NFL Week 18 Preview and Free Picks

NFL Week 18: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints

Thanks to the Washington Commanders, who defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, Tampa Bay now controls its destiny. Their 9-7 record isn’t impressive, but it’s been enough to keep them at the top of the NFC South for now. They recently crushed the Carolina Panthers 48-14, winning five of their last six games, and they only need to win to secure a playoff spot.

Baker Mayfield is coming off a spectacular performance, throwing five touchdown passes and 359 yards, completing 27 of his 32 attempts. He has 14 touchdown passes in his last four games. Jalen McMillan scored twice in that game and has now recorded touchdowns in four consecutive matches.

The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, are only playing out the rest of their season. Their 5-11 record places them third in the NFC South, ahead of only the Carolina Panthers (4-12). They are on a three-game losing streak, including a 34-0 defeat to the Green Bay Packers on December 23, which stands as the only shutout loss in the NFL this season.

Buccaneers vs. Saints Betting Pick: Buccaneers

NFL Week 18: Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons missed their chance to secure a playoff spot, and their path forward is now extremely challenging. After losing five of their last seven games, they surrendered the NFC South lead the previous weekend in an overtime loss to the Washington Commanders, 30-24. Their current 8-8 record places them second in the division, requiring a win and a Buccaneers loss to advance. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix has started the last two games over Kirk Cousins, and in the most recent one, he threw his first NFL touchdown.

The Carolina Panthers are among the worst teams in the NFL. With a 4-12 record, they rank second to last in the NFC, ahead of only the New York Giants. They were routed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-14 last weekend and have dropped five of their previous six games. On the road, they hold a dismal 1-6 record this season.

Falcons vs. Panthers Betting Pick: Falcons

NFL Week 18: Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Denver Broncos (9-7) have made things difficult for themselves in recent weeks. Two consecutive losses have left them clinging to the seventh spot in the AFC, holding the final playoff spot with just a one-game lead over the Dolphins and Bengals. The good news is they control their destiny and will face a Kansas City Chiefs team that has already secured the top spot in the conference and will rest their stars. Bo Nix has thrown eight touchdown passes over his last three games.

The Kansas City Chiefs are aiming for their third consecutive title. They’ve locked up the top seed in the AFC and will head into the Divisional Round well-rested. Their impressive 15-1 record has only one blemish, a Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills. They’re riding a six-game winning streak, with their most recent victory a 10-29 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighted by a stellar performance from Patrick Mahomes, who completed 29 of 38 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns. Head coach Andy Reid has confirmed that Carson Wentz will start at quarterback on Sunday, and several other changes will be made to rest key players and avoid unnecessary injuries.

Broncos vs. Chiefs Betting Pick: Broncos

NFL Week 18: Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings

The regular season couldn’t end on a higher note. The Week 18 finale features the two best teams in the NFC: the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. Both boast a 14-2 record, so the winner will advance directly to the Divisional Round (and claim the NFC North), while the loser will be a visitor in the Wild Card round.

The Lions faced a tough challenge last weekend, narrowly defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-40. Jared Goff continued his outstanding form, throwing three or more touchdown passes for the fourth consecutive game. This time, he had three, bringing his total to 16 in the last five games and 36 overall. He ranks third in the NFL in completion percentage at 72% (22.7). Against the 49ers, Kerby Joseph recorded two interceptions, breaking a five-game drought. He now has nine total, leading the NFL in this category.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are looking to avenge their first loss of the season, which came when they were 5-0. That defeat was against Detroit, who won in Minnesota 29-31 with a field goal by Jacob Bates with 15 seconds left. This past weekend, the Vikings had to fight hard to overcome a tough Green Bay Packers team, winning 27-25 and extending their winning streak to nine games. Sam Darnold completed 33 of 43 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns.

Lions vs. Vikings Betting Pick: Lions

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