NFL Week 18 Betting Preview
04 January 2023
Week 18 of the NFL season is full of some big games, and it will be the final regular season game for each team. There are some terrific matchups set to take place, and the final playoff picture won't become clear until these games have been finished.
Here is a look at each of the NFL Week 18 matchups, with a Dunkel pick and prediction for each game.
Kansas City Chiefs -9.5 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to wrap up the top overall seed in the AFC with a win at Las Vegas. That Chiefs offense seems to get better each week, and they will have a big day on Saturday. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs roll to a double-digit win.
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars -6.5
The AFC South Division title will be on the line in Jacksonville as the Jaguars host the Tennessee Titans. It's been a disappointing season for the Titans, and that trend will continue in this game. Take the Jaguars -6.5 as they roll to a huge win to win the division.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons -3.0
The Buccaneers have nothing to play for in Week 18, and they will be resting starters in Atlanta. The Falcons could actually benefit from a loss, and that's what they will do in this one. Take the Buccaneers' moneyline as they pick up a win.
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills -4.5
The Buffalo Bills need to win in Week 18 for playoff positioning as they host the New England Patriots. Buffalo had a nightmare on Monday night as one of their players went into cardiac arrest. The Bills will bounce back in a hurry and win and cover the spread. As of publication, there were no betting odds available for the Patriots vs. Bills due to the uncertainty after the Bengals vs. Bills in week 17.
Minnesota Vikings -3.5 vs. Chicago Bears
The Vikings and Bears meet up in Minnesota for a game that really doesn't mean a ton. Minnesota can improve playoff positioning, but they also need to get people healthy. Look for the Bears to pull off the upset in this game.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals -6.5
The Bengals and Ravens meet up for a big AFC North Division matchup to finish the year. Both teams are going to be in the postseason, but each team could also benefit from a win. This will be a battle; taking the Ravens +6.5 is the way to go in this game. As of publication, there were no betting odds available for the Ravens vs. Bengals due to the uncertainty after the Bengals vs. Bills in week 17.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts -2.5
A pair of bad teams meet up in Indianapolis as the Colts host the Houston Texans. There isn't much to play for in this game, but expect the Texans to go on the road and pick up the upset win over the Colts.
New York Jets -1.0 vs. Miami Dolphins
The Jets are on the road in Miami to face the Dolphins, and both teams have been fading down the stretch. Look for the Jets to take care of business in this game as they pick up a road win and cover the spread.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints -3.5
The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints meet up for a meaningless game between NFC South rivals. Both teams have struggled to score this season, but taking the New Orleans Saints -3.5 is the way to go in this game.
Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers -3.0
The Pittsburgh Steelers can play their way into the AFC Playoffs by beating the Cleveland Browns and getting some help. Pittsburgh won't be able to take advantage of their own job in this game, though, as the Browns go on the road and pull off the upset.
Los Angeles Chargers -3.0 vs. Denver Broncos
The Los Angeles Chargers are in the playoff field already, but they want some momentum heading into the postseason. Los Angeles won't have any trouble getting that done on Sunday as they beat the Broncos by double-digits.
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles -14.0
It's been a terrific season for the Eagles, but they still need to win on Sunday to clinch the NFC East Division. They will win in a battle, but take the Giants +14.0 as they keep this game close.
Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers -14.0
The San Francisco 49ers appear to be on a path to the Super Bowl yet again. They have a ton of momentum heading into Week 18, and they will pick up a dominant win over the Arizona Cardinals and cover the two-touchdown spread.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks -6.5
The Seattle Seahawks are trying to sneak into the playoffs in the NFC, and all they have to do is beat the Rams at home. Unfortunately, Seattle just hasn't been great on the offensive end of late, and the Rams are going to pick up the upset victory.
Dallas Cowboys -4.0 vs. Washington Commanders
The Dallas Cowboys can still win the NFC East Division, but they are going to have to pick up a road win to get that done. It's not going to be easy, but the Cowboys are going to find a way. Take the four points and bet on the Commanders, but Dallas does win.
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers -4.5
The Lions and Packers meet up in Green Bay, and this game has a playoff spot on the line. Detroit has had a terrific season, but things will be challenging for them on Sunday night. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers roll to a big win in this one.
You can always find our NFL picks here.
