NFL, CFP odds: Finest bets for Michigan-TCU, Bears-Lions, Steelers-Ravens

Sam Panayotovich

FOX Sports activities Betting Analyst

The School Soccer Playoff is right here, and we’re able to make a transfer!

Our greatest bets (39-32-1) are within the inexperienced, and I’m rolling with three performs over the weekend. This house isn’t the place for one million picks or five-team parlays, both. These are the video games I really like probably the most.

Let’s go to work with odds courtesy of FOX Wager.

No. 3 TCU vs No. 2 Michigan (4 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Let’s begin by applauding TCU’s 12-1 season.

The Horned Frogs have been higher than Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Baylor, Iowa State and Kansas State, which no person exterior of Fort Value thought was doable. I imply, come on, the Frogs’ season win complete was O/U 6.5.

The unhealthy information for TCU is that it now faces one of the full groups in soccer. I imagine Michigan has the sting in each single space on this sport. The Wolverines are a High-10 staff in each offensive and defensive effectivity, their particular groups are unbelievable and Jim Harbaugh has pushed all the appropriate buttons this season.

Most significantly, Harbaugh has instilled a toughness and bodily type of bully ball that may even make Bo Schembechler blush. Michigan has dominated the road of scrimmage on each side all season lengthy, which makes life simpler on the ability positions and secondary. And there’s no cause to suppose that may change on the most important stage.

This one may get ugly. Lay the factors.

PICK: Michigan (-7.5 at FOX Wager) to win by greater than 7.5 factors

49ers, Dolphins & Bengals function in Nick's Picks coming into Week 17

Nick Wright makes his NFL Week 17 picks that includes: Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (1 p.m., FOX and FOX Sports activities App)

I’m able to guess in opposition to Detroit. 

The Lions have coated seven of eight video games, and final weekend’s 37-23 loss at Carolina is the one blemish over that span. They’ve clearly remodeled into America’s staff on the betting window, that means that bookmakers will tax you the remainder of the best way should you guess ‘em.

And don’t look now, however the Bears have been tremendous aggressive over its final three video games. Chicago coated in opposition to first-place Philadelphia and led in opposition to each Buffalo and Inexperienced Bay at halftime. The cream finally rose in all these video games, however there’s no questioning Chicago’s moxie because the season winds down.

I like Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense to maintain it shut.

Take the factors.

PICK: Bears (+6 at FOX Wager) to lose by fewer than 6 factors (or win outright)

Blazin' 5: Go all-in on 49ers vs. Raiders, Vikings upset Packers at Lambeau

Colin Cowherd shares his Blazin' 5 picks of Week 17, together with taking the San Francisco 49ers (-9.5) excessive odds in opposition to a chaotic Las Vegas Raiders squad and the Minnesota Vikings to upset NFC North rival Inexperienced Bay Packers.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (1 p.m., CBS)

Don’t let the Steelers get scorching.

Pittsburgh has quietly received 4 of its final 5 video games behind a protection that’s held opponents to 17, 16, 16, 16 and 10 factors over that stretch. T.J. Watt’s impression can by no means be underestimated, and the black and gold have been harder than nails within the trenches since their star participant returned.

Then there’s Baltimore’s quarterback state of affairs.

Lamar Jackson’s season continues to twist and switch like a rollercoaster. He was "anticipated" to return final weekend however wound up lacking his third straight sport. And now many individuals in NFL circles marvel if John Harbaugh will hold Jackson sidelined ‘til the playoffs. The logic is smart however offers us a chance on the betting window.

I’ll gladly guess in opposition to Tyler Huntley.

PICK: Steelers (+2.5 at FOX Wager) to lose by fewer than 2.5 factors (or win outright)

Sam Panayotovich is a sports activities betting analyst for FOX Sports activities and NESN. He beforehand labored for WGN Radio, NBC Sports activities and VSiN. He'll in all probability decide in opposition to your favourite staff. Observe him on Twitter @spshoot.

High tales from FOX Sports activities:

Get extra from Nationwide Soccer League Observe your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra