As the season of our NFL lookahead pick suggestions winds down, if there is one lesson to take away, it is this: Consider playing teams favored by 2.5 points (as well as underdogs by 3.5). The most common margin of victory is 3 points. Locking in a team picked by a half-tick under the number in lookahead lines can be rewarding to safeguard against it crossing the threshold number the week of the game.

When we last met, we zeroed in on Philadelphia -2.5 against Washington (DraftKings.) We anticipated the Eagles would handle the Pittsburgh Steelers and that a Commanders win over New Orleans sans quarterback Derek Carr would not impact the line. Philly coasted by two touchdowns while Washington escaped when the Saints, down a point, missed a 2-point conversion at the end. Sure enough, it's the Eagles -3.5.

Similarly, we nabbed Minnesota at -2 against Seattle (Caesars). With Green Bay pummeling the Seahawks on Sunday, the spread has drifted up to the less desirable -3.

We take little, if no, credit on getting Houston at +4 versus Kansas City (Caesars). Who knew that the injury-avoiding Patrick Mahomes would hurt his ankle, rendering him iffy for the Texans game? Houston was favored early this week, but the role has flipped to Kansas City at -2.5 with Mahomes' prospects to play brightening. Still, worse for the Texans camp than the original line.

Our fourth recommendation — Saints +13 against Green Bay (DraftKings) — turned out to be a yawner. With the Packers' stress-free win and Carr still sidelined, the spread has inched to +13.5.

Let's hope these are a terrific trio of picks from the Week 17 slate.

Week 17 lookahead lines

(Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Chiefs (-2.5) at Steelers, O/U 42.5
Ravens (-2.5) at Texans, O/U 47.5
Seahawks (-1.5) at Bears, O/U 40.5
Chargers (-5.5) at Patriots, O/U 41.5
Broncos at Bengals (-3), O/U 47.5
Cardinals at Rams (-3), O/U 49.5
Jets at Bills (-9.5), O/U 49
Panthers at Buccaneers (-9), O/U 48.5
Colts (-6.5) at Giants, O/U 39.5
Raiders at Saints (-3), O/U 40.5
Titans at Jaguars (-1), O/U 39.5
Dolphins (-3.5) at Browns, O/U 41.5
Cowboys at Eagles (-11.5), O/U 44.5
Falcons at Commanders (-5), O/U 47
Lions (-3) at 49ers, O/U 51.5

Which Week 17 sides make for great plays before Week 16 kicks off? And which underdog offers a great betting opportunity? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 17 lookahead picks from NFL expert Mike Tierney!