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Hey, New Yorkers! Congratulations on finally being able to make legal bets online. To celebrate, here are some of Tondo and I's favorite Week 18 NFL picks against the spread.
Basel's ATS 2021: 58-40-2 (6-2 Week 17)
Tondo's ATS 2021: 49-48 (2-5 Week 17)
Basel's Week 18 Picks
1 PM Games
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Lions fans, you're hallucinating. Your team is actually playing in the second week of January, and honestly, they look like a decent bet. They've been one of the better teams against the spread this season, and with the Packers 0-4 ATS in their last four games, I see no reason why not to throw some money towards the Lions for the last time this season.
Lions +3
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
This game has garnered a lot of attention over the course of the past few days due to the playoff shenanigans that a Jaguars win would produce. The Colts are the better team, but after only beating the Jags 23-17 earlier this year, I could see Jacksonville pulling off a sneaky cover. With a two touchdown spread, I think there's plenty of room for some craziness this Sunday.
Jags +14.5
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
The Titans, whose offense has really shown their flexibility without Derrick Henry, will be going all out today to try and clinch that number one spot in the AFC. While I think they can do it, I think Houston will make it tougher for them than you'd expect. The Titans have been prone to some questionable losses this year, including one to the Texans. Davis Mills and company have been surprisingly solid this late in the season, so I'll once again go with the underdog in this one.
Texans +10.5
4 PM Games
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
From a bettor's perspective, this game kinda sucks. Both teams have been pretty horrendous against the spread, but with New Orleans trying to make a playoff push (needing a win and a SF loss to have a chance), expect the Saints offense to give everything they got today.
Saints -4
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals offense has been solid all season, but while they can put up some decent yards, they have some trouble finding the end zone and breaking 25-30 points every week. This may be the last time we see the Russell Wilson Seahawks, and despite their record this year, Seattle is still a very solid team. Take the points on the Seahawks as we see two top QBs sling it out.
Seahawks +6.5
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
I hate to bet against the Jets, but if a loss to the Bills prevents the Pats from taking the division, then I guess I'm for it. I'll throw some money on New York due to the big spread, and the fact that they kept it close against the Bucs last week.
Jets +16.5
Tondo's Week 18 Picks
1 PM Games
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
We won't be seeing Joe Burrow, and we probably won't be seeing Baker Mayfield either. This Week 18 Ohio matchup is more similar to a preseason game if anything else. With the Bengals resting everyone before their playoff appearance, I think it's safe to say Browns -5.5.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
A game that will most likely feature two head coaches who will be fired tomorrow. Both eliminated from the playoffs, I'll ride the hot hand right now and take Bears +5.5.
Washington Football Team at New York Giants
Finally, this miserable season as a Giants fan comes to an end. Jake Fromm gets the start, and Joe Judge is attempting to save his job. I think Ron Rivera is ready to rumble and it's the last game ever as the "Football Team". Give 'em hell. WFT -8.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
They both technically are still in the hunt, so who deserves it more? The Ravens were struck by injuries and COVID all season, but managed to string together an alright season. The same goes for the Steelers as well. They both need a lot for them to squeeze into the last wild card, but as potentially the last game for Big Ben, I'll take Steelers +3.5.
4 PM Games
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams
The Rams could win their third NFC West Crown in five years under McVay with a win today. Both Kupp and Stafford will be playing, with some potential contract escalators and records that need to be broken today. I'll ride with the Rams -4.5.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A game that has no meaning for the Panthers, and only seeding for the Bucs and some roster bonuses through performance, I see this game like the pro bowl. I'll just go Bucs -8, but this could be similar to last week.
Sunday Night Football
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
Probably the most important game today, the winner takes all the matchup. Whoever wins, advances to the AFC Wild Card spot, both coming in with a 9-7 record. I've been bullish on the Chargers all season, and I think Justin Herbert takes them home. I'll take Chargers -3.
See you next week for Playoff Picks!