Is there anything better than New Year’s Day falling on a Sunday? The 2022 NFL season enters Week 17, with a full slate of games on January 1 to enjoy as you welcome the new year, nurse your hangover or both.
Colin Cowherd has two weeks to go in what has been his best year of Blazin’ 5 picks, winning 55% of his games so far. He is all but a lock to have a winning record for the year, but we all know he’s looking to finish the year decisively.
Each Friday at 1 p.m. ET, Cowherd releases his Blazin’ 5 on his show, The Herd. Keep reading below to see Cowherd’s favorite games of the week, along with Cowherd’s analyses of those picks.
Then, check out the best lines at PA sportsbook apps before submitting your betting slip.
Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 record
In Week 16, Cowherd had a 2-2 record going into Christmas Day, where his last pick ended up as an L. His 2-3 record brings him to 40-32-3 for the season and 163-158-10 since 2019.
- 2022: 40-32-3
- 2021: 37-43-2
- 2020: 40-41-2
- 2019: 46-42-3
Week 16 Wins:
- Carolina Panthers (+2.5) vs. Detroit Lions (Final Score: Panthers 37, Lions 23)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (-2) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Final Score: Steelers 13, Raiders 10)
Week 16 Losses:
- New England Patriots (+3) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Final Score: Bengals 22, Patriots 18)
- Washington Commanders (+6.5) at San Francisco 49ers (Final Score: 49ers 37, Commanders 20)
- Miami Dolphins (-3.5) vs. Green Bay Packers (Final Score: Packers 26, Dolphins 20)
Week 17 picks from The Herd
“We’ve got a great weekend starting, so let’s not waste any time.”
Miami Dolphins (+2.5) at New England Patriots
Cowherd pick: Dolphins
Final score prediction: Dolphins 27, Patriots 23
Cowherd said:
“I think the Dolphins are a better team. They’re getting 2.5 points at New England. I’m gonna take Miami here, even if Teddy Bridgewater plays. Teddy Bridgewater had 330 yards passing the last time he played in Week 6 against the Vikings.
“New England’s offense – they’ve lost four of five – they can’t score over 20. They’ve been absolutely awful since Week 7 and (have) eight games with less than 200 total yards this year. Only the Texans have more.
“Teddy Bridgewater’s competent, I still get great skill players, a more clever offensive coach. And you get Matt Patricia. I’m gonna take Miami and the points to win, 27-23 Dolphins.”
Final Score: Patriots 23, Dolphins 21
Did Colin Cowherd win? Yes
New England Jets (-1.5) at Seattle Seahawks
Cowherd pick: Jets
Final score prediction: Jets 24, Seahawks 20
Cowherd said:
“I’m gonna swallow the 1.5 points and take the Jets here, who have been a good road team, 4-3. Why are they a road team? Because defense travels. So, they’re a very good road team. Held opponents to 20 points or fewer in three straight games. Now, they’re not winning enough in those games, but since Week 4, they have been dominant. Arguably the best defense in the entire league since Week 4.
“And Jets starting quarterbacks not named Zach Wilson, over the last two years, throw for over 300 yards. The offense is competent; Zach Wilson’s not. Mike White’s gonna play, the Seahawks are the only team in the league that has at least one turnover in the game, and their rushing offense has disappeared. The Jets win an ugly one, 24-20.”
Final Score: Seahawks 23, Jets 6
Did Colin Cowherd win? No
San Francisco 49ers (-9.5) at Las Vegas Raiders
Cowherd pick: 49ers
Final score prediction: 49ers 28, Raiders 17
Cowherd said:
“I hate taking big favorites, but I’m gonna take the Niners -9.5. This thing, I don’t even know how the Raiders score. Jarrett Stidham’s career completion percentage is 52.
“The Niners’ defense is the best by a mile. They’re 11-0 when they win the turnover battle, and you know the Raiders are gonna have some turnovers. Since Week 8, the Niners are just unbelievable in point differential and turnover differential, and their offense has scored 30-plus points three times in the last month.
“The Raiders have lost five times this year when leading at halftime. So, even when they were leading and playing well and had a good game plan, they’re capable of losing because they can’t stop anybody. Jarrett Stidham, in preseason games, completed 62% against scout team guys. I think he’s gonna have a rough afternoon. I’m gonna the Niners, swallow the points, 28-17.”
Final Score: 49ers 37, Raiders 34
Did Colin Cowherd win? No
Minnesota Vikings (+3) at Green Bay Packers
Cowherd pick: Vikings
Final score prediction: Vikings 27, Packers 24
Cowherd said:
“It’s a division game. It’s too close. I’m just gonna take the points. I wish I got the hook at 3.5. I’m gonna take Minnesota +3. Bottom line is they’re 11-0 in one-score games, and this is gonna be a one-score game. That’s my view on it.
“Kirk Cousins is averaging almost 400 yards throwing in the last month. Green Bay, remember, had to overcome a 10-point deficit to beat Miami. And we now learn that Tua had a concussion. They remain awful on third down, 2-of-14 against the Dolphins. And their wins have come against the Bears, Rams and Dolphins when Tua had a concussion in the second half.
“I think Minnesota’s the more balanced team. They blew them out the first time. I don’t know if Christian Watson’s gonna play. I’m gonna take the Vikings here, 27-24. I’m gonna take the points.”
Final Score: Packers 41, Vikings 17
Did Colin Cowherd win? No
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals (+1.5)
Cowherd pick: Bengals
Final score prediction: Bengals 28, Bills 27
Cowherd said:
“Bengals at home, getting points? A team that doesn’t turn it over as much, that’s getting great offensive line play? I’m gonna take Cincinnati here. They’re on a heater, (winning) nine of ten. At home, the best offense in the league. Five takeaways in the last two games. Joe Burrow’s been on fire since Week 3.
“And this Bills team, prone to turnovers. They’ve got 24; only the Colts have more. And Josh Allen’s had five games with multiple interceptions. So, you’re going to have to score some points because Cincinnati always does at home.
“I get the better situational quarterback, home field advantage, points, the better offensive line and a turnover-prone Buffalo Bills team. The wise guys, I think, like Buffalo. I’m gonna take Cincinnati to win a really, really fun game, 28-27. Go either way, but I like the team that is less prone to make a big mistake. Buffalo’s Tyson. They’ll knock you out, but if they miss, they leave themselves vulnerable.”
Colin Cowherd weekly record: 1-3
Colin Cowherd 2022 Blazin’ 5 Overall Record: 41-35-3
NFL Week 17 lines and best odds at PA online sportsbooks
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Lead image credit: Jed Jacobsohn/AP