Before getting into our Week 18 picks, I want to continue sending thoughts and positive vibes out to Damar Hamlin and recognize that his health is of the utmost importance, even as games are set to be played.
Most of our picking crew was away for Week 17, so this is our return after a week off and just in time for season finales. Some of these games have huge playoff implications and some have none at all, but we’ll pick from all of the above.
Before we get into it, here’s a quick update on records:
Charles Curtis: 101-130-9
Caroline Darney: 94-109-6
Prince Grimes: 103-128-9
Blake Schuster: 95-108-9
1
Chiefs at Raiders (+9.5)Prince: Raiders
Jarrett Stidham wasn’t bad in his first start, and the Chiefs don’t put up much defensive resistance. KC will win and lock up No. 1 in the AFC but lose another ATS.
Charles:Raiders
I like Prince’s logic here, take the points.
Caroline: Chiefs
Prince’s logic is sound, but I’m going to ride with the Chiefs to win by 10.
2
Titans at Jaguars (-6.5)Prince: Titans
After all that’s transpired with the Titans, they can still make the playoffs with a win. Ultimately, I think they fall short, but I’ll pick them to fight to a cover.
Charles:Jaguars
The way the Jags have played as of late makes me think they’ll win this one by 10, especially with the Titans’ QB situation.
Caroline: Jaguars
Jags by a touchdown.
3
Buccaneers at Falcons (-4)Prince: Buccaneers
If Tampa wins, it won’t be by much. It never is. But they need the playoff prep, so I’ll take the points.
Charles:Falcons
This game doesn’t matter … right? So I guess I’ll back the Falcons.
Caroline: Buccaneers
I feel like this is about the time that we just never pick against Tom Brady.
4
Patriots at Bills (-7)Prince: Patriots
I’m just not sure if the Bills are in a right frame of mind to play a football game. And I couldn’t blame them if not.
Charles:Patriots
We still hope for a full and speedy recovery for Damar Hamlin.
Caroline: Bills
There are so many emotions in that locker room for Buffalo right now, and I am going to go with the Bills here. My heart goes out Damar Hamlin, his family and friends, the Bills and send my thanks to the incredible trainers that took quick action on the field to save his life.
5
Vikings at Bears (+7.5)Prince: Vikings
No Justin Fields against a Vikings team planning to play its guys. Blowout loading.
Charles:Vikings
No, I’m not betting on Nathan Peterman, thank you very much.
Caroline: Vikings
My esteemed colleagues here nailed it.
6
Ravens at Bengals (-7)Prince: Ravens
The Bengals are playing this game under far from normal circ*mstances.
Charles:Ravens
What Prince said.
Caroline: Ravens
This one is hard to pick. I don’t know that the Ravens win, but I think it’s close.
7
Texans at Colts (-2.5)Prince: Texans
Have you watched the Colts lately?
Charles:Colts
But have you watched the Texans lately? And they’re fighting for the No. 1 pick!
Caroline: Colts, I guess
The one thing I can definitively tell you about this game is that I will not be watching it.
8
Jets at Dolphins (+1)Prince: Dolphins
This is a tough call with Skylar Thompson probably starting for Miami, but I just believe they’ll find a way to get it done with so much on the line.
Charles:Dolphins
But boy the Jets would love to play spoiler, wouldn’t they?
Caroline: J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS
Is this just the pick that would keep the Steelers alive? Yes!
9
Panthers at Saints (-3.5)Prince: Panthers
I’ve been impressed with the job Steve Wilks has done as Carolina’s interim coach.
Charles:Panthers
Not sure how the Saints are favored here (I guess the home team gets three points) but I’ll back the underdogs.
Caroline: Panthers
The Panthers have looked so much better late, last week’s collapse not withstanding.
10
Browns at Steelers (-2.5)Prince: Browns
The Browns can’t make the playoffs, and they’ll do everything in their power to make sure the Steelers can’t either.
Charles:Steelers
In situations like this, I like to bet on the team with something to play for. Not that my record this year indicates you should listen to anything I say.
Caroline: Steelers
I just want Mike Tomlin to keep that no losing records thing alive because this has arguably been one of his better coaching jobs.
11
Chargers at Broncos (-1.5)Prince: Chargers
The Chargers are playing for seeding in this one. If their starters are going the full four quarters, they’ll win outright.
Charles:Chargers
The odds here indicate that maybe the Chargers will rest starters at some point. And even then, I’m not backing the Broncos.
Caroline: Chargers
I refuse to pick Denver.
12
Giants at Eagles (-14)Prince: Giants
It’s still unclear if the Giants being locked into the No. 6 seed means their starters will rest, but I’m just going to assume they’re playing.
Charles:Eagles
The Giants will rest their starters, so you have to take the team with a bye on the line.
Caroline: Giants
Eagles are going to win, but will it be by two touchdowns??
13
Rams at Seahawks (-6)Prince: Rams
The Seahawks need this game to keep their playoff hopes alive, but they’ve been far from dominant lately.
Charles:Rams
I think this spread is a wee bit too large.
Caroline: Seahawks
Sure, why not.
14
Cardinals at 49ers (-14)Prince: 49ers
If the Eagles lose, the Niners can grab the top seed in the NFC with a win. So they won’t be playing around with the Cardinals.
Charles:49ers
See my Week 18 philosophy above.
Caroline: 49ers
I have been a Brock Purdy fan for years (there are tweets to prove it), so I’m going with San Fran.
15
Cowboys at Commanders (+7)Prince: Cowboys
Dallas also still has a shot at the NFC’s top seed, and Washington has a new QB in the saddle. This could end up very lopsided.
Charles:Cowboys
Again, I like to bet on the teams that have stuff at stake.
Caroline: Cowboys
Dallas has something to play for. Washington has that terrifying pig mascot.
16
Lions at Packers (-4.5)Prince: Lions
What a disappointing end to a great run it would be for the Lions to come out and not play this game down to the line.
Charles:Lions
A case where both teams have it all at stake, and I love the feisty Lions to cover here.
Caroline: Lions
Rooting for chaos here.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
More BetFTW
I'm an avid sports enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of the dynamics involved in football, particularly the NFL. I've closely followed the league for many years, analyzing player performances, team strategies, and the intricate details that shape each game. My insights are based on a comprehensive knowledge of the sport and its nuances, allowing me to make informed predictions and assessments.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
Week 18 Picks Analysis:
-
Chiefs at Raiders (+9.5)
- Prince Grimes predicts the Raiders will cover the spread despite the Chiefs winning. Mentions Jarrett Stidham's performance and the Chiefs' defensive vulnerabilities.
-
Titans at Jaguars (-6.5)
- Prince Grimes expects the Titans to fight for a cover despite recent challenges, and Charles Curtis leans towards the Jaguars winning by 10 due to the Titans' QB situation.
-
Buccaneers at Falcons (-4)
- Prince Grimes picks the Buccaneers, emphasizing that if they win, it won't be by much. Charles Curtis backs the Falcons, questioning the significance of the game.
-
Patriots at Bills (-7)
- Prince Grimes picks the Patriots, expressing uncertainty about the Bills' mental state. Charles Curtis also picks the Patriots, citing concerns about the Bills' emotional state.
-
Vikings at Bears (+7.5)
- Prince Grimes predicts a Vikings blowout without Justin Fields. Charles Curtis and Caroline Darney both pick the Vikings.
-
Ravens at Bengals (-7)
- Prince Grimes chooses the Ravens due to abnormal circ*mstances for the Bengals. Charles Curtis and Caroline Darney both agree with Prince.
-
Texans at Colts (-2.5)
- Prince Grimes picks the Texans, referencing recent struggles of the Colts. Charles Curtis leans towards the Colts, considering the Texans' fight for the No. 1 pick.
-
Jets at Dolphins (+1)
- Prince Grimes picks the Dolphins, expecting them to find a way to win with much at stake. Charles Curtis and Caroline Darney are split between the Dolphins and Jets.
-
Panthers at Saints (-3.5)
- Prince Grimes picks the Panthers, impressed with interim coach Steve Wilks. Charles Curtis and Caroline Darney both side with the Panthers.
-
Browns at Steelers (-2.5)
- Prince Grimes predicts the Browns will prevent the Steelers from making the playoffs. Charles Curtis leans towards the Steelers due to their playoff implications.
-
Chargers at Broncos (-1.5)
- Prince Grimes picks the Chargers, emphasizing their seeding importance. Charles Curtis also chooses the Chargers, expressing reluctance to back the Broncos.
-
Giants at Eagles (-14)
- Prince Grimes picks the Giants, assuming they'll play despite being locked into the No. 6 seed. Charles Curtis leans towards the Eagles, expecting the Giants to rest starters.
-
Rams at Seahawks (-6)
- Prince Grimes picks the Rams, highlighting the Seahawks' recent struggles. Charles Curtis and Caroline Darney both express skepticism about the spread but lean towards the Rams and Seahawks, respectively.
-
Cardinals at 49ers (-14)
- Prince Grimes picks the 49ers, considering their potential to grab the top seed. Charles Curtis and Caroline Darney both side with the 49ers.
-
Cowboys at Commanders (+7)
- Prince Grimes predicts a potentially lopsided game in favor of the Cowboys due to their playoff aspirations. Charles Curtis and Caroline Darney both pick the Cowboys.
-
Lions at Packers (-4.5)
- Prince Grimes picks the Lions, expecting a close game. Charles Curtis sides with the Lions, emphasizing the stakes for both teams. Caroline Darney roots for chaos.
In summary, the article provides expert predictions for each Week 18 NFL game, considering factors such as team performance, player situations, and playoff implications. The experts offer their insights and reasoning for each pick, showcasing a deep understanding of the current NFL landscape.
