The Week 17 odds and playoff scenarios make for more interesting games and betting situations as the New Year begins with 14 NFL games on Sunday, Jan. 1. Desperation and ‘must win’ games are the buzz words as many teams fight for a post season spot and higher position, and playoff pressure builds. Key match-ups of such teams in Week 17 include:

Game odds from FanDuel Sportsbook refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Types of bets and how to read the odds

The Action Network and research team provided some against the spread (ATS) situations for NFL teams on the brink of elimination in the final two weeks of the regular season.

Eliminated teams in that positive 62.5% ATS role in Week 17 include: Bears, Browns, Texans, Colts.

Teams in that negative 39.3% ATS situation in Week 17 include: Commanders, Ravens, Bucs, Dolphins, Giants, Lions, Jaguars, Chargers.

NFL underdogs have been good for us with winning picks this season. But after going 85-62-3 (57.8%) ATS through the opening 10 weeks, underdogs are just 45-43-2 ATS since, according to Action Network betting stats (betting lines move and ATS data can vary slightly).

The playoff picture will be clearer following Sunday’s games ahead of the huge Monday Night Football game Jan. 2 between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. And on Jan. 1, 2023, legal sports betting begins in Ohio with more money being bet on the Bengals.

“January 1 will represent the largest expansion of gaming in Ohio’s history and the largest ever simultaneous launch of sports gaming in the United States,” the Ohio Casino Control Commission says on its website.

How to bet on sports online in Ohio

Week 17 will provide plenty of drama as the key games unfold for playoff spots and position. And as betting in the Buckeye state begins to kickoff the near year, big games for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals will create additional excitement for two strong teams in the underdog role pushing towards a championship.

You can bet on it.