This is going to be the last week of games before the playoffs start. An important theme in the last game of the regular season is determination for a better spot. Some teams are sure to rest their starting players, but many others will push for a win for better playoff seeding. Below we'll head into our NFL odds week 18.
We will offer selections and projections for major games on the NFL schedule Week 18 slate for bettors, as well as player prop bets. Make bets before the game or even consider mastering the art of live betting for more engagement.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Moneyline: Buccaneers -235 / Panthers +192
Spread: Buccaneers -4.0
Over/under: 37.0
Tampa Bay (8-8) was looking unstoppable after winning four games in a row, but last week's loss to the Saints brought things crashing down to earth once again. Thankfully, you couldn’t ask for a better opponent to get back on track than the hapless Panthers (2-14), who couldn’t score a single point in last week's 0-26 annihilation against the Jaguars.
Tampa Bay QB, Baker Mayfield, has done well with 28 TDs and 3,907 passing yards, but he can't have two interceptions like he did against the Saints. The Bucs will cruise to victory by covering the spread and make sure you choose the over for this SNF best bet.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Moneyline: Vikings +162 / Lions +195
Spread: Lions -3.5
Over/under: 45.5
The Vikings have a small chance to reach the playoffs, but it's not going to be easy against a tough Lions team. The Vikings (7-9) have lost three games in a row and can't seem to decide on a quarterback. The Lions (11-5) have secured a playoff spot but are expected to play their starters at least half the game. Detroit could possibly move up a spot, so there's still something to play for.
Lions QB, Jared Goff, has looked unshakeable so far, with 28 passing touchdowns and 4,255 passing yards. The Lions are too strong for the Vikings, although we don't think it'll be high-scoring, so we think Detroit to cover the spread but choose the under.
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
Moneyline: Falcons +143 / Saints -170
Spread: Saints -3.0
Over/under: 42.0
Each team has been fairly inconsistent this season, but the Saints are typically far more trustworthy at the moment. Saints QB, Derek Carr, has been getting better and better to help the team get victories in 3/4 games. Carr has thrown 3,614 passing yards and 21 touchdowns this season. One issue is that running back, Alvin Kamara, is unlikely to play for New Orleans (8-8), but Carr is talented enough to find other ways and other players to score.
The Saints are great at home and the Falcons (7-9) were crushed last week by Chicago, 17-37, which doesn't bode well in this contest. Plus, the Falcons are still unsure which QB is best at the starter position. The Saints will cover the spread and picking the over is a good decision.
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Moneyline: Chiefs +158 / Chargers -190
Spread: Chargers -3.5
Over/under: 35.0
This should be an easy bet for the NFL Odds in Week 18. Even though the Chargers (5-11) are eliminated from the playoffs and haven’t looked great with four losses in a row, they are still considered a favorite here. Why? Because the 10-6 Chiefs have locked up a playoff spot and will rest certainly their entire starting positions to save them for the games that count. This means the Chargers have a decent chance to win against a Kansas City team that won’t care much. Chargers will cover the spread but choose the under, as it’s unlikely to be a high-scoring game.
SNF Week 18 Odds: Must-Know Player Prop Bets
Here are a few great player props that could get you a nice money return.
Mason Rudolph (Steelers) To Throw Over 194.5 Passing Yards
The Ravens have no stake in this contest, while the Steelers have to win to remain in the race for a wild card spot. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore's starting quarterback, has already said he's out of this game. Mason Rudolph, the QB for the Steelers, is a good selection at the over since it is likely that many more players for Baltimore will also rest for this matchup.
Rudolph has been reliable for the Steelers this season and looked especially good in recent matches to send the ball downfield against tough starting defenders. Versus the Seahawks and Bengals, he averaged 282 passing yards and he's got the talent to complete this bet.
Gardner Minshew (Colts) To Score Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns
The Colts can capture the AFC South division and go to the playoffs if they defeat the Jaguars on Sunday.
You can guarantee that the Colts' entire attention is going to focus on defeating their division opponents on Saturday night. Gardner Minshew, the quarterback, is going to be the man who will make or break this victory. Minshew has thrown at least two touchdowns four times this season, and he has 15 TDs overall. This bet should be easy enough for the experience and skill of Minshew.
James Cook (Bills) To Reach Over 63.5 Rushing Yards
James Cook, the RB for Buffalo, is pretty safe to go over on this player prop. He's going to be important in this crucial game against the Dolphins. Miami hasn’t been amazing at stopping run defense this season, as the Ravens went for 160 yards versus the Dolphins in Week 17.
The Bills love to run with the ball and Cook is proving to be adept at finding yards again and again against defenses. Cook and the running game will be a major talking point here and the offense will be looking for him.
Make the most of these NFL odds Week 18 and enjoy all the Sunday Night Football action. You can also take a look at our website's many other betting recommendations. One of our most popular guides is on NFL betting.
NFL Schedule Week 18
Visit the NFL schedule for the low down on when and where to catch the games.
