Public-backed favorites were a combined 0-5 against the spread in the Thursday and Saturday slates, though they found a bit more success Sunday.

One of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, led by their No.1 defense, kicks off the Saturday action. C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams are fighting for AFC positioning, making every possession feel like January football.

Our NFL Week 17 early picks against the spread start with Cowboys at Commanders to kick off a Christmas Day tripleheader.

We went 9-6-1 last week (including 4-1 on top picks), which brings us to 133-105-2 on the year. That ranks No. 1 at CBS Sports. We benefited from the Chicago Bears' remarkable comeback over the Green Bay Packers,