NFL Week 18 odds, predictions, expert picks: Best bets, teasers, survivor picks, where to watch Saturday games

NFL Week 18 marks the final slate of the regular season, and with playoff spots up for grabs in both conferences, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Here’s a breakdown of the best bets, teaser options, and survivor picks, as well as where to watch Saturday games.

Week 18 Preview

Key Games:
Week 18 features several high-stakes matchups, especially in the AFC, where teams like the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens are fighting for playoff positioning. In the NFC, teams like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are vying for the last Wild Card spot.

Best Bets:

1. Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins
   The Bills are strong favorites in this game, especially at home. With Josh Allen and an explosive offense, Buffalo has been playing with high intensity as they look to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Miami has struggled on the road, and despite a dynamic offense, their inconsistent defense may struggle against Buffalo’s high-powered attack. Betting on Buffalo to cover the spread is a solid option.
2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
   The Bengals have been playing excellent football and are in a battle for the AFC North. With quarterback Joe Burrow leading the offense and a defense that’s been quietly dominant, Cincinnati is the favorite in this matchup. The Ravens, although solid on defense, have not been able to keep up with high-scoring offenses. Betting on the Bengals to win by a touchdown or more seems like a strong pick here.
3. Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
   This is a win-and-you’re-in scenario for both teams, with the NFC’s final Wild Card spot on the line. The Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers, have been playing their best football lately, but the Lions have been a resilient team this season. This game could be a close one, making it a great spot for betting on the point total to go over, given both teams’ offensive firepower.

Teaser Bets:

A teaser bet allows you to adjust the point spread in your favor by 6, 6.5, or 7 points. Consider these:

1. Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs
   Teasing the Bills down and the Chiefs up can provide great value. The Chiefs are playing a Raiders team that has already checked out for the season. The Bills, as previously mentioned, are strong favorites, and teasing both teams in your favor seems like a smart move.
2. San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
   The 49ers are massive favorites, and teasing them down to a more manageable spread (e.g., 4.5 points) should offer an easy win. Arizona has struggled without Kyler Murray, and San Francisco’s defense should be able to dominate this matchup.

Survivor Picks:

With only one week left, survivors should focus on the teams that still have something to play for:

1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
   The Chiefs are heavy favorites, and Las Vegas has struggled to close out the season. This is one of the safest survivor picks for Week 18.
2. San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
   The 49ers have been one of the most dominant teams in recent weeks, and Arizona is limping to the finish line. San Francisco’s well-balanced team should easily handle the Cardinals.

Where to Watch Saturday Games:

Week 18 has games on both Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday slate features key matchups, particularly for playoff positioning. You can catch the action on major networks:

• NFL Network: Saturday games are typically broadcast here, including crucial games for playoff spots.
• CBS & FOX: Many games will be aired on regional networks.
• Streaming Services: NFL games are also available on services like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.

Final Thoughts

NFL Week 18 is all about teams fighting for playoff spots or positioning. Make your picks carefully, targeting teams with playoff aspirations and favorable matchups. Betting on strong favorites like Buffalo and Kansas City seems like a safe option, while teaser bets on teams like the 49ers and Bengals provide more value. For survivor pools, stick with teams that are locked into important games.