2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 17

Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

Sunday, January 2, 1PM ET

At some point, the Kansas City Chiefs are going to trip up. However, after their dismantling of the Steelers on Sunday night, I can’t in good conscience pick against them. Trust me, though — it was a difficult decision with their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on the horizon.

The Bengals certainly turned heads in Week 16, taking care of the Baltimore Ravens with the help of Joe Burrow and his historic performance. And their defense has been exceptional all year long, doing a terrific job of pressuring quarterbacks and creating turnovers. However, this is no average opponent they’re facing in Week 17.

The reason for my confidence in the Chiefs is actually their defense. Since their eight-game winning streak began, Kansas City has watched their defense develop into one of the most dangerous in the NFL. Even with Burrow coming off a monster game, the Chiefs are more than capable of stifling the young gunslinger.

Patrick Mahomes is going to do his thing as he has all throughout the second half of the season. Cincinnati will do their best to slow him down and keep up on offense, but the Chiefs are just too much right now. Until they prove capable of being slowed down, Kansas City has my pick.

Prediction: Chiefs win 31-27 | Spread:  Chiefs (-5)