Week 18 Picks

Cover photo taken from Action Network.

Last Week: 13-3

Season Total: 156-90

Ravens 20-17 Steelers

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

I’ve seen the Ravens win enough games with backups. Tyler Huntley is perfectly capable, and this Baltimore team will probably be trying to keep Pittsburgh out of the playoffs. They’ll grind this one out.

Texans 27-24 Colts

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

I am not betting against C.J. Stroud when the lights are brightest. It’s that simple.

Bengals 20-19 Browns

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

This has to be the spot where the Bengals get the Cleveland monkey off their backs. The Browns are starting Jeff Driskel — who has only been with the team for a week or so — for crying out loud.

Nothing is on the line here, so Cincy has no excuse to lose with more key players on the field.

Lions 29-16 Vikings

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

The Lions should come out of the gates pretty pissed, and that should be enough to get the job done.

Not that they’d need much help to beat Nick Mullens anyways.

Jaguars 25-13 Titans

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Jags need this one badly. While they haven’t been the best in key spots this year, this feels like it should be an easy one for them, especially as they continue to get healthier.

Patriots 13-10 Jets

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Of all of these Patriots wins over the Jets over the years, this one is going to hit the hardest. I will be joyous when the clock strikes triple zeroes and the Commanders will all but clinch the No. 2 pick in the draft.

Thank you in advance, New England. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Saints 23-17 Falcons

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

I don’t feel remotely comfortable picking either team to win this game, but the Saints have shown infinitely more fight in recent weeks than the Falcons have.

It may not mean much in the end for their playoff lives, but they should be able to pull this one out at home.

Buccaneers 26-14 Panthers

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Congratulations on your division title and proving me wrong, Tampa. See you in a week for your playoff loss!

Packers 23-20 Bears

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

It’s not that the Bears need this win. Justin Fields needs this win. And the fans need him to win this game against this opponent.

Unfortunately for everyone involved, the Bears simply don’t beat the Packers, especially when Green Bay is fighting for its season. It’s just now how the universe works.

Raiders 21-17 Broncos

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

One team has been — at the very least — competitive in the last few weeks. One team has not. Feels like a simple calculus.

Eagles 24-17 Giants

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

Shouldn’t be close, which means it probably will be. The Eagles are simply incapable of winning a game convincingly at this point.

If this winds up being a loss for them… yeesh.

Seahawks 26-23 Cardinals

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

The Cardinals are going to put up a fight. That’s just the way they’re built. But with Seattle fighting for a playoff spot, it’s difficult to see them losing this game, even on the road.

Chiefs 22-13 Chargers

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

I get that the Chiefs aren’t playing several key players, but the Chargers are a very, very bad football team. Even with backups, I like Kansas City here.

49ers 24-10 Rams

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

Another battle of backups that should result in the better overall football team winning the game.

Note: don’t count out a potential postseason rematch! More on that in the coming weeks.

Cowboys 30-14 Commanders

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

My misery is almost over. And it will be rewarded with a top two draft pick. The tides are starting to turn… can you feel it?

Bills 23-20 Dolphins

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

I really wanted to pick the Dolphins here. This is an ideal spot for them to prove the naysayers wrong. But it’s just too difficult to put any faith in them right now.

The Bills have had a stellar second half of their season, and there’s no more fitting way for it to end than to go out on top of the division with a home playoff game — and maybe a couple more — lined up in January.


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Author: Raza Umerani

Massive sports fanatic. Sadly a diehard DC Sports fan. Virginia Tech Sports Media and Analytics '24

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