week 18 NFL Odds, Betting Lines, Point Spreads

Below you will find a list of NFL week 18 odds from several sportsbooks. We will archive this information so that you can go back week by week and check these week 18 point spreads for handicapping or research purposes. We will also add NFL free picks and statistics for each week throughout the season.

I'll just say it — I hate week 18 of the NFL season as a bettor. It's kind of stupid. Too many teams have nothing to play for — either because their season is already over, or because they are resting for what is next. The effort level is as inconsistent as it has been since the last week of the preseason, and there are just too many ways for things to go badly. So, I'll warn you in advance — a lot of these game breakdowns are just going to be me whining and then passing on the game. Remember, when things are uncertain a pass is almost as good as a win. Here's how I see the week breaking down:

Miami (+4.5) at Buffalo: The closest thing to meaning in this game is that the Dolphins, who have lost two straight, can finish at .500 with a win here. That will really get them up in the morning. Two broken teams ready for some serious offseason adjustments don't make for great football. Take the Dolphins only because this is too many points to give up for Buffalo, and the weather forecast is too mild to help them.

Detroit (+7.5) at Green Bay: Green Bay has already clinched third in the division, and Detroit has fourth wrapped up, so this game is meaningless. And the number is ridiculous. I'd lean towards the Packers, but not with any confidence. Pass.

Jacksonville (+6.5) at Houston: Houston has clinched a playoff spot but can secure a bye, and even the top overall seed, if everything goes just right. But they can also lose the division and fall into the wild card realm if they lose and Indy wins. All that is in their control is a win — and the more convincing the better. They should be ready for this one. And Jacksonville definitely won't be. Take the Texans. Happily.

New York Jets (+13.5) at New England: For New England it's simple — win and they have a bye. And rarely has a playoff team needed a bye more than this one does. For the Jets it's simple, too — say goodbye to Coach Bowles after the game and wait for his replacement to be hired. The Pats should be dramatically more motivated, and they are at home, but they are kind of a mess, and this feels like too many points right now. But I sure don't want to trust the Jets. Pass.

Carolina (+7.5) at New Orleans: It doesn't get any worse than this. Well, it does I guess, but this is bad. Carolina is perhaps looking at a coaching change and is down to their third-string quarterback. Teams always save their best QBs for the third string, so that is going to be awesome. But the Saints have clinched home-field advantage regardless of this game, so we should see the waterboys getting some snaps in this one. Easy pass.

Dallas (+6) at New York Giants: Dallas has done all they can do. They have won their division but can't get a bye. They will be in full rest mode. The Giants need the highest pick they can get to draft their next quarterback, so a loss would be a bit of a win in this one. Hard to trust either team. Another pass.

Atlanta (pick) at Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay is definitely about to have a coaching change. Atlanta, shockingly, could as well. At the very least the offensive staff will get a total overhaul. Ugly game. But Atlanta has won two in a row and is in better shape, so at this price they get the begrudging nod.

Oakland (+13.5) at Kansas City: The Chiefs and the Chargers have both tried hard to give away the division, but Kansas City still controls their own destiny. Win here and they are divisional champs. Not just that, but they can wrap up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win as well. They need to get their mojo back heading into the playoffs after a couple of sub-optimal performances, so they should be ready. And Oakland sure won't be. Give up the points and take the Chiefs.

Chicago (+4.5) at Minnesota: Chicago theoretically is playing for a bye, but not really — they would need a win and a Rams loss, and L.A. isn't losing to San Francisco at home. So, they likely won't be as engaged as they could be — they have a much bigger game looming next week. And Minnesota is playing for their lives — a win or a tie, or a Philly loss or tie, and they are in the playoffs. That should have them ready, and they have looked their best the last two weeks. There is another factor, too — if Seattle beats Arizona, which they obviously will, and Chicago doesn't get the bye, these two teams would meet again next week. Chicago will not want to give too much away this week. Minnesota makes sense as the favorite and has to be the play.

Cincinnati (+14.5) at Pittsburgh: The Steelers no longer control their own destiny after a rough loss last week. They can get into the playoffs with a win and some help, but I'm not convinced that that will be a big motivation given the obvious mental struggles they are facing right now. Cincinnati is a total joke of a team who I wouldn't bet on in any circumstance right now, but I don't trust the Steelers to roll over anyone. Pass.

Philadelphia (-6.5) at Washington: Is there another act in the Nick Foles miracle tour? It could potentially be enough to get the team back into the playoffs. They need a win here and a Minnesota loss. They play at the same time as the Vikings, so all they can do is give their best and hope for the best. Their best should be enough against a deeply-troubled Washington team. I don't fully buy into Foles, but I'll still bet on the Eagles here.

Cleveland (+6) at Baltimore: The Ravens could wind up with a bye if a lot of things go their way. What matters, though, is winning the division and getting into the playoffs, and all they have to do is win to do that. And they can. As fun as Baker Mayfield has been to watch, and as bright as his future is, he is in tough against this defense. Baltimore will be ready, and that will be the difference. Take the Ravens.

L.A. Chargers (-6.5) at Denver: The Chargers are in but can get a bye with a win and a Kansas City loss. They play at the same time as the Chiefs, so all they can do is play their best. Denver is a disaster heading to another coaching change and a lot of uncertainty. They will likely quit here. Take the Chargers. Enthusiastically.

Arizona (+13.5) at Seattle: Seattle is in the playoffs but is playing for seeding. Win and they play Dallas next week. Lose and it could be the Bears or Rams. Obviously, they want Dallas. And a win shouldn't be too tough here because Arizona is so bad. But I can't bet them in this one because they aren't likely to keep their feet on the gas as soon as they have this one in the bag. This is the kind of game that Arizona could easily cover late — and only bettors would care. Pass.

San Francisco (+10) at L.A. Rams: Win and the Rams have a bye. And they really feel like they need one — as much as the Patriots do. San Francisco hasn't won on the road yet this year, and this isn't likely going to be when they start. I'll take the Rams in hopes of them finding some of their missing mojo.

Indianapolis (-3.5) at Tennessee: This one is as good a scenario as we can hope for in a Sunday night week 18 game. The winner makes the playoffs. The loser doesn't. Both teams could win their division still, and Tennessee could even get a bye, but that won't matter here — it will all have been decided by kickoff. This is simply a playoff game. And a pretty good one. The action is tilted towards Indy, so I would be inclined to take the home team. But the uncertainty around Marcus Mariota turns me off. Take the Colts.

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