On top of an unsettled playoff picture in the AFC and a jumble of potential seed scenarios at stake in the NFC, there are seven NFL teams whose season win total fate is still yet to be decided.
It’s time to dust off those old slips from bets that were made before the season began and see which ones have a chance at cashing in Week 17.
Season Win Totals – Week 17 Scenario
1. Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Line: Falcons -2
Atlanta SWT: 8.5 UN -125
Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank has declared this game his team’s new Super Bowl goal, since making the playoffs is out of the question. If you believe the hype you better move quick; this line opened at Bucs -1. Atlanta went "Over" the total in 2008 but was 0-3 the previous three seasons.
2-3. Baltimore Ravens (8-7) at Oakland Raiders (5-10)
Line: Ravens -10
Baltimore SWT: 8.5 OV -185
Oakland SWT: 5.5 UN -135
Interesting scenario as both teams sit a half-game shy of their projected total. Baltimore obviously has a much greater interest in this game, as a victory would guarantee them a playoff berth regardless of what happens to the Broncos or Jets.
Betting tip: As far as futures go, the Raiders hold the record for longest active losing streak. Oakland has failed to clear its total six consecutive times since 2002. During that span the team has averaged four wins per season. Could this be Al’s year to cash a best bet?
4. New England Patriots at Houston Texans (8-7)
Line: Texans -7
Houston SWT: 8.5 UN -125
When online sportsbooks first released odds for this game the Texans were laying less than a TD but support for HC Gary Kubiak’s team to secure its first-ever winning season is starting to mount.
Betting tip: Since 2004 Houston has cleared its SWT four out of five times.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8) at Cleveland Browns
Line: 'Pick em'
Jacksonville SWT: 8 OV -145
After an opening number that favored the Browns this line has taken downward pressure as bettors project the Jags to field the team that almost beat Indianapolis in Week 15, not the one that got ambushed by Randy Moss and a trigger happy Tom Brady in Foxboro last Sunday.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins (7-8)
Line: Steelers -3
Miami SWT: 7 OV -140
The home team needs a lot of help to make the playoffs but it all starts with a win against the reigning Super Bowl champs.
Betting tip: The AFC East is tied with the AFC South for most "Over" wins in SWT betting since 2001.
7. San Francisco 49ers (7-8) at St. Louis Rams
Line: 49ers -7.5
San Francisco SWT: OV 7 -170
Two old rivals meet in a somewhat meaningless game but ask yourself one question: Would you go out there and not give 100-percent if your boss named Mike Singletary was standing over on the sidelines? No, we didn’t think so.
