UPDATE: As NFL Week 17 rapidly approaches, sportsbooks are counting on a strong performance from the Philadelphia Eagles against the Buffalo Bills in what’s expected to be a pivotal matchup at 4:25 p.m. ET on December 25, 2023. Betting activity is heating up, with oddsmakers revealing that they are rooting for the Eagles to pull off an upset.
With the Eagles currently sitting as 1-point underdogs, sharp bettors have already weighed in, pushing the spread from an opening line of Buffalo -3 to -1 as of Wednesday afternoon. “We have a pretty sizable decision on that game,” said Craig Mucklow, vice president of trading at Caesars Sports. He added, “It’s all Bills money. We’re gonna be big Eagles fans,” indicating a strong reliance on public betting trends as the game approaches.
This Week 17 showdown is not just crucial for playoff implications; it also features two teams in very different circumstances. The Eagles have already clinched the NFC East and are guaranteed a home playoff game, while the Bills are fighting for a wild-card spot and still have a shot at the AFC East title. The stakes could not be higher as both teams aim to solidify their postseason positions.
In addition to the marquee Eagles-Bills game, the NFL’s Christmas Day slate includes notable matchups that are drawing considerable betting interest. The Cowboys open the day against the Commanders at 1 p.m. ET, with Dallas initially favored by 3.5 points, now climbing to -8.5 as they face a Washington team struggling with quarterback issues.
Later, the Lions take on the Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET, with Detroit currently a 7.5-point favorite after opening at -5.5. The public is heavily backing the Lions, while Mucklow notes, “We’re really gonna need a low-scoring time. We need an Under, big time,” as the total has already dropped from 45.5 to 43.
As we look toward the prime-time matchups, Mucklow expressed concern over the Ravens facing the Packers on Saturday night. He anticipates Packers money pouring in, especially if Lamar Jackson remains sidelined due to injury. The stakes in this matchup are also significant, as both teams vie for critical playoff positioning.
Amid the excitement, professional bettor Randy McKay highlighted a crucial betting scenario in the Steelers-Browns game, 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 noted.
The betting frenzy continues to build, and with multiple games scheduled for Christmas Day, sportsbooks are bracing for a whirlwind of action. With emotions running high and playoff implications on the line, the public is poised to make their voices heard through their bets.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, everyone is watching closely. Will the Eagles rise to the occasion, or will the Bills secure a vital win? The answers will unfold in what promises to be an electrifying NFL Week 17. Stay tuned for live updates as the action unfolds!
