NFL Week 17: The NFL Degenerate picks Eagles vs Giants, Browns vs Bengals, Saints vs Panthers, Titans vs Texans, 49ers vs Seahawks

WEEK 16 RECORD: 2-2-1

WEEK 17 (picks in CAPS):

Cleveland -3 at CINCINNATI

Bengals have locked up top draft pick and would like nothing better than to close season with win over division rival that can’t have season end fast enough. Cincy only has 2 covers in last 6 but feeling is they keep it close in revenger against Browns team that followed 3-game winning streak to get back into playoff contention by losing 3 of 4.

New Orleans -13 at CAROLINA

Sean Payton insists he’s playing his starters in this spot, unlike a year ago when they sat and the Saints lost big. But important to note Drew Brees has a little knee issue and doesn’t figure to be around at the end when the cover may be decided. Panthers have fallen off a cliff in the second half of the season, but hunch is they keep plugging (and keep giving the ball to McCaffrey) as the Saints ease off on the gas pedal.

TENNESSEE -6 at Houston

This is a big number, but Texans have little motivation here except to stay healthy for playoffs, particularly Watson who got dinged up last week. Also, Houston hasn’t been a great play at home (2-5 ATS) all season. Titans need this one and figure to improve on 4-3 road spread record.

Philadelphia -4 at NEW YORK GIANTS

Giants surprised me with gutsy effort at Redskins last week, a week after emotional sendoff for Eli. This line has already dropped from 5½, indicating public feels Giants can get it up again against hated division rival. Eagles are seeking repeat of 2018’s stretch run to the playoffs, but this is a different team that has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. New York, meanwhile, has covered 4 of the last 5 in this series and is on a 4-1 spread run.

SAN FRANCISCO -3½ at Seattle

Even without home-field advantage throughout the playoffs dangling in front of them, Niners have revenge motive for Nov. 11 home loss to Seahawks that snapped 8-game win streak. Seattle’s chances at home-field depend on New Orleans and Green Bay losing, which won’t happen, and the Seahawks are better on road (5-2-1 ATS) than at home (2-5). Bringing Marshawn Lynch out of semi-retirement isn’t going to be enough.

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