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A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 18 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 18.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
In the final week of the regular season, prop bet options drop significantly. Teams that have locked into playoff spots are resting players for a meaningless game and also out-of-contention teams are making business decisions about benching players. There also will be scoreboard-watchers who figure out in real time where they stand.
For the Week 18 picks, we have the most electric wide receiver in the game being held under his projection, an 2023 underperforming wide receiver going over his number in the biggest game of his season, an overachieving quarterback going under his passing total, a quarterback playing for his future doing what he does best, and the best young receiver in the league scoring a touchdown.
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The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for Week 18.
For the final week of the regular season, we’re avoiding all the teams that will potentially be sitting many of their key players, because they are locked into their playoff spots or will be by the time they play.
That said, we’re taking one game Over, one game Under, one team looking to move up to the No. 2 seed (with help), a defending division champ closing out the deal again and, in the biggest game of the week, a home underdog winning a division title with a moneyline bet.
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The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for Week 18.
As we hit Week 18, there are legitimate questions about the four teams that have already locked up their playoff positioning – Baltimore (No. 1 AFC), Kansas City (No. 3), Cleveland (No. 5) and San Francisco (No. 1 NFC). All four teams have nothing to gain by playing their starters and all four won’t risk at least their quarterbacks.
The NFL has done a lot in the timing of games to have teams that are fighting for a similar spot to be playing at the same time and will be headlined by the Miami Dolphins–Buffalo Bills primetime game that could see Buffalo win the division or potentially miss out on the playoffs completely.
The betting numbers are much different in many of these games, which will make Week 18 must-see TV from start to finish.
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The Steelers are fighting for their playoff lives and are solid favorites (3.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Ravens are going to be resting many of their starters, but they’re the No. 1 seed in the AFC because they have depth on both sides of the ball. The Steelers should win but won’t blow out the Ravens. Take the Ravens plus 3.5 points (-110).
The Texans are a minimal road favorite (1 point at -110 for both teams). The Colts have been a better team on the road than at home, and Texans have been one of the better improvement stories of 2023. This one should come down to the wire and, in that case, I like my chances with C.J. Stroud. Take the Texans and lay 1 point (-110).
The Over/Under isn’t very high (42 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The Falcons only path the playoffs is to win this game and hope the Carolina Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With a win, the Saints have a chance to get in as a division winner or a wild card. The Saints have been under this number in three of the last four games, and the Falcons have gone under this total in four of the last six. In a division game where every mistake is huge, take Under 42 points (-110).
The Browns are locked in their wild-card spot, which helps explain why the Over/Under is so low (37.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The Bengals having nothing to lose and will be taking chances, and the Browns have defensive depth that could lead to turnovers that can do their part to stay in the game. Take Over 37.5 points (-110).
The Patriots are very small home favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both). While New England has had its worst season under Bill Belichick and has just one win at home, the Patriots have kept games close and beat the Jets in their first meeting. Belichick will have him team ready, and he leaves with a win. Take the Patriots and lay 1.5 points (-110).
The Jaguars have done everything they can to blow the division title but are strong road favorites (5.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Jaguars dominated the Panthers last week and beat the Titans 34-14 in their first meeting. It’s a win-and-in for the Jaguars, and they’ll get the job done. Take the Jaguars and lay 5.5 points (-110).
Although they are very unlikely to move, there is the possibility of the Lions being the No. 2 seed. Yet, they’re small favorites (3.5 points at -115 Vikings, -105 Lions). The Vikings have lost five of their last six and have looked awful doing it. Dan Campbell will do his part and wait and see what happens in the late games. Take the Lions and lay 3.5 points (-105).
Despite playing the worst team in the league, the Buccaneers are relatively small favorites (4.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Bucs control their own destiny and have everything to play for. The same can’t be said for the Panthers, who are coming off a 26-0 loss, don’t benefit by winning or losing because they traded the No. 1 pick in the draft and look done. Take the Buccaneers and lay 4.5 points (-110).
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The Cowboys are gigantic favorites (13 points at -115 Cowboys, -105 Commanders). Philadelphia’s collapse has opened the door, and the Cowboys beat the Commanders 45-10 in their first meeting. Dallas has a lot at stake, while the Commanders’ draft standing improves with a loss. Take the Cowboys and lay 13 points (-110).
The Over/Under is surprisingly low (41 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Both teams are basically locked in their playoff spots. The 49ers have no reason to risk starters in what should be a Super Bowl run. The Rams will likely know their seeding by game time, which is irrelevant, and are benching most of the key players. Both teams want a running clock. Take Under 41 points (-110).
Thanks to an epic collapse that turned the Eagles from 10-1 to 11-5, they’re only small favorites (4.5 points and -115 Eagles, -105 Giants). Their one win in their last five games was a 33-25 win over the Giants. They’ll be scoreboard watching but need to take care of their business to try to claim the No. 2 seed. Take the Eagles and lay 4.5 points (-110).
The Over/Under is solid for a divisional game in January (44 points at -110 for both Over and Under). After a brutal start, the Bears have won four of their last five games and beat division-champ Detroit along the way. For Green Bay, it’s a win-and-in scenario. The Packers have scored 33 points in each of their last two games, and the Bears have scored 27 or more in three of the last four. Take Over 44 points (-110).
The Seahawks need help from only one team (Chicago) to be win-and-in but are small favorites against the 4-12 Cardinals (3 points at -105 Seahawks, -115 Cardinals). The Cardinals are capable of being steamrolled and lost by 10 in their first meeting with Seattle this season. Take the Seahawks and lay 3 points (-110).
The Raiders are less than a standard home favorite (2.5 points at -105 Broncos, -115 Raiders). The last time they were at home, the Raiders scored 63 points and have won five of their last seven games in Vegas. Denver is already waving the red flag with the Russell Wilson benching and are just playing out the string. Take the Raiders and lay 2.5 points (-115).
Because the Chiefs are going to rest most of their starters, they’re a rare underdog (3.5 points at -110 for both). That said, the Chargers have scored 10 or fewer points in four of their last six games. The Chiefs backups can hold this offense down. Take the Chiefs plus 3.5 points (-110).
Here we go again – another marquee game with a high Over/Under (49.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). In just about every game between playoff-quality teams with a high O/U, it has consistently hit the Under. With so much at stake for both teams, the goal is going to be not taking the risk that burns you. That lends itself to long drives, field goals and field position. Take Under 49.5 points (-110).
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
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Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
With so many teams up in the air about who plays and who doesn’t, the options for prop bet players is as bad this week as it has been in any game of the season. As such, this week we’re looking four guys who need to win to improve their playoff standing and one who is just a stud who has a rushing O/U that is too low.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 18 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 18.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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Five wagers to take to the payment window after Week 18.
The most difficult part of making picks in Week 18 is that you don’t know how teams are going to approach the final week. Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants have already locked their seeding position in, so are they willing to risk injury to any of their players in a game that won’t change where they play the following week?
As such, this week’s picks are all in the AFC, including the top three seeds and four teams that won’t combine to score enough points to surpass the Over/Under number.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
The Huddle staff makes its weekly NFL game picks every Thursday.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, KP – Ken Pomponio, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green
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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
A wise wager from every contest in the regular-season finale.
The tragic events of Monday night have created more questions than answers at the top of the AFC, but there are a lot more seeds to be filled in the final week of the regular season.
When one thinks of divisional matchups, you envision games that are played closer to the vest than most because of the innate familiarity the teams have playing twice a year. But nine of the 16 games have one team favored by six or more points, clearly giving the impression that there should be some blowout games on the weekend schedule. When some teams have a lot to play for and others have nothing, strange things happen.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
This game has the highest Over/Under of this week’s games (52.5 points at -110 for both the Over and Under). The Chiefs need to win to have a chance for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. These two teams have gone Over this point in their last five meetings, and the Raiders have been a thorn in the Chiefs side. They won’t let up if they get a big lead. Take the Over (-110).
The Jaguars are on the precipice of locking down the division title and are heavy favorites (6 points at -112 Titans, -108 Jaguars). While I think they will find a way to win, the potential of Derrick Henry running 30 or more times gives me cause for pause to give away that many points to an upstart to their throne. Take the Titans plus 6 points (-112).
The Steelers haven’t hit above this O/U (40 points at -110 for both) in their last five games (four wins) and the last time they went Over, 41 points were scored. The Browns have been under this number the last four games, and 41 points were scored the last time they hit the Over. That sounds like a trend to me. Take the Under (-110).
The Bills will be playing for Damar Hamlin and emotion is an unsung factor that motivates teams. Buffalo is a big favorite (7.5 points at -112 Patriots, -108 Bills), but they entered Week 17 as the No. 1 seed in the AFC and are going to force the issue to resume the Bengals game at some point out of competitive fairness. Take the Bills and lay 7.5 points (-108).
Like the Bills, the Bengals still have a chance to be the No. 1 seed. They’re big favorites (7 points at -111 Ravens, -109 Bengals). If Lamar Jackson was playing, I’d see this much differently, but he hasn’t practiced in a month and the Ravens are already in the playoffs. A rematch could be coming in the first week of the playoffs … with Jackson under center. Take the Bengals and lay 7 points (-109).
The Bucs are talking tough about playing all their starters. I’m not buying it and was looking at getting 3.5 points. However, the best tactic is assuming Todd Bowles is lying or will treat this like a preseason game and pull the starters after one quarter. The Over/Under is decent (40.5 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). The Bucs backups can keep Atlanta in check, and the backup Tampa offense will keep their punter busy. Take the Under (-110).
I’m no fan of the Colts, but the Texans need to lose to assure the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. When Houston was trying, they can’t beat the Colts. Indy is 4-0-1 in their last five meetings. The Colts are given the standard home-field advantage (3 points at -108 Texans, -112 Colts). Given the gravity of winning this game and potentially losing the No. 1 pick to Chicago, shady things may take place. Take the Colts and lay 3 points (-112).
Miami is likely relegated to seventh-round rookie Skyler Thompson against a strong Jets defense. New York has lost five straight with point totals of 12, 17, 3 and 6 in their last four. The O/U is the lowest of the week (38.5 points at -110 for both). Not low enough. Take the Under (-110).
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The Vikings are healthy road favorites (7 points at -116 Vikings, -104 Bears), primarily because Justin Fields is out. Given the circumstances, the Bears could land the No. 1 overall pick and have a lot of trade capital. Minnesota likely won’t move out of the No. 3 seed, but they should have enough to handle this number. Take the Vikings and lay 7 points (-116).
The Over/Under is low (41.5 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). The Saints haven’t hit Over this number in their last five games. The Panthers and Saints haven’t hit Over this number in their last four meetings. There’s a whole lot of trending going on. Take the Under (-110).
Technically, Dallas can lock down the No. 1 seed if the Eagles falter. Not likely, but possible. As such, the Commanders are big home underdogs (7.5 points at -106 Cowboys, -114 Commanders). There may be scoreboard watching going on that pull starters, but until that happens, let the beating commence. Take the Cowboys and lay 7.5 points (-106).
The Chargers are going to know before they start if they need to win to lock down the No. 5 seed (which gets the AFC South winner). That is huge. Because I’m convinced the Bengals will win, they’ll be locked in at 5 and have no reason to play. The O/U reflects that (39.5 points at -111 Over, -109 Under). The Broncos can’t score and neither can the Chargers’ junior varsity against a good Denver defense. Take the Under (-109).
All the Seahawks can do to make the playoffs is win and hope Detroit beats Green Bay. They’re good favorites (6.5 points at -111 Rams, -109 Seahawks). The Rams are limping out of 2022 with their rings in hand from the previous year. They’re going to be evaluating the back end of their roster talent in this one. Take the Seahawks and lay 6.5 points (-109).
The Giants are locked into their playoff spot at No. 6. The Eagles need to win to earn a bye they blew last week. Philadelphia has been installed as a massive favorite (13.5 points at -108 Giants, -112 Eagles). One team has everything to play for. The other has nothing. I’d lay more than this under the current scenario. Take the Eagles and lay 13.5 points (-112).
The 49ers have won nine straight, the last few with Mr. Irrelevant 2022. While it’s unlikely the Eagles lose, anything is possible when they all kick off at the same time. Arizona is mailing it in with an offense not built for a No. 3 QB, and they’re giant dogs as a result (14 points at -110 for both teams). The 49ers will play their starters as long as the out of town scoreboard requires. Take the 49ers and lay 14 points (-110).
The NFL wants Green Bay in the playoffs, which scares me a little bit because ref-related shenanigans have been known to take place. If Seattle wins, Detroit is eliminated. All they can do is keep Green Bay out. The Packers are solid favorites (4.5 points at -112 Lions, -108 Packers). While I think the Lions have a shot, things will take place that they lose – but not by five points. Take the Lions plus 4.5 points (-112).
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