NFL tips: Paddy trader’s NFL Week 17 picks as play-off race decided

Who is going to the playoffs and who is going home?

It’s crunch time in the NFL as we have reached the final week of the regular season. There is still plenty to play for in the NFC and AFC, with divisional titles and playoff places still to be decided.

Some teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers have clinched, and they are likely to field weakened teams. That makes Week 17 a minefield for punters. Every week our NFL trader Ian Dent gives us his best bets for the weekend and he’s here to give you his tips for the final week of the regular season.

Sunday’s early window double: Cowboys (-1.5) & Dolphins (+3)

Firstly, we’ll take the Cowboys (-1.5) in this crucial NFC east clash. I was impressed with how their defence shut down the Eagles in the second half last weekend and quarterback Andy Dalton also looked good. He connected with his star wide-receivers and he is improving at the right time, whereas the Giants are faltering.

For the second leg we’ll take a gamble on the Dolphins (+3) at Buffalo. The Dolphins need a win to get into the playoffs while the Bills are already in and I can see them resting key starters because the Steelers are doing likewise.

Tua Tagovailoa has been workmanlike for the Dolphins and they have Ryan Fitzpatrick ready to go if needed against his former team. The Dolphins defence has been excellent this season and they could be the difference.

Bet summary:

Cowboys (-1.5) & Dolphins (+3)

* A double on these two best bets pays at approximately 5/2 with Paddy Power.

Sunday’s late window double: Cardinals (+1.5) & Chargers (-3.5)

In the late games, we’ll take the Cardinals (+1.5) at the Rams for starters. Jared Goff is a major doubt as he is due to have surgery on his thumb and his backups are very uninspiring. The Cardinals need a win to get into the playoffs and Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins should have too much. Although we greatly respect the Rams defence, their struggles at the quarterback position will be too much to overcome.

For the second leg, we’ll take a chance on the Chargers (-3.5) at Kansas City. The Chiefs have secured the #1 seed and Andy Reid has said they will rest several key players. Chad Henne is due to get the start and he hasn’t started a game in years. For the Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert is looking to put the finishing touches on a rookie of the year campaign. Head coach Anthony Lynn is under huge pressure and he needs the win here, so we can see the Chargers covering this line.

Bet summary:

Cardinals (+1.5) & Chargers (-3.5)

* A double on these two best bets pays at approximately 9/5 with Paddy Power.

Feb 1, 2018; Bloomington, MN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson during a press conference in advance of Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots at Mall of America. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Football Team @ Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles to win, Alternate total over 45.5 & Jalen Hurts rushing yards OVER

Every week, Ian gives us his best Bet Builder of the weekend. This weekend it is on the late game, the pivotal NFC east clash between Washington and Philadelphia.

The Eagles are slight underdogs here, but with the uncertainty at the quarterback position in Washington, we will take the Eagles on the moneyline for our first leg. Secondly, the Overs in the alternate points total at 45.5 looks a good bet. The Eagles are playing a lot faster since Jalen Hurts took over at QB, the official line is 43.5, which is very low by modern NFL standards and I can see these two teams go over that total.

Bet summary:

Eagles to win & Alternate total over 45.5

* A Bet Builder on these three best bets pays at approximately x/1 with Paddy Power.

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What do you think?