Cowboys kick off Week 17 as huge road favorites at Titans

Before the Tennessee Titans face a win-or-go game against Jacksonville next week, they host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night.

Week 17 begins with an interesting matchup that means a lot more for Dallas.

After a win over the Eagles, the Cowboys (11-4) still have a shot at winning the NFC East and an outside chance to earn the No. 1 seed. 1.

The struggling Titans (7-8) have lost five straight and will play the Jaguars (7-8) for the AFC South in the regular-season finale regardless of the result against the Cowboys.

The embattled Titans are without quarterback Ryan Tannehill and their main concern should be staying healthy.

Dallas is a 10 1/2-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Pro Picks considers this a submission.

COWBOYS, 30-13

New York Jets (minus 2 1/2) at Seattle

Mike White returns to try to save the season for the Jets (7-8). The Seahawks (7-8) are still fighting for a playoff spot. Seattle is a tough place to play for a quarterback making his seventh career start.

IMPROVED SPECIAL: SEAHAWKS, 8-7 p.m

Miami (plus 2 1/2) at New England

Tua Tagovailoa is back in concussion protocol and the Dolphins (8-7) have lost four straight. The Patriots (7-8) were one touchdown within 5 of beating the Bengals last week.

BEST BET: PATRIOTS, 23-17

Minnesota (plus 3) at Green Bay

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers (7-8) are making an unlikely playoff push. The Vikings (12-3) have won an NFL-record 11 games by one score. Their only double-digit win came against the Packers in Week 1.

PACKERS, 27-23

Carolina (plus 3) at Tampa Bay

Tom Brady has already lost to PJ Walker. Now, Sam Darnold has a shot to lead the Panthers (6-9) to an NFC South title starting with a win over the Buccaneers (7-8). Tampa Bay needs to stop the Carolina run to give Brady a shot and a weak offense.

BUCCANEERS, 20-16

Cleveland (plus 1 1/2) at Washington

The Commanders (7-7-1) are turning to Carson Wentz to lead them to the playoffs.

Commanders, 23-20

New Orleans (plus 6 1/2) at Philadelphia

The battered Eagles (13-2) are one win away from securing the No. 1 seed. 1 of the NFC. Gardner Minshew almost beat the Cowboys, but losing Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson to injury was more costly than losing that game.

ALKIPONJA, 27-16

Arizona (plus 3 1/2) at Atlanta

JJ Watt’s last game could be a nightmare for Atlanta QB Desmond Ridder.

Falcons, 20-17

Jacksonville (minus 4 1/2) at Houston

Like the Titans, the Jaguars must prioritize health over winning. Win or lose, Jacksonville plays for the AFC South next week.

JAGUARS, 23-20

Chicago (plus 5 1/2) at Detroit

The Lions (7-8) couldn’t stop the run against the Panthers and now face Justin Fields with their playoff hopes on the line.

LIONS, 30-23

Denver (plus 13 1/2) at Kansas City

The Chiefs (12-3) could slip to the No. 1 seed. 1 with the help of the Bengals. The Broncos are a disaster.

CHIEFS, 31-10

Indianapolis (plus 5 1/2) at New York Giants

Nick Foles couldn’t be playing any worse this week for the Colts. The Giants (8-6-1) aim to lock down a wild-card spot.

GIANTS, 22-20

San Francisco (minus 6) at Las Vegas

Brock Purdy and the 49ers (11-4) have a shot at No. 2.

49 ERS, 26-17

Los Angeles Rams (plus 6 1/2) at Los Angeles Chargers

The battle for Los Angeles with two teams went in opposite directions.

CHARGERS, 27-17

Pittsburgh (plus 3) at Baltimore

The Ravens (10-5) need Lamar Jackson to have any chance at the playoffs. They can still win the AFC North.

HARVESTS, 17-16

Buffalo (minus 1 1/2) at Cincinnati

There’s a lot at stake in a potential AFC Championship Game preview. Josh Allen and the Bills (12-3) want to retain the No. 1 of the AFC. Joe Burrow and the Bengals (11-4) have won seven in a row.

BILLS, 27-24

RECORD 2022

Last week: Straight up: 10-6 Against the spread: 6-10.

Season: Outright: 147-92. Against the spread: 119-115-5.

Thursday: Straight Up: 12-6. Against the spread: 8-10.

Monday: Live: 10-7. Against the spread: 8-9.

Best bet: Straight: 9-7. Against the spread: 9-7.

Upset Special: Straight Up: 5-11. Against the spread: 7-8-1.

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Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter at https://twitter.com/robmaaddi

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