Admin December 26, 2024
NFL Week 17 picks: Why you should consider Lions, Panthers and Colts
Lorenzo Reyes is back with his three best bets ahead of Week 17 games. Find out why he likes the Lions, Panthers and Colts to cover the spread.
The “Thursday Night Football” schedule has been terrific all season long, and Week 17 brings an NFC showdown for the final installment in 2024.
The Chicago Bears (4-11) will host the Seattle Seahawks (8-7) at Soldier Field for an intriguing matchup on Boxing Day.
The visiting Seahawks are coming off a disappointing home loss to the Minnesota Vikings and need a win to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West title race. Seattle has dropped two in a row another loss could eliminate them from playoff contention.
Here’s how the playoff scenarios break down for Seattle:
- If the Rams win and the Seahawks lose or tie the Bears, they are eliminated from contention.
- If the Rams tie and the Seahawks lose, the Rams clinch the division.
- If the Rams lose on Saturday and the Seahawks win on Thursday, a winner-take-all Week 18 game would be held at SoFi Stadium.
Meanwhile, Chicago has lost nine in a row and is attempting to navigate the close of a season in which the team fired its head coach and offensive coordinator.
Here’s everything to know about the “Thursday Night Football” matchup for Week 17:
Where to watch Bears vs. Seahawks game today
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Venue: Soldier Field
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Game: Bears vs. Seahawks
What channel is Bears vs. Seahawks?
- TV channel (Local): Chicago: FOX 32 | Seattle: Seattle KING – 5 NBC
Only viewers in local markets can catch the game on TV, as the game will be live streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
Bears vs. Seahawks live stream free
- Live stream: Amazon Prime Video
“Thursday Night Football” will exclusively stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Watch “TNF” with a Prime Video subscription
Bears vs. Seahawks predictions
Seattle is 5-1 on the road this season.
The Seahawks have their backs against the wall and will play with a sense of desperation with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Meanwhile, the Bears have been outscored 102-42 over their last three matchups. Bears QB Caleb Williams could be running for his life often with two starting offensive linemen likely out on Thursday night. Williams is navigating an incredibly difficult season in which his head coach and offensive coordinator were fired, and now his blockers are extremely banged up. The rookie has been sacked a league-high 60 times.
The Bears are down left tackle Braxton Jones and guard Tevin Jenkins on Thursday night. Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams is having a career year and could make a major impact.
The Bears defense has struggled tremendously to slow down opposing passing games. They are allowing the second-highest yards per attempt (7.9). Seattle’s offense has tremendous players at the skilled positions headlined by DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The dynamic duo will dominate this secondary.
Over the last six games, Chicago ranks 30th in opponent success rate and EPA per play allowed. The Seahawks rank third in EPA per play allowed and 11th in success rate allowed during this span. The Bears have allowed 179 total yards per game and seven touchdowns to opposing running backs in their last five games. Seattle should control this game from beginning to end.
Bears vs. Seahawks odds
The Seahawks are favorites to defeat the Bears, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.
- Spread: Seahawks (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Seahawks (-190); Bears (+160)
- Over/under: 43.5
Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds and Monday Night Football odds.
New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
FEELING LUCKY? Here are the best parlay bets and odds for NFL games this week
Bears vs. Seahawks play-by-play
You can follow the Bears vs. Seahawks play-by-play here.
NFL playoff picture
Here’s how the AFC and NFC stack up entering Week 17:
AFC
- Kansas City Chiefs (14-1, AFC West winners)*
- Buffalo Bills (12-3, AFC East winners)*
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5, AFC North leaders)*
- Houston Texans (9-6, AFC South winners)*
- Baltimore Ravens (10-5, wild card No. 1)*
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-6, wild card No. 3)
- Denver Broncos (9-6, wild card No. 2)
In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (7-8), Miami Dolphins (7-8), Cincinnati Bengals (7-8).
NFC
- Detroit Lions (13-2, NFC North leaders)*
- Philadelphia Eagles (12-3, NFC East leaders)*
- Los Angeles Rams (9-6, NFC West leaders)
- Atlanta Falcons (8-7, NFC South leaders)
- Minnesota Vikings (13-2, wild card No. 1)*
- Green Bay Packers (11-4, wild card No. 2)
- Washington Commanders (10-5, wild card No. 3)
In the hunt: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
An asterisk (*) denotes teams that have clinched a playoff spot. Teams that have clinched division titles are noted accordingly.
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