NFL Week 18 is here. Picking NFL games straight up is hard enough, but picking against the spread is even tougher. Here are the NFL week 18 picks against the spread. (Spreads are from Tallysight as of Tuesday morning)
Last week: 8-8
Season: 143-106-4
Saturday Games
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-17.5)
The Ravens are still playing for seeding, as they can clinch the AFC North with a win. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center, the Browns have really struggled to move the ball. Baltimore can cover a large spread.
Pick: Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals (-1.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati notched their biggest win of the season against the Broncos, who have a good defense. Playing at Pittsburgh is a different animal. Even if Baltimore clinches the AFC North, Pittsburgh still has seeding to play for this week.
Pick: Steelers
Sunday Afternoon
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-3)
Philadelphia has nothing to play for this week, although they may try to get Saquon Barkley the single-season rushing record. The Giants won in week 17 and could take advantage of the Eagles potentially playing backups.
Pick: Giants
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-9.5)
The Packers have a path to the no. 6 seed this weekend, so they will be focused. Chicago usually struggles with the Packers and have nothing to play for this week.
Pick: Packers
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-7.5)
Carolina is really banged up right now. Atlanta has a chance to make the playoffs still and look like they have new life with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, even if they did lose a close one to Washington last week.
Pick: Falcons
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-13.5)
New Orleans has really faded this season after a strong start. Tampa Bay is playing well and need just a win to make the playoffs.
Pick: Buccaneers
Washington Commanders (-3) at Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is without Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Washington will want to win this game to avoid playing the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round.
Pick: Commanders
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (-5.5)
The Colts are out of the playoff race, but Joe Flacco can still operate the offense well against the Jaguars. Mac Jones will find it hard to keep up.
Pick: Colts
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (-1.5)
Houston has nothing to play for this week. Tennessee is 2-14 against the spread this season, but may be able to beat the Texans if they sit some of their key players.
Pick: Titans
Buffalo Bills (-2.5) at New England Patriots
Buffalo is locked into the no. 2 seed in the AFC. They will likely bench starters and keep the gameplan vanilla. New England, with Drake Maye playing well, can get the win.
Pick: Patriots
Sunday Evening
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (-9.5)
Denver needs to win to get into the playoffs and they will likely do so. Kansas City, even if they bench their starters, can keep it close, as Denver will likely be playing tight.
Pick: Chiefs
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (-3.5)
Brock Purdy hurt his arm on Monday Night Football. Arizona can defeat a severely banged up 49ers team.
Pick: Cardinals
Miami Dolphins (-1.5) at New York Jets
Miami’s playoff hopes will still be alive as this game kicks off. The Jets are not functioning well, so even if Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle can’t go, they can still win.
Pick: Dolphins
Seattle Seahawks (-3) at Los Angeles Rams
The Rams can win to clinch the no. 3 seed in the NFC. Seattle has nothing to play for and have struggled with turnovers this season.
Pick: Rams
Los Angeles Chargers (-5.5) at Las Vegas Raiders
Jim Harbaugh will have his team ready to play, as they have a chance to be the no. 5 seed in the playoffs.
Pick: Chargers
Sunday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-2.5)
Minnesota has outperformed every expectation this season. Detroit is at home though and should be able to outscore Minnesota with their variety of weapons.
Pick: Lions
Go to our NFL page for more articles and updates like NFL week 18 Picks Against the Spread!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!