We’ve hit the finish line. It’s Week 18 in the NFL, and multiple playoff spots remain up for grabs.
This week can be volatile for bettors, with teams opting to rest starters to prepare for the postseason. Nevertheless, we’re going to take a stab at what the betting markets have to offer.
Without further ado, here are my best NFL bets for Sunday’s action.
NFL Week 18 Predictions
All NFL betting odds used for these Week 18 predictions are current as of Wednesday, Jan. 3, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Bears vs Packers Prediction
Best Bet: GB -3 (-115)
The Bears drubbed Atlanta 37-17 in Week 17. The Packers were equally, if not more impressive, in hammering Minnesota 33-10 on Sunday Night Football.
Both offenses are surging to the finish, but I simply can’t bet against Jordan Love. Not now. Not in a win-and-in scenario.
Aaron Rodgers’ heir apparent has thrown multiple touchdown passes in three consecutive games, bringing his season total to 30. The Packers are averaging a healthy 28.6 points per game during that stretch.
Green Bay was in a strikingly similar position last season, needing to beat a divisional rival at home in Week 18 to make the playoffs. It didn’t get the job done then but will now.
Jaguars vs Titans Prediction
Best Bet: TEN +5.5 (-110)
Jacksonville halted its four-game slide with a 26-0 shutout of lowly Carolina in Week 17.
C.J. Beathard performed adequately (17-of-24, 178 yards) in place of the injured Trevor Lawrence but is still just 3-10 in his career as a starter.
- Check out our favorite NFL Week 18 parlays.
The Jaguars (9-7) control their own destiny, needing only a win over Tennessee to claim another AFC South title. That isn’t a huge ask given the Titans’ struggles in recent weeks.
Still, with Lawrence’s status uncertain, this spread seems a tad large.
The Jaguars are 9-7 against the spread but have covered just once in their last five games. Additionally, Tennessee has been competitive at home (4-3-1 ATS).
Buccaneers vs Panthers Prediction
Best Bet: TB -5.5 (-110)
Things keep getting worse and worse for the Panthers, whose season can’t end soon enough.
The latest stain on their putrid season came directly from the top, with owner David Tepper getting dinged $300,000 for throwing a drink in disgust toward some fans in a Week 17 loss to Jacksonville.
Carolina is 2-14 and a league-worst 4-10-2 ATS. That futility has some fans calling for the Panthers to start Andy Dalton this week to preserve Bryce Young’s health.
As far as Tampa Bay is concerned, the opposing QB won’t matter. The Buccaneers have covered three of their last four games and are 10-6 ATS overall this season.
Needing just a win to lock up the NFC South title, the Bucs should take this game with ease.
Falcons vs Saints Prediction
Best Bet: Under 42 (-110)
Neither offense is ranked better than 14th in scoring, while each side boasts a top-10 defense.
New Orleans has gone Under the total in a league-high 68.8% of its games. Atlanta is a close second at 62.5%.
Additionally, seven of the previous 10 games between these teams have hit the Under, including the Falcons’ 24-15 win in Week 12.
Taking all that into account, I’m banking on another low-scoring affair on Sunday.
Eagles vs Giants Prediction
Best Bet: NYG +5.5 (-110)
The Eagles are fading fast, having dropped four of their last five to lose their grip on the NFC East and the conference’s No. 1 seed. Arizona beat them last week as a 12.5-point underdog.
While Philadelphia (11-5) still has a chance to win the division, Nick Sirianni suggested the possibility of resting some starters to get healthy for the wild-card round.
- Read more on this game in our NFL Week 18 prop bets.
Despite their 5-11 record, the Giants have been competitive down the stretch. Brian Daboll’s team played the Eagles close on Christmas Day and could do so again here, especially with wintry weather scheduled to hit the tri-state area this weekend.