Media by Associated Press – Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands off to Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Jim Rassol)
There are two weeks left in the NFL regular season, and still plenty to play for many teams around the league. There are two playoff spots and two divisions up for grabs in the AFC, and three playoff spots and two divisions are open in the NFC. There are also a handful of big-time injuries, quarterback changes, and other player availability that have impacted lines for Week 17.
Let’s take a look at finding a three-team NFL parlay to bet on for this weekend’s action.
Carolina Panthers +3
This is one of, if not the biggest, game on Sunday as the NFC South is on the line in Tampa. The Buccaneers somehow escaped Arizona with an overtime win on Christmas night to move to 7-8 on the season. The Carolina Panthers are 6-9, and since they beat the Bucs 21-3 earlier this season, they eliminate the Bucs with a win on Sunday.
Carolina heads to Tampa Bay with a 4-2 record in the last six games, and they are 5-1 ATS in that span. The Bucs have won just two of the last five, and they are 0-5 ATS in those games, opening the door for Carolina and New Orleans to win the division.
This line opened at +5.5 and is now down to +3 heading into the weekend. Carolina’s offense is in the top 10 in the league for yards per play since Sam Darnold took over the starting role from Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker. Last week against Detroit, the Panthers ran for 320 yards and totaled a franchise-record 570 yards of offense.
They won’t do that against the Tampa Bay defense, but they have enough offense to put up points, and their defense is every bit good enough to slow down Tampa again and keep this game close.
Cincinnati Bengals +2.5
This game should be spectacular on Monday night and is a potential AFC Championship Game preview. Buffalo has been fantastic on offense, but their defense has struggled against teams like Minnesota, Kansas City, Miami, and Detroit. Cincinnati is in that same realm offensively as those four teams, and Joe Burrow is playing his best ball of the season heading into this game.
Burrow has 11 touchdown passes in the last four games while going for 375 yards last week in New England. He has both Joe Mixon and Ja’marr Chase back from injury, putting the Bengals at full firepower.
Both Burrow and Josh Allen have a tendency to throw interceptions and will need to take care of the ball on Monday. Allen adds the run game to his arsenal, which will challenge the Bengals’ defense.
The atmosphere in Ohio should be fantastic on Monday. These teams are pretty evenly matched, where one turnover could make the difference. Take the points and ride with the home underdogs.
Green Bay Packers -3
This is it for the Green Bay Packers and their postseason hopes. They must win their last two games, both at home against NFC North rivals, and still get some help to reach the postseason. Up first is a showdown with the 12-3 Minnesota Vikings, who have already clinched the division and are still playing to be the top seed in the NFC.
The Packers have played much better over the last month, and they may have found something on defense in the second half on Christmas, shutting out the Dolphins in the final 30 minutes. They head into this game with confidence on defense, despite a 23-7 loss to the Vikings earlier this season.
Minnesota has 11 wins by one possession this season, and they love the drama at the end of games. Kirk Cousins has repeatedly delivered in the fourth quarter, usually through superstar in the making Justin Jefferson. The Vikings wideout torched the Packers for 184 yards and two scores in the opener, and it will be crucial the Packers put Jaire Alexander on him for different looks this time around.
Green Bay is desperate, and Aaron Rodgers should have Christian Watson and Romeo Doubbs both back in the lineup. The running back tandem of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon have carried this team the last few weeks and can help the Packers cover at home to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Parlay
- Carolina +3
- Cincinnati +2.5
- Green Bay -3
Total: +551
Keep up with your latest NFL news coverage and betting pick previews at NJSportsbookReview.com.