5 betting tips for Week 17 of the NFL season

Need some help spotting situational edges with the final slate of regular-season NFL action fast approaching? We've got you covered.

Here are five tips for Week 17:

Everything coming up under with Lions

Key losses at the skill positions and a midseason identity crisis have made the Detroit Lions one of the league's most underwhelming offenses down the stretch. They've scored 20 points or fewer in six straight games, they've gone under the total in every contest over that span, and the first-half under in their matchups would also be on a 6-0 run if not for a Hail Mary touchdown from the Minnesota Vikings at the end of the second quarter last weekend.

Bears might be enticing - in the first half

If you're curious why the 8-6 Vikings are listed as a five-point favorite over the NFC North champion Chicago Bears, consider the circumstances: The Bears can only clinch a first-round bye if they win and the Los Angeles Rams lose to the 4-11 San Francisco 49ers - the latter of which is unlikely.

So, expecting the Bears to give a full-game effort would be risky because their starters might sit out the second half if the Rams go up big against the Niners (the games will be played simultaneously). That leaves bettors with some unknowns for a full-game wager, but we do expect the Bears to at least give a strong effort at the start.

Chargers, Broncos both trending under

Two AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos, will meet in Week 17, and both teams are riding hot streaks to the under in games within the division. In those AFC West rivalry contests, the Chargers have gone under the total in eight of 10 games dating back to last season, while the Broncos haven't gone over any total versus a divisional opponent this year. Meanwhile, Denver's offense has been one of the most underwhelming at home this season, ranking No. 26 in points per game. These teams went under the closing total of 47 in Week 11 with a 23-22 Broncos win.

Cowboys' defense comes to play on the road

The Dallas Cowboys have been fantastic defensively this season, ranking No. 4 in points allowed and No. 6 in yards allowed. They haven't faltered away from home, either, as they've held opponents under their team total in all seven road contests this year. The Cowboys can make it eight out of eight in Week 17 when they take on the New York Giants' No. 20 scoring offense.

Dolphins tough to trust on road

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the worst road teams to invest in, as they've covered just two of their previous 14 games away from Hard Rock Stadium and gone 2-5 against the spread on the road this season. The Dolphins, who are used to warm weather, have also failed to cover the spread in their last six road games played outdoors in the months of November and December. Temperatures are expected to be below freezing when Miami travels to take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 17.

Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.

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