We have arrived at Week 18 of the NFL regular season. All of that buildup since the offseason began in March last year, the draft in April, training camp over the summer, and now this. It’s all over, just like that. So as we bid farewell to 18 teams this weekend, let’s remember the good times we had this season and then, when you’re ready, dive into the final full slate of picks for this season. It’s been fun and certainly crazy. It’s also been very profitable as well. Thanks for being there every step of the way.
Before we officially get started, be responsible this week especially. Not every team will have something to play for, so it’s important to invest in what we know, rather than try and figure out the teams playing a bunch of backups. Alright, now we’re ready to make some picks.
**All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook**
Saturday Slate
The Chiefs are 5-0 against the AFC West this season, but have yet to cover the spread in any of those five games. Don’t expect that to change against the Raiders in Week 18.
In order for this pick to win, the Raiders must win the game or lose by no more than nine points. The -118 price means you would have to bet $118 to win another $100.
The Pick: Raiders +9.5 (-118)
Doug Pederson has his Jaguars in a good spot to be hosting an unlikely playoff game in Jacksonville next week. They’ve put together a fairly surprising season, but Mike Vrabel won’t let the Titans go down easily. No matter how banged up the team is, we have to side with Tennessee, who might just win this game outright.
The Pick: Titans +6.5 (-112)
Early Window Profits
If the season ended in November, the Jets put together a fantastic season. Ironically the Dolphins would be able to say the same thing as both teams have been in free fall since the calendar flipped to December. Regardless, Miami has more to play for, even though the quarterback will scare you, making them the right side in this one.
The Pick: Dolphins -3 (-115)
We have been with the Steelers throughout this late season run and there’s no way we are turning away from them now. Plus, it’s the Browns of all teams. Bet on Mike Tomlin’s group to finish above .500. Somehow.
The Pick: Steelers -2.5 (-110)
For everyone’s sake, please save yourself the time of watching this battle of two tanking teams. Will the Texans ruin their chance for the top pick in the draft against the Colts? Almost certainly.
The Pick: Texans +2.5 (+100)
The Buccaneers aren’t resting their starters, supposedly, in a game that means nothing to them. Normally people would question that, but for a team that’s been so inconsistent and bad all season, this makes sense. It’s crazy that the Falcons are favored by 4.5. Take Tampa.
The Pick: Buccaneers +4.5 (-115)
The Saints and Panthers have both gone on a nice run to finish what has been a disappointing year for every NFC South participant. We just like what Carolina has done just a little more.
The Pick: Panthers +3.5 (-115)
Considering how fired up the Bills might be for this game after what happened this week, the Patriots are in trouble. The spread could be Bills -70 and we’d still have to consider taking Buffalo.
The Pick: Bills -7 (-110)
Even though Justin Fields won’t be playing in the finale for the Bears, we just have to take them simply because the Vikings insist on making every game interesting, especially late.
The Pick: Bears +5.5 (-106)
We already know the Bills are probably fired up. The Bengals are just completely angry, especially with the league. That doesn’t bode well for the Ravens, who are struggling to begin with. Cincinnati makes a statement in a rout.
The Pick: Bengals -9.5 (-105)
Late Afternoon Action
Brian Daboll is apparently going to rest his starters in this matchup against the Eagles. So will the Giants, who have clinched a playoff spot already, try to spoil Philly’s chance at securing the top seed? That appears unlikely too. It’s Philly or nothing in this game.
The Pick: Eagles -14 (-114)
In what is becoming a popular upset pick, the Rams will defeat the Seahawks. They almost did earlier this year, but will do it this time, giving the NFL the win-and-in scenario it craves on Sunday night.
The Pick: Rams +6 (-110)
Brandon Staley has no incentive for playing his starters against the Broncos, but there’s no indication whether he’ll do so. If you must bet on this game, take the Chargers.
The Pick: Chargers +3 (-105)
Here’s another matchup that should probably be avoided, as the Cardinals aren’t playing for anything and the 49ers might start resting players depending on the Eagles’ score. It’s San Francisco or nothing in this game.
The Pick: 49ers -14 (-115)
The Cowboys will want to try and secure the top seed in the NFC, but that’s unlikely with the Giants resting starters. Regardless, this feels like a division game that could be close because Dallas ultimately decides to pack it up. Plus, Ron Rivera probably still doesn’t know his Commanders have been eliminated.
The Pick: Commanders +7 (-110)
Who’s covering in primetime?
Here we are. The final game of the NFL’s 2022 regular season. It’s been a wild ride that, based on our picks, should have one last crazy turn on Sunday night. Will the Lions snap a playoff drought? Will the Packers pull off an unlikely playoff run after a bad start to the year? Better yet, all of that will happen at the historic Lambeau Field, giving us the perfect venue for this final game. Expect it to be close, even though Green Bay will probably win. Take the points and enjoy the show.
The Pick: Lions +4.5 (-105)