Welcome to Week 18, the last hurrah before the postseason begins.
With several teams resting starters, this week is traditionally tricky for bettors to predict. However, I’ll look to navigate all scenarios as best I can.
Now 9-8-1 on the season, here are my top NFL Week 18 predictions.
NFL Week 18 Best Bets
All NFL odds used for these Week 18 best bets are current as of Thursday, Jan. 1, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Dallas Cowboys -3.5 (-108) @ New York Giants
Dak Prescott has won 14 straight games against the Giants, the longest active streak in NFL history against a single team.
Even with the Cowboys (7-8-1) already eliminated from NFC playoff contention, Prescott has been pushing to play. Of course, that could change as the week goes by.
However, as things currently stand, it is hard to see the Giants (3-13) scoring enough to keep pace with the Cowboys.
I’m taking Dallas to cover 3.5 points for my NFL pick of the day.
New Orleans Saints +3.5 (-112) @ Atlanta Falcons
I’m going back to the well with the Saints, who beat the Titans 34-26 on Sunday for their fourth straight win.
New Orleans (6-10) is now 6-2 against the spread in rookie quarterback Tyler Shough’s first eight starts, including 4-1 away from home.
For my Week 18 NFL picks, I might also consider a sprinkle on the Saints moneyline at +154.
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Buffalo Bills -6.5 (-112) vs New York Jets
The Jets (3-13) aren’t just bad. They’re also non-competitive, having been outscored 119-36 in Brady Cook’s three starts.
The latest embarrassment came Sunday in a 42-10 loss to the Patriots, which dropped the Jets to 1-6 outright and 2-5 ATS over their last seven games.
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Josh Allen may not play long, if at all, while dealing with a foot injury.
However, regardless of who plays quarterback, the Bills (11-5) should win handily in their final tune-up before the AFC playoffs.
