As the NFL enters Week 17, bettors are keen to identify matchups that offer potential advantages. Insights from Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlight key opportunities that could influence betting strategies. Utilizing extensive studies on player performance, PFF aims to uncover how these insights apply to the upcoming games, focusing on matchups that may have been overlooked by the betting market.
Trevor Lawrence Faces a Vulnerable Colts Secondary
In the matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Trevor Lawrence stands to benefit from a secondary that has been significantly hampered by injuries. PFF’s analysis indicates that coverage can operate like a weak-link system, where a single mistake can undermine an entire defense’s effectiveness. This season, the Colts have struggled to maintain perfect coverage, particularly as injuries have left them with one of the weakest units in the league.
Lawrence has faced an average rate of perfect coverage this season, yet when defenses break down, he has been impressive, ranking among the top quarterbacks in the league with a strong PFF grade. Given the Colts’ difficulties in coverage, it is likely that Lawrence will encounter increased opportunities to capitalize on defensive mistakes.
With the aggressive downfield strategy that has emerged since the arrival of Jakobi Meyers, this matchup presents a favorable scenario for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bettors may want to consider options such as Lawrence’s passing yards over, alternate lines for the Jaguars, and same-game parlays as potentially lucrative strategies.
Joe Burrow Set to Exploit Cardinals’ Weak Pass Rush
Another matchup drawing attention is the one featuring Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals against the Arizona Cardinals. PFF also emphasizes that an offensive line works as a weak link, where the success of a play hinges on each lineman executing their assignment. Burrow is particularly sensitive to breakdowns in protection, exhibiting a stark contrast in efficiency based on the quality of his offensive line’s performance.
The Cardinals rank near the bottom of the league across various pressure metrics and have recorded the fewest forced blocking mistakes this season. Given these circumstances, Burrow is well-positioned to perform efficiently in this matchup. This situation makes Burrow’s passing props and related same-game parlays appealing options for bettors.
As Week 17 approaches, these insights from PFF provide valuable guidance for those looking to navigate the betting landscape. Focusing on matchups like Lawrence against the Colts and Burrow facing the Cardinals may yield fruitful opportunities as teams vie for playoff positioning.
