UPDATE: NFL Week 17 betting action heats up as sportsbooks across the nation gear up for crucial matchups, especially the highly anticipated game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET. With playoff implications on the line, oddsmakers are closely watching betting trends as fans rally for their teams.
Caesars Sports opened the Bills as 3-point favorites at home, but the line has shifted dramatically to favor the underdog Eagles, now just 1 point behind. “It’s all Bills money. We’re gonna be big Eagles fans,” stated Craig Mucklow, vice president of trading at Caesars Sports, highlighting a surge in sharp betting on the Eagles since Tuesday.
As Christmas approaches, four of the six teams playing on Christmas Day are already out of playoff contention, but that hasn’t deterred bettors from placing their wagers. The day kicks off with the Cowboys vs. Commanders at 1 p.m. ET, where Dallas has seen the line shift from a 3.5-point favorite to 8.5 points as Washington starts third-string quarterback Josh Johnson. “We’ll lose big time on Dallas,” Mucklow warned.
The Lions vs. Vikings game at 4:30 p.m. ET is also drawing significant attention, with Detroit moving to a 7.5-point favorite as Minnesota’s quarterback situation deteriorates. “That game will have the biggest betting handle of the day,” Mucklow noted, indicating that public sentiment is heavily backing Detroit.
In addition to the holiday matchups, professional bettor Randy McKay has highlighted this week’s Steelers vs. Browns game at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, recommending a bet on Cleveland as a home underdog at +4.5. “Cleveland at home vs. the Steelers is always the Browns’ Super Bowl,” McKay remarked, underscoring the emotional stakes involved.
With the playoffs looming, the pressure is mounting for teams like the Bills and Eagles. Buffalo, currently a wild-card contender, still has a chance to win the AFC East and secure a home game in the playoffs, while Philadelphia has already clinched the NFC East but is aiming to improve their seeding.
As bettors flock to sportsbooks, Mucklow warns of potential liabilities on the prime-time games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The matchup between the Ravens and Packers at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday is particularly concerning for sportsbooks, as Mucklow anticipates significant public money backing Green Bay.
In an exciting twist, a DraftKings Sportsbook customer recently made headlines with a remarkable $10, 15-leg parlay that nearly netted a staggering $165,057. While the bettor chose to cash out for over $72,000 before the final game, they still walked away with over $77,000 in total profit, illustrating the thrilling potential of NFL betting during the holiday season.
As the games approach, fans and bettors alike are poised for an action-packed weekend. With the stakes higher than ever, this Week 17 promises to deliver more than just holiday cheer. Keep an eye on the matchups and betting trends—this is a weekend you won’t want to miss.
