The Steelers have seen their playoff hopes saved thanks to third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph. While he isn’t overwhelming defenses, he has been far better at running the offense than starter Kenny Pickett. He will be facing the best defense in football in the Ravens in Week 18, which will likely be resting players, which should give Rudolph and the offense what they need. Pittsburgh will be playing against a bitter rival with a playoff spot on the line, and we think they will deliver in a big way on Saturday.
We believe the Ravens are the best team in football, but they will likely be resting many of their stars this week. The team has already lost vital playmakers this year, and they saw first-hand how Miami’s defense was dealt a significant blow when Bradley Chubb was injured in garbage time. Maybe they play some of their stars, but we do not expect them to risk their Super Bowl hopes just to knock out the Steelers.
Steelers injury report
Ravens injury report
| Sportsbook | Pick | Odds |
 | Steelers -3.5 | -110 |
 | Steelers ML | -178 |
 | Over 36.5 | -108 |
The Texans have been one of the best stories in football this season, and now they will be facing off against the Colts with a playoff berth and maybe a division title on the line. CJ Stroud was back last week and able to shake off the cobwebs, once again making this offense dangerous. While the team is young, they have more playmakers on both sides of the ball, which will result in a massive win on Saturday night.
Indianapolis has shocked many by even being in the playoff hunt after losing Anthony Richardson and missing Jonathan Taylor for much of the year. Gardner Minshew has done a great job leading the offense with Richardson out, but their defense has significant holes. That will be a big problem with CJ Stroud coming to town, leading to a thrilling high-soring loss for the Colts.
Texans injury report
Will Anderson Jr. DE - Q
Jonathan Greenard DE - Q
Sheldon Rankins DT - Q
Robert Woods WR - Q
Noah Brown WR - Q
Colts injury report
Kenny Moore II CB - Q
Braden Smith OT - Q
Quenton Nelson G - Q
Ryan Kelly C - Q
Chris Lammons CB - Q
| Sportsbook | Pick | Odds |
| Texans -1.5 | -104 |
| Texans ML | -120 |
| Over 47.5 | -105 |
The Jaguars will have a lot riding on their Week 18 matchup with the Titans. They currently lead the AFC South, but a loss could cost them both that and a playoff spot. The Jags are the better team, but they have been playing poorly and have several of their stars injured. While Trevor Lawrence may return this week, the team has lost his last four starts. While we think their talent gets them a win, we fully expect this game to be neck-and-neck for all four quarters.
We do not know which quarterback will start for the Titans on Sunday, but we think either can take advantage of a bad Jags defense. If Ryan Tannehill starts, he will be playing for his future in the league. The veteran will not be back as the Titans starting quarterback next season, meaning Week 18 could either be his last game or an audition to start somewhere else next season. Rookie Will Levis has looked better than Tannehill and should find success against the Jags if he can play on Sunday.
Jaguars injury report
Titans injury report
| Sportsbook | Pick | Odds |
| Titans -5.5 | -110 |
| Jaguars ML | -240 |
| Over 39.5 | -115 |
While the Bears' playoff hopes officially ended last weekend, they have a chance to finish the season by knocking the Packers out, avenging their embarrassing opening week loss, and still maintaining the first overall pick. While the Packers offense is solid, their defense continues to struggle. Justin Fields' running ability makes him incredibly hard to defend, especially with the threat of a big pass to DJ Moore always present. We think it earns them a win as the Packers' defense struggles against a vastly improved Chicago offense.
The Packers' defense has almost always found success against Justin Fields, but he is not the same quarterback he was then. The Bears have opened up the offense for him, and it will catch the Packers’ defense off guard. While Jaire Alexander will be back on the field, their poor run defense will lead to a lot of yards and points allowed. The defense has been a problem under defensive coordinator Joe Barry for years, and we think he will deliver one more dud in Week 18 before being fired.
Bears injury report
Packers injury report
| Sportsbook | Pick | Odds |
| Bears +3 | -105 |
| Bears ML | +138 |
| Over 44.5 | -105 |
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The Seahawks lost a crucial game last week, leaving them outside of the playoffs heading into Week 18. They still have a shot to capture an NFC Wild Card spot if they win on Sunday, giving them a lot of motivation coming into the game. Their biggest concern is their defense, which has struggled to find consistency. They were awful last week, allowing the Steelers to score 30 points. Kyler Murray has vastly improved the Cardinals' offense, and we see them succeeding on Sunday.
The Cardinals have been a different team with Kyler Murray back on the field. He was incredible last week, leading Arizona to a stunning 35-31 road win against the Eagles. Arizona hasn’t had anything to play for since about Week 8, but that has not stopped them from competing every week. The Cards gave Seattle everything they could handle in Week seven without Murray, and we think they will avenge that loss this weekend.
Seahawks injury report
Cardinals injury report
| Sportsbook | Pick | Odds |
| Cardinals +2.5 | -110 |
| Cardinals ML | +125 |
| Over 47.5 | -109 |
The Falcons are currently 12th in the NFC but still have a chance to win the division heading into Week 18. They beat the Saints at home in Week 12, thanks to gaining 228 rushing yards. While quarterback Desmond Ridder has not been very good, this Atlanta team can dominate when they are able to run the ball. The Saints have struggled to stop the run all season, ranking 21st in the league (122.5 YPG), and we see it leading the Falcons to a Week 18 win.
The Saints have been the hotter team of late, winning three of their previous four games. That includes beating the Bucs last weekend to keep the division race open. However, they are still struggling against the run. They were able to upset Tampa last week largely because of the Bucs' bad run game. They will face a much better-rushing attack this week in the Falcons, and we think it leads to a slow and painful loss.
Flacons injury report
Saints injury report
| Sportsbook | Pick | Odds |
| Falcons +3 | -105 |
| Falcons ML | +145 |
| Under 42 | -113 |
This is not the same Eagles team that started the season 10-1, losing four of their last five games. That includes last week’s loss at home to a Cardinals team that has won four games this season. Their lone win during that span came at home against the Giants, which was a very close game. New York came to life after Tyrod Taylor took over for Tommy DeVito as Philly struggled to stop him through the air and on the ground. Taylor has been playing well since then and will start Week 18, which will spell trouble for the Eagles' defense.
Though New York’s playoff hopes are long over, they have been playing a major role in the postseason picture. Their last five games came against teams fighting in the playoffs, and they played tough. They beat the Packers in a game they needed to win and came within a score of beating the Eagles and Rams. This has been a much better team since starting the season 2-8, and we think they cap off the year with a win over their rival.
Eagles injury list
Giants injury list
| Sportsbook | Pick | Odds |
| Giants +5.5 | -115 |
| Eagles ML | -250 |
| Over 42 | -109 |
The Bills have won four straight games to keep their playoff hopes alive, but it hasn’t been pretty over the last two weeks. Buffalo barely edged out two bad teams in the Chargers and Pats, the latter coming at home. While the defense has been solid, Josh Allen and the offense are having a big problem holding onto the ball. Josh Allen has 21 turnovers on the season, and it is a big reason why they have yet to lock in a playoff spot. As good as the Bills have looked, they have shown they cannot be trusted to beat anyone.
While Miami’s defense may be missing several key players, they won’t need much to support their offense. As long as Tyreek Hill and De-Von Achane remain healthy, the Miami offense is still one of the best in the league. If Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Waddle are able to play, it will only make them better. Given the talent and the fact that the Dolphins are 7-1 at home, we are taking them to win the game and the AFC East title.
Bills injury list
Dolphins injury list
| Sportsbook | Pick | Odds |
| Dolphins +3 | -112 |
| Dolphins ML | +140 |
| Over 49.5 | -110 |
