoffs for these teams but Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers should close the season strong with a big effort for the hometown fans. Nowak’s pick: Packers 34-17.
Jacksonville at Houston (-7): The Texans need a win for a shot at a firstround bye. Nowak’s pick: Texans 24-10.
Cleveland at Baltimore (-5.5): See above. Nowak’s pick: Ravens 24-13.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay (+1.5): Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has been hot with 18 touchdowns the last eight games and should close strong in this spot. Nowak’s pick: Falcons 27-17.
Miami at Buffalo (-5.5): The Bills defense and quarterback Josh Allen should dominate this game. In week 13, Allen rushed for 135 yards and threw a pair of TDs against the Dolphins. Nowak’s pick: Bills 27-14.
Indianapolis at Tennessee (+3): See above. Nowak’s pick: Colts 31-17.
Cincinatti at Pitts- burgh (-14.5): See above. Nowak’s pick: Steelers 41-17.
Chicago at Minnesota (-4.5): The Vikings need a win for a shot at the playoffs while the playoffbound Bears are expected to rest players in the second half. Nowak’s pick: Vikings 27-17.
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver (+6.5): Chargers need to win for a shot at the AFC No. 1 seed along with several scenarios needed. Nowak’s pick: Chargers 30-13.
Arizona at Seattle (-13.5): The Seahawks have already clinched a playoff berth. There is chance key players will be rested while the Cardinals and David Johnson should keep this game close. Nowak’s pick: Seahawks 24-20.
San Francisco at Los Angeles Rams (-10): The Rams should be motivated with the chance to clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a win or a tie against the 49ers. Nowak’s pick: Rams 38-17.