The last two weeks of the NFL regular season have been filled with drama, heartbreak, and optimism for clubs trying to make the playoffs. Now that the season’s final hours are rapidly approaching, it’s time to make your case or go home.
After the events of NFL Week 17, things were much clearer in terms of who would make the playoffs. It’s time to take a swift look back at what happened during Week 17.
NFL Week 17 Winners and Losers
New York Giants’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts ensured the team’s playoff berth, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ victory over the Carolina Panthers clinched the NFC South division crown for them.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss against the New Orleans Saints cost them the opportunity to clinch the NFC’s top spot.
Multiple teams were wiped out in the last minutes. Losses caused discord between the New York Jets and the Raiders of Las Vegas. Simultaneously, the Washington Commanders and the New Orleans Saints were eliminated after being blown out by the Green Bay Packers. The Packers’ postseason fate is in their own hands at this point.
However, the Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive with a come-from-behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens on the road on Sunday night. The Miami Dolphins are no longer in the playoff picture after their loss to the New England Patriots, who hold the last AFC wild card spot.
Sunday night’s games saw the Los Angeles Chargers beat the St. Louis Rams and the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, allowing the Chargers to overtake the Ravens for the AFC’s top wild-card slot.
The Titans’ week got off to a losing start after they were defeated by the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. The Colts’ loss to the Giants was humiliating, but the Jaguars’ victory over the Texans was convincing.
With their win over the Broncos, the Chiefs have piled more pressure on the Bills to secure the division’s top spot. The Chargers have clinched at least the sixth-best AFC seed with their victory. After losing to the 49ers, the Raiders’ playoff hopes were officially dashed.
Damar Hamlin Misfortunes
Following Damar Hamlin’s collapse on the field, medical personnel administered CPR before transporting him in an ambulance to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
So the Monday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals was postponed. There has been no update on when play will resume.
The Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Rams all look good on paper, but which clubs are attracting the attention of sportsbooks? What effect did week 17 had on the Super Bowl chances, if any?
It’s safe to assume that the answer won’t come as a shock.
How Week 17 in NFL Impacted Super Bowl Odds
The NFL regular season is ending, and the postseason race is heating up as the playoffs approach. And after Week 17, practically all seed possibilities remained up for grabs.
Super Bowl odds fluctuate frequently, so let’s look at the current odds after week 17.
- Kansas City Chief +300 – The Chiefs are now favorites to lift the trophy and now face the least fancied team in the Jaguars, in the playoffs.
- Buffalo Bills +330 – Buffalo’s chances of beating top-tier quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, who have better supporting casts, hinge mostly on Allen’s ability to lead his offense. Let’s be clear: Allen has the chops to do that. However, I do believe he carries a heavier burden than any other postseason quarterback.
- Bengals +750 – To reach the Super Bowl for the second time in three years, the Bengals will have to first beat the Ravens, then the Bills, and finally the Chiefs. If I were a betting man, I’d give the Bengals +500 to win the Super Bowl.
Closing Thoughts
Before the season, most teams were more excited about the Week 17 matchup, which affected their chances of making the Super Bowl. At the same time, the current teams generate a larger sports betting handle as fans want to cash in on the season’s major games before the playoffs begin.
The 2022-23 NFL regular season has now finished, and as we head into the playoffs, now could be a good time to place a wager on the big game.
