Building up to week 18 of NFL showdown

Lea Hogg January 4, 2024

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Building up to week 18 of NFL showdown

As we approach the final week of the NFL season, certain outcomes are settled, such as the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens securing the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences, and Lamar Jackson (in photo above), clinching the MVP Award.

Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns is poised to claim the Coach of the Year Award. However, beyond these certainties, the landscape of fully clinched seeds and nearly decided awards markets is limited.

The Defensive Rookie of the Year race, for instance, is in flux, with Jalen Carter as the favourite, but Will Anderson’s recent surge has stirred the odds across various platforms, making it a dynamic market to watch in Week 18 on America’s sports betting apps.

Betting for NFL Week 18

Betting on NFL Week 18 demands resilience, with the season’s final games presenting challenges for both bookies and bettors alike.

Team performances vary widely, creating many uncertainties. As several clubs still vie for post-season berths and playoff-bound teams weigh the balance between rest and rust, Week 18 odds remain in flux, with spreads parked at “dead numbers” as the market awaits crucial information.

Based on historical data that suggests the underdogs have been a reliable bet in regular-season finales, Week 18 should make an intriguing spectacle for NFL picks.

Picks and predictions

Ravens +4: The Baltimore Ravens, securing the top seed in the AFC, face decisions on resting key players. Despite potential line-up changes, the Ravens, especially with backup Tyler Huntley, seem well-positioned against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who cling to slim playoff hopes.
Fan Duel PICK: Ravens +4 (-110 at FanDuel)
Bears +3.5: The Chicago Bears, not playoff-bound but with an improved performance in the second half of the season, could play spoilers for the Green Bay Packers. With the Packers’ defense struggling against potent offenses and injuries to key players, the Bears may capitalize on their offensive momentum.
888 PICK: Bears +3.5 (-125 at 888sport)
Dolphins +3: In a pivotal AFC East matchup, the Miami Dolphins, despite a recent loss and being underdogs, present value against the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins’ defense, adapted to new schemes, could pose a challenge to the Bills, making the +3 spread appealing in a game with potential playoff intensity.
bet 365 PICK: Dolphins +3 (-110 at bet365)