NFL Picks Week 18
The final week of the regular season in the National Football League has arrived. Be sure to temper your expectations for this week. There are some edges you can have certainly, but there is a ton of unknowns going into this week, with many teams sitting guys out. There are many agendas for the games in Week 18. Without further ado though, here are our Week 18 NFL Betting Picks:
Baltimore Ravens +4 over Pittsburgh Steelers
This is the first game of the weekend. Two AFC North teams get together, as the Ravens have the division wrapped up. They will take on a Steelers team that needs a win, and some help to get into the postseason. Do not be fooled by Baltimore sitting a ton, if not all their starters in this game. The Steelers may win this game, but the Ravens are too well coached, and too focused on continuing to improve that they are going to compete in this game. Take the Ravens +4 at home over the Steelers in the first game on Saturday.
Houston Texans +1 at Indianapolis Colts
The second game on Saturday is a big time matchup. The winner goes to the postseason. The loser is going to go home. CJ Stroud is back for the Texans and ready to lead his team to the postseason in his first season in the league. The Colts have been a fun story, and have a rookie head coach that has been sensational as well. But, push comes to shove, Stroud is the best player on the field in this game. Houston is not denied, and gets revenge from the first matchup that the Colts won in Houston. Take Houston on the road on Saturday.
New Orleans Saints -3 over Atlanta Falcons
A pair of NFC South teams will meet up on Sunday. Both are technically still alive. The winner of this game would win the division, if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose. The Buccaneers take on the worst team in the league - Carolina. Regardless, the Saints look to be in a better position right now. The Falcons are having a tough time at their quarterback spot. The defense was poor last week, and Atlanta seems to be focused on the end of the season. New Orleans uses their skill players on offense and comes away with a win by more than a field goal on Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars -5 at Tennessee Titans
The Jaguars get to sit and watch the game on Saturday, with one of the teams taking a half game lead in the division. Jacksonville then plays in Nashville knowing that if they win, they are in the postseason, and winners of the AFC South. The Jaguars would also get a home game in the first round. Tennessee does not look like a team that is going to put up much of a fight here. Despite the four game losing streak late in the season, the Jaguars get into the postseason with a road win here. Take the Jaguars -5!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -4.5 at Carolina Panthers
Baker Mayfield and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not look great last week in their loss to the Saints. The good news for them - they get two chances to seal the deal in the NFC South. It really comes down to this - the Buccaneers win - they are in. The Buccaneers lose - they are out. Look for Mayfield to take advantage of the Panthers looking ahead at their vacation destinations in this one. The Buccaneers also use White on the ground, and beat up on the Panthers. Bryce Young finishes a dismal rookie season for Carolina. Take Tampa Bay to beat the Panthers on Sunday by 5 or more points!
Philadelphia Eagles -5 over New York Giants
Nick Siriani and his Eagles know they have to start playing better football. What better time than in Week 18 against their divisional rivals. A rematch of the Christmas Day game that the Eagles won. Jalen Hurts plays well in this one, and gets ready for a postseason run. Hurts and Brown need to re-find their dominating connection. If they do that, no matter if they are at home or on the road, they are going to be tough to slow down. The Eagles win this game by a touchdown, and beg for Washington to upset Dallas. That would give the Eagles the NFC East title, and a first round home game.
Others in Consideration:
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Buffalo Bills -3 at Miami Dolphins- Bills sweep season series.
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Arizona Cardinals +3 over Seattle Seahawks - Cardinals pull big time upset to keep Seattle out.
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Chicago Bears +3 at Green Bay Packers - Bears upset Packers to hurt the chances for Green Bay.
There you have it. Those are our Week 18 NFL Picks. Enjoy the games and best of luck!
Derek Hudson
Derek is a long time sports bettor who grew up in Providence, RI. Derek is data driven and believes the key to betting the sportsbooks is finding an edge in analytics. Derek is happily married and has two young boys. Derek will bet on anything if you let him.
