NFL Week 18 can be one of the most difficult to predict and bet on. With all the various playoff scenarios, how do you know who has something to play for? Below is a list of the best bets for every game. Lines and odds provided by Bodog at the time of writing.
Baltimore Ravens Race To 30 -125
The Ravens have scored 30 points in four of the last five games, only falling beneath that mark to the league’s top-ranked NFL defense, the Philadelphia Eagles. Cleveland has only cracked 30 once all season and has nothing to play for. Baltimore is in a heated battle to stay atop the AFC North and boasts an average scoring margin of +22.3 over the last three games.
Cincinnati Bengals -1.5 -110
The Steelers have been struggling to put up points lately, averaging 13.3 ppg, with an average scoring margin of -16.7 over the last three games. The Bengals are the better-ranked offense, but their defense has been better than the Steelers over the past few games as well. Pittsburgh has already clinched a playoff berth and will not see a first-round bye, so it’s hard to predict how much they will risk to win this game.
Bills ML + Game Total Under 53.5 -135
Buffalo is already locked in as the two-seed in the AFC playoffs. Bills head coach Sean McDermott has already announced you will see some starters and other players blended, with quarterback Josh Allen already scheduled to come out of the game early.
One can only speculate how much of a dip the Bill’s scoring will take from the season average of 31.8 ppg, but we know how bad the Patriot’s offense is. The Patriots are getting worse as the season progresses, especially on both sides of the ball. Over the last three, New England has averaged 15.0 ppg while allowing 31.3.
Carolina Panthers Total First Quarter Points Over 0.5 -120
This is a challenging game to gamble on, with very little to trust from both sides. The Panthers averaged 3.6 points in the first quarter this season and an improved 4.7 over the last three. Both defenses leave something to be desired. The Carolina offense is proven one of the worst in the league, while Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has looked good coming in for benched Kirk Cousins, but it’s only a two-game sample size.
Green Bay Packers First Half -6.5 -105
The Packers may have a chance of a higher seed, but third in the NFC North and missing out on the first-round bye are locked in. Green Bay has said they will begin the game with their starters with an intent to win every game. That said, one could expect them to pull them if they get to a lead early.
Chicago has struggled with points all season, and it’s only been worse as of late, averaging just 5.7 points in the first half of the last three games. The Packers have averaged 14.7 over that stretch and may look to put this away early.
Titans 23 Or More And Texans 15 Or Less +525
Houston has nothing to play for outside of staying healthy for the playoffs. Even with the starters, they have only averaged 13.7 ppg over the last three, and you would expect that to drop. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans is on the record to begin the game with the starters but also admits plans may change as the game goes on.
The Titans are averaging 23.3 ppg over the last three and have already put up 32 against Houston this season. This may be a value play, but the juice may be worth the squeeze.
Total Points First Quarter Jacksonville Jaguars Over 0.5 -145
In one of the worst matchups of the week, it’s hard to pick much from either side to be confident in. The Jaguars are averaging 5.7 points over the last three games in the first quarter and are going up against one of the worst defenses in the league.
Tampa Bay Total Touchdowns Over 3.5 +101
The Buccaneers are averaging 3.5 touchdowns per game this season and 4.3 over the last three. The Saints, on the other hand, come into the game with the 30th overall-ranked defense and nothing to play for. Tampa Bay will be playing hard with only a one-game lead over the Falcons atop the NFC South.
Philadelphia Total Field Goals Over 1.5 -139
The Eagles are averaging 2.7 field goals over the last three games, and one could expect some conservative play-calling this weekend. With lesser quarterback play on both sides, one could assume a steady dose of run plays and taking the points.
Washington Commanders -3.5 -130
The Commanders plan on winning this game with their starters. If they lose this game, they could slip from the sixth to the seventh seed for the playoffs. The Cowboys are banged up, and backup quarterback Cooper Rush will need someone to throw the ball to with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on the IR. Washington is a top-five offense, while the Cowboys are in the bottom half of the league on both sides of the ball.
Kansas City Chiefs +10.5 -110
Head coach Andy Reid is not ready to announce if he will rest his starters this week, which inflated this line. The Denver Broncos are a middle-of-the-pack offense, going up against one of the best defenses in the league. For that reason alone, this game should be a single-digit victory either way.
Las Vegas Raiders Total Field Goals Over 1.5 -129
Both teams averaged at least two field goals per game this season. The Raiders are also going up against the best-scoring defense in the league. Points will be at a premium, and the Raiders may be happy to take three this late in the season.
Total Points Under 40.5 -120
Both teams combined do not average 40.5 ppg this season, while at the same time, both teams will have to score against a top-ten overall defense. Miami will also be dealing with injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa isn’t officially ruled out yet, with Miami still having a slim shot at the playoffs, but it’s unlikely for him to start with this hip injury. Mike McDaniel had “no idea” if Tagovailoa would be ready to start this must-win NFL game.
Total Points First Half Over 17.5 -135
The Rams have already clinched a playoff spot, while the Seahawks have already been eliminated. While they haven’t made it clear how many snaps he will get, the Rams have made it known that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will see some NFL action during the week. These teams combine for an average total of 19.1 points in the first half, and neither has a defense worth bragging about. Los Angeles may also look to get up early to bring in Garoppolo.
Vikings +5.5 And Game Total Over 51.5 +125
The Lions have the better offense, but the Vikings still have a great one. Combine that with the fact the Lions’ defense has let their average scoring margin slip to +4.7 over the last three games, and the Vikings may be able to take advantage of their porous pass defense. These are two great NFL offenses with favorable matchups in the season’s final week.
Hopefully, this article has been informational and aids in NFL Week 18 bet slips worldwide.
Howe Fresh
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