Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines the matchups and makes his predictions for Week 17 of the NFL season. All lines and over/under numbers are according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Last week, Farmer posted a 9-7 (.563) record. Through the first 16 weeks of the season, he is 154-86 (.642). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, his record against the spread in Week 16 would have been 8-8 (.500).
Because of that, a player like DT Milton Williams can return as soon as this week against the Jets, and according to Mike Vrabel, there's a good possibility that will happen. The defensive tackle suffered an injury last month that landed him on IR, and he has now missed four games, meaning his return window can finally be opened this week. Vrabel intends on doing that ahead of their Week 17 matchup, and Williams' return couldn't be happening at a better time.