Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (2024)

Game Picks

Published: Jan 04, 2024 at 12:35 PM

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (1)

Around the NFL Staff

NFL.com

NFL.com editors Ali Bhanpuri, Tom Blair, Brooke Cersosimo, Gennaro Filice and Dan Parr will predict every game of the 2023 NFL season, using the unbeatable combo of football analysis and excessive punctuation. Check out their Week 18 picks below.

Table inside Article
Analyst Record (straight) Record (ATS)
Ali 158-98 123-121-11
Brooke 163-89 128-117-11
Dan 166-90 139-106-11
Gennaro 160-96 145-100-11
Tom 161-95 118-127-11
Consensus Picks 106-42 32-19-1

Related Links

  • NFL Power Rankings, Week 18: Cowboys replace Eagles in top five; Dolphins slip as playoffs loom
  • NFL playoff picture: Postseason probabilities entering Week 18 of 2023 season
  • Who will win Super Bowl LVIII? Ranking 9 most likely NFL champions as 2023 regular season winds down
  • 2024 Pro Bowl Games snubs: Josh Allen, Brandon Aiyuk among players left out
  • 2024 NFL Draft order: Bears clinch No. 1 overall pick; Commanders move into No. 2 slot
  • NFL RB Index, Week 18: Three teams whose 2024 starting RB isn't on the current roster

NOTES:

  1. The lines provided by Caesars Sportsbook are current as of noon ET on Thursday, Jan. 4, unless otherwise noted below.
  2. * -- Pick flipped after publishing.
  3. ** -- Final score prediction changed after publishing.

SUNDAY, JAN. 7

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (2)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

8-8

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (3)

Carolina Panthers

2-14

  • WHERE: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
  • WHEN:1 p.m. ET| FOX
  • MONEYLINE:Buccaneers -235 | Panthers +192
  • SPREAD:Buccaneers -4.5 |O/U:37.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (4)

Buccaneers 22-16

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (5)

Buccaneers 26-13

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (6)

Buccaneers 21-15

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (7)

Buccaneers 20-13

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (8)

Buccaneers 23-14

Why Ali is taking the Buccaneers: Tampa's four-game win streak came to a crashing halt last weekend, and any margin for error for Todd Bowles' team was erased. Facing an all-or-nothing scenario on Sunday, the reigning division champs need a bounce back in the worst way. Fortunately, they couldn't ask for a more favorable opponent than the 2-14 Panthers, who produced just 124 total yards and zero points against a C.J. Beathard-led Jaguars team in Week 17. Assuming Baker Mayfield (or Kyle Trask) and Co. don't cough up the ball four times like they did against the Saints, the unit should eventually break through Carolina's stout defense. When that happens, which Carolina offense are we more likely to see: the one from last week's dud or the version that notched 30 on the Packers in Week 16? Considering that 30-burger was the first game since Week 6 in which the Panthers scored more than even 20 points, my guess is the former.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: On Friday, Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Baker Mayfield (ribs) will start Sunday's game.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (9)

Cleveland Browns

11-5

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (10)

Cincinnati Bengals

8-8

  • WHERE:Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati)
  • WHEN:1 p.m. ET| CBS
  • MONEYLINE:Browns +250 | Bengals -320
  • SPREAD:Bengals -7.0 |O/U:37.5
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (11)

Bengals 23-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (12)

Bengals 23-18

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (13)

Bengals 23-14

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (14)

Bengals 26-14

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (15)

Bengals 24-14

Why Tom is taking the Bengals: I wouldn't put it past Jeff Driskel to become the latest backup QB -- starting in place of Joe Flacco, among the Browns to be resting ahead of the playoffs -- to have inexplicable success for Cleveland. But I'll roll with a Bengals squad that has been reasonably productive behind Jake Browning at QB, especially at home. In his three starts in Cincinnati, Browning has a 2-1 record, 71.8 percent completion rate, 5:3 TD-to-INT ratio and 103.8 passer rating. Especially if Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins play, that should be enough against an opponent already eyeing the postseason.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (16)

Minnesota Vikings

7-9

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (17)

Detroit Lions

11-5

  • WHERE:Ford Field (Detroit)
  • WHEN:1 p.m. ET| FOX
  • MONEYLINE:Vikings +162 | Lions -195
  • SPREAD:Lions -3.5 |O/U:45.5
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (18)

Lions 27-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (19)

Lions 26-23

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (20)

Lions 26-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (21)

Lions 28-21

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (22)

Lions 25-20

Why Gennaro is taking the Lions: Week 18 is largely driven by motivation -- or a lack thereof. Technically, both of these teams will take the field at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday with something to play for, but the Vikings need a lot of help, facing the longest odds to make the playoffs of any team still alive. The Lions have an outside chance to vault into the No. 2 seed, but they'll most likely stay put at No. 3. Regardless, Detroit's still fuming over this past Saturday night's controversial finish in Dallas, with head coach Dan Campbell fueled by “controlled fury,”saying the starters will play in the regular-season finale at Ford Field. Just how long Campbell rolls with the 1s is anyone's guess, but I'm confident this Motor City madman will get the most out of everyone wearing Honolulu blue, players and fans alike.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (23)

New York Jets

6-10

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (24)

New England Patriots

4-12

  • WHERE:Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)
  • WHEN:1 p.m. ET| FOX
  • MONEYLINE:Jets +105 | Patriots -125
  • SPREAD: Patriots -1.5 |O/U:30.5
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (25)

Patriots 16-13

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (26)

Patriots 20-16

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (27)

Patriots 16-13

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (28)

Jets 14-13

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (29)

Patriots 17-14

Why Brooke is taking the Patriots: Pride is on the line. Bill Belichick is one loss away from tying for the most regular-season defeats by a head coach in NFL history. While the Jets desperately want to end a15-game losing streak to their division rival. This is a battle of top-six total defenses and bottom-five total offenses, so expect special teams to have an impact. The Jets may have bigger names (Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner), but it's the at-home Patriots who eke out this season finale.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (30)

Atlanta Falcons

7-9

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (31)

New Orleans Saints

8-8

  • WHERE:Caesars Superdome (New Orleans)
  • WHEN:1 p.m. ET| CBS
  • MONEYLINE:Falcons +143 | Saints -170
  • SPREAD:Saints -3.0 |O/U:42.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (32)

Saints 22-18

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (33)

Saints 27-23

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (34)

Saints 23-18

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (35)

Saints 22-16

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (36)

Saints 24-20

Why Brooke is taking the Saints: Derek Carr has elevated his play in the last month to help the Saints win three of their last four games. He could be without Alvin Kamara, but his budding rapport with Juwan Johnson -- paired with the playmaking ability of Chris Olave and Taysom Hill -- bodes well for New Orleans in this high-stakes matchup which will take place in a rockin' Superdome. The Saints' defense must find ways to slow Atlanta's dynamic backfield and keep Taylor Heinicke (or Desmond Ridder if the vet isn't healthy) uncomfortable in the pocket. This comes down to QB play, and New Orleans has the big advantage right now.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (37)

Jacksonville Jaguars

9-7

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (38)

Tennessee Titans

5-11

  • WHERE:Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tenn.)
  • WHEN:1 p.m. ET| CBS
  • MONEYLINE:Jaguars -235 | Titans +192
  • SPREAD:Jaguars -5.5 |O/U:40.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (39)

Jaguars 24-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (40)

Jaguars 23-21

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (41)

Jaguars 24-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (42)

Titans 21-18

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (43)

Jaguars 24-17

Why Tom is taking the Jaguars: The Titans have been generally frisky even in losses, with seven of their defeats coming by eight points or fewer. But while Ryan Tannehill (if he starts for the injured Will Levis) and Derrick Henry would surely love to get one more W in Tennessee, their offseason begins Sunday afternoon no matter what happens. I'm banking on Trevor Lawrence (who was back at practice on Wednesday), Travis Etienne and Doug Pederson doing what they need to do to keep playing into January.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: Titans coach Mike Vrabel announced on Friday that Ryan Tannehill will indeed start Sunday's season finale.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (44)

Seattle Seahawks

8-8

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (45)

Arizona Cardinals

4-12

  • WHERE: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Ariz.)
  • WHEN: 4:25 p.m. ET| FOX
  • MONEYLINE:Seahawks -145 | Cardinals +122
  • SPREAD:Seahawks -3.0 |O/U:47.5
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (46)

Seahawks 23-21

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (47)

Seahawks 26-21

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (48)

Seahawks 25-21

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (49)

Cardinals 30-24

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (50)

Cardinals 26-20

Why Gennaro is taking the Cardinals: This could be the worst defense of Pete Carroll's 14-year tenure in Seattle, and it starts with the Seahawks' inability to stop the run. After his team allowed 202 more ground yards in last Sunday's home loss to the Steelers, Carroll wasn't exactly thrilled about the effort in a Tuesday appearance on Seattle Sports radio: "We didn't tackle as well (as we needed to), we didn't pursue properly on some stuff and so we got exposed on the edge, and it just looked crappy." Indeed it did. And now the 'Hawks visit the Cardinals, who have eclipsed 220 yards rushing in two of the last three weeks, with James Conner running like a man possessed and Kyler Murray always a threat to hurt you with his legs. Feels like the kind of formula to give Seattle its second losing record in the past three seasons.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (51)

Chicago Bears

7-9

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (52)

Green Bay Packers

8-8

  • WHERE: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wis.)
  • WHEN:4:25 p.m. ET| CBS
  • MONEYLINE:Bears +135 | Packers -160
  • SPREAD:Packers -3.0 |O/U:44.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (53)

Bears 24-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (54)

Packers 24-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (55)

Packers 22-21

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (56)

Bears 31-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (57)

Packers 27-21

Why Ali is taking the Bears: Matt Eberflus can downplay the significance of Sunday's showdown with the Packers all he wants, but this game has franchise-altering implications -- for both squads. Think I'm being hyperbolic? Just look at the NFC North-winning Lions, who found themselves in a similar situation at the end of last season. Their victory at Lambeau Field in Week 18 -- the Lions' fifth win over their final six games and first at Green Bay since 2018 -- eliminated the Packers from playoff contention and propelled Detroit to a historic 2023 campaign. Fast-forward 12 months. The Bears enter Sunday's contest having won four of their previous five games, seeking their first victory at Lambeau since 2015, with an opportunity to end the Packers' season. By beating Green Bay, the Bears would earn their third straight W within the division (after starting 0-9 under Eberflus) and further validate the growing optimism that their current head coach and quarterback are the right individuals to lead the franchise going forward. A win for the Packers would bring its own level of validation, of course, with a postseason berth proving the front office was right about Jordan Love and the vision for the organization's future. A loss by either team -- particularly an ugly one -- could potentially have the opposite effect. This game feels like a true toss-up, with both quarterbacks playing with a ton of confidence and both defenses coming off of dominant performances. But much like I believed in Week 1, I think the Bears' secondary -- with the benefit of a vastly improved pass rush -- makes the difference this weekend. Second time's the charm?

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (58)

Kansas City Chiefs

10-6

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (59)

Los Angeles Chargers

5-11

  • WHERE: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.)
  • WHEN: 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS
  • MONEYLINE:Chiefs +158 | Chargers -190
  • SPREAD:Chargers -3.5 |O/U:35.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (60)

Chiefs 20-18

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (61)

Chiefs 20-19

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (62)

Chargers 17-16

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (63)

Chargers 22-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (64)

Chargers 20-17

Why Gennaro is taking the Chargers: With Kansas City locked into the No. 3 seed, Andy Reid opened up his Wednesday press conference by confirming what everyone expected for this regular-season finale: The Chiefs will indeed rest starters. Funny -- the Chargers have been resting starters for weeks, just not by choice. Another snake-bitten season for the Bolts has seen injuries befall franchise cornerstones Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Joey Bosa. Consequently, backups like QB Easton Stick have gotten used to this whole starting thing. So, while Kansas City is incorporating a slew of lineup changes this week, it's basically business as usual for Los Angeles. In his third game since taking the reins after Brandon Staley's firing, Giff Smith logs his first win.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (65)

Denver Broncos

8-8

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (66)

Las Vegas Raiders

7-9

  • WHERE: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
  • WHEN: 4:25 p.m. ET| FOX
  • MONEYLINE:Broncos +135 | Raiders -160
  • SPREAD:Raiders -2.5 |O/U:38.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (67)

Raiders 20-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (68)

Raiders 23-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (69)

Raiders 20-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (70)

Broncos 19-16

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (71)

Raiders 22-18

Why Tom is taking the Raiders: When it comes to picking teams with nothing left to play for on the final day of the regular season, vibes are king. And does anything scream "vibes to believe in" louder than an interim coach who has gotten his group to play hard and is surely looking to put an exclamation point on his case for being given the full-time job? Sean Payton's next most important task is figuring out what to do with the Broncos in March and April. Antonio Pierce, meanwhile, should have Las Vegas plenty fired up at home.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (72)

Philadelphia Eagles

11-5

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (73)

New York Giants

5-11

  • WHERE: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.)
  • WHEN: 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS
  • MONEYLINE:Eagles -240 | Giants +196
  • SPREAD:Eagles -5.0 |O/U:42.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (74)

Eagles 24-18

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (75)

Eagles 26-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (76)

Eagles 26-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (77)

Eagles 21-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (78)

Eagles 23-17

Why Ali is taking the Eagles: The cracks were apparent even during the Eagles' 10-1 start. But when the 49ers blew down the doors of the Linc in Week 13, those vulnerabilities looked to be significant enough to prevent Philly from another Super Bowl run. The Eagles have gone just 1-3 since then, losing their hold on the NFC East and the conference's No. 2 seed along the way. The good news: They appear to have reached rock bottom after last Sunday's shocking collapse vs. the Cardinals. The better news: Their lone victory since the start of December came against their Week 18 opponent. In fact, Nick Sirianni's club has beaten the G-Men five straight times. While the Eagles aren't going to solve a season's worth of problems over a single Sunday, they lean on star wideout A.J. Brown to help stave off a feisty Giants team, leaving New Jersey with a much-needed win and a bit of momentum heading into the playoffs.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (79)

Los Angeles Rams

9-7

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (80)

San Francisco 49ers

12-4

  • WHERE:Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, Calif.)
  • WHEN:4:25 p.m. ET| FOX
  • MONEYLINE:Rams +170 | 49ers -205
  • SPREAD:49ers -4.0 |O/U:41.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (81)

49ers 22-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (82)

49ers 26-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (83)

49ers 24-18

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (84)

49ers 24-15

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (85)

49ers 20-14

Why Brooke is taking the 49ers: The Rams are one of the hottest teams league-wide since RB Kyren Williams' return in Week 12, averaging 31.3 points and 426.7 total yards per game in this span, so I want to believe they will give the top-seeded 49ers a run for their money. BUT, Carson Wentz is getting the start in order to rest Matthew Stafford for the playoffs. Could this be a Wentz-Sam Darnold backup battle for the ages? Um, sure? Kyle Shanahan said his starters -- except Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey (calf) -- will play significant time, leading me to take the Niners here.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (86)

Dallas Cowboys

11-5

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (87)

Washington Commanders

4-12

  • WHERE: FedExField (Landover, Md.)
  • WHEN:4:25 p.m. ET| FOX
  • MONEYLINE:Cowboys -800 | Commanders +550
  • SPREAD:Cowboys -13.0 |O/U:46.0
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (88)

Cowboys 30-16

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (89)

Cowboys 29-18

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (90)

Cowboys 31-16

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (91)

Cowboys 40-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (92)

Cowboys 30-14

Why Ali is taking the Cowboys: Dallas entered the final weekend of 2023 seemingly destined for the NFC's fifth seed and a road playoff game. Combine a controversial ending with a massive upset, and within 48 hours, the Cowboys found themselves ringing in the new year atop the NFC East and in control of the conference's No. 2 slot. (2024 is NOT messing around!) I don't see Dallas wasting its generous gift by losing to a Washington squad currently on a seven-game skid -- especially not when a win guarantees that the Cowboys open the playoffs at AT&T Stadium, where they're 8-0 this season. As much as the Commanders might want to play spoiler, and avenge the Thanksgiving Day thrashing they were handed by Dak & Co., their new year begins just as their 2023 ended -- with a double-digit loss at home.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (93)

Buffalo Bills

10-6

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (94)

Miami Dolphins

11-5

  • WHERE: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
  • WHEN: 8:20 p.m. ET| NBC, Universo, NFL+
  • MONEYLINE:Bills -165 | Dolphins +140
  • SPREAD:Bills -3.0 |O/U:49.5
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (95)

Bills 26-22

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (96)

Dolphins 28-24

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (97)

Bills 28-23

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (98)

Bills 28-23

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (99)

Bills 27-25

Why Gennaro is taking the Bills: Every NFL campaign is a war of attrition. And as we head into the 272nd and final game of the 2023 regular season -- a de facto AFC East title bout -- one team is losing the battle. While Buffalo encountered a vicious injury bug in October -- losing critical pieces on all three levels of the defense -- the Bills weathered the storm and now seem like they've come out on the other side. Yeah, star QB Josh Allen's a little banged up, but by and large, this feels like the healthiest Buffalo has been since September. The same cannot be said about Miami. The team's two star edge rushers -- Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips -- are on injured reserve. The offensive line has been a MASH unit all season. And Wednesday's injury report was a depressingly star-studded list. Long story short, the Dolphins are limping into the playoffs, while the Bills are surging down the stretch with a four-game win streak in tow.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (100)

Pittsburgh Steelers

9-7

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (101)

Baltimore Ravens

13-3

  • WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore)
  • WHEN: 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
  • MONEYLINE: Steelers -195 | Ravens +162
  • SPREAD: Steelers -4.0 | O/U: 35.5
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (102)

Steelers 21-16

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (103)

Ravens 22-20

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (104)

Steelers 20-14

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (105)

Steelers 23-17

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (106)

Steelers 22-17

Why Tom is taking the Steelers: Lamar Jackson will be smartly stowed in bubble wrap for this one. The Steelers, meanwhile, have plenty on the line to motivate them: chiefly, a chance to end their weird season by making the playoffs behind a third consecutive Mason Rudolph win. Pittsburgh ultimately will need some help on Sunday in order to punch a postseason ticket, but first things first Saturday night. This could be the Ravens' third consecutive January home loss to the Steelers without Jackson on the field, but it would be under much happier conditions than the last two.

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (107)

Houston Texans

9-7

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (108)

Indianapolis Colts

9-7

  • WHERE:Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
  • WHEN:8:15 p.m. ET| ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
  • MONEYLINE:Texans -130 | Colts +110
  • SPREAD:Texans -1.0 |O/U:47.5
Table inside Article
Ali Brooke Dan Gennaro Tom
Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (109)

Texans 27-24

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (110)

Texans 24-22

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (111)

Texans 25-22

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (112)

Texans 31-25

Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (113)

Texans 27-24

Why Brooke is taking the Texans: The last time these teams clashed was all the way back in Week 2, when the Colts prevailed 31-20. The Week 18 versions of these clubs are completely different, as Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans stated earlier this week. C.J. Stroud has proven to be one of the more consistent quarterbacks this season with a 21:5 TD-to-INT ratio, which leads all qualified QBs, per NFL Research. That consistency could be in jeopardy against a Colts D that pressured Stroud a season-high 25 times in their last outing. Not to mention, Stroud is 2-4 with just four pass TDs in road games. In my eyes, though, the Texans are the better team right now with a top-five run defense that should keep the Jonathan Taylor-led Colts' rushing attack at bay and an opportunistic pass defense -- albeit, a banged-up one -- that could make Gardner Minshew pay if he's not careful. Texans win. They’re in!

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Week 18 NFL picks: Bills or Dolphins in de facto AFC East title game? Will Packers punch playoff ticket? (2024)

FAQs

What NFL teams have nothing to play for week 18? ›

49ers vs.

Neither the 49ers nor the Rams have anything to play for in Week 18. The 49ers have locked in the No. 1 seed. The Rams could fall to the No.

How can I watch the NFL week 18? ›

Week 18, the final week of the 2023 NFL regular season is here and as usual, NBC and Peacock have got you covered with another week of action-packed NFL excitement.

Who will be benched on week 18? ›

Some big NFL names will not see the field Sunday including Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford and Joe Flacco. The Los Angeles Rams also plan to pull wide receiver Puka Nacua after he records 29 receiving yards, which would break the single-season rookie yardage record.

What players will not play week 18? ›

Players confirmed OUT Week 18:

QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens. QB Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns. QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams.

Are all week 18 games on Sunday? ›

There are 14 games on the NFL Week 18 schedule on Sunday.

Why is there a week 18 in the NFL? ›

The league had an odd number of teams (31) from 1999 to 2001. During that period, at least one team had to be given a bye on any given week. For the 1993 season, the league experimented with the schedule by adding a second bye week for each team, resulting in an 18-week regular season.

Is one of the playoff games only on Peacock? ›

It will be the second time a playoff game has been available exclusively via a streaming service, after last season's wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs on Peacock.

Do the Chiefs have anything to play for in week 18? ›

The Chiefs have nothing to play for. All things Chiefs: Latest Kansas City Chiefs news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more. The Chiefs won their eighth straight AFC West title last week and have the AFC's No. 3 seed already locked up.

What NFL players have incentives in play Week 18? ›

Share Video
PlayerTeamAmount
TE Austin HooperRaiders$125K
TE Tyler HigbeeRams$125K
RB Devin SingletaryTexans$375K
RB Joe MixonBengals$100K
25 more rows
Jan 7, 2024

What teams are resting starters in week 18? ›

NFL Week 18 Resting Starters
TeamPlayer-Position
Kansas City ChiefsPatrick Mahomes-QB.
Los Angeles RamsMatthew Stafford-QB, Kyren Williams RB, Cooper Kupp-WR, Aaron Donald-DT, Ernest Jones-LB.
San Francisco 49ersBrock Purdy-QB, Christian McCaffrey-RB.
2 more rows
Jan 5, 2024

What NFL teams don't play anymore? ›

Defunct franchises
ClubCityJoined NFL
Detroit WolverinesDetroit, Michigan1928
Duluth Kelleys/EskimosDuluth, Minnesota1923
Evansville Crimson GiantsEvansville, Indiana1921
Frankford Yellow Jackets^Frankford, Philadelphia1924
44 more rows

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