NFL Week 18 picks, schedule, playoff eventualities, odds, accidents, stats
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ESPN workers
The Week 18 NFL schedule for the 2022 season is stacked with nice matchups, and we obtained you coated with what you should know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters carry us the most important keys to each sport and a daring prediction for every matchup.
Moreover, ESPN Stats & Info offers an enormous stat to know, playoff clinching eventualities and a betting nugget for every contest, and our Soccer Energy Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a sport projection. Lastly, Seth Walder and Eric Moody give us last rating picks for each sport. Every little thing you need to know is right here in a single spot that will help you prepare for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.
Let’s get into Sunday’s Week 18 slate, together with the Packers internet hosting the Lions with a playoff berth up for grabs and an AFC showdown between the Bengals and Ravens.
Bounce to a matchup:
NE-BUF
MIN-CHI | HOU-IND | NYJ-MIA
CAR-NO | TB-ATL | CLE-PIT
BAL-CIN | DAL-WSH | NYG-PHI
LAR-SEA | LAC-DEN | ARI-SF | DET-GB
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: BUF -7 (42.5)
What to observe for: It’s a win-and-in situation for New England with the ultimate wild-card spot on the road. However to get to the playoffs, they need to take down a Payments workforce coming off an emotional week following Damar Hamlin’s collapse on the sphere on account of cardiac arrest on Monday evening. The Payments dominated the groups’ assembly earlier this season, nearly doubling the Patriots’ time of possession and holding New England to simply 60 dashing yards. — Alaina Getzenberg
Daring prediction: Patriots working again Damien Harris might be an surprising breakout participant, dashing for greater than 100 yards towards a Payments run protection that ranks thirteenth within the NFL in common yards allowed per carry (4.3). Harris’ return from a four-game absence on account of a thigh harm was an vital increase to a New England offense that was relying too closely on fatigued Rhamondre Stevenson. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: The Payments might match the franchise file for many wins in a season (13), executed 3 times beforehand in 1990, 1991 and 2020.
What’s at stake: The Patriots are enjoying for the playoffs, needing a win to clinch the ultimate AFC wild-card spot. However they’ll additionally make it with a loss, so long as each the Dolphins and Steelers lose and Jacksonville wins. ESPN’s FPI is giving New England a 33.2% probability. The Payments are already AFC East champs, and so they can grow to be the 1-seed — and acquire home-field benefit all through the AFC playoffs — if the beat New England and the Chiefs lose on Saturday. See playoff image.
Accidents: Patriots | Payments
Betting nugget: New England is 0-4 ATS towards groups with successful data this season. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Payments 28, Patriots 17
Walder’s choose: Payments 23, Patriots 19
FPI prediction: BUF, 78.5% (by a mean of 9.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Keys for Pats, seven different must-win Week 18 matchups … Hamlin reveals ‘outstanding enchancment’; agent says security is awake … Bengals’ Taylor praises Payments coach McDermott for actions … A heart specialist’s view of what occurred to Hamlin
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: MIN -7.5 (43.5)
What to observe for: Justin Fields’ second NFL season ends 64 yards shy of the single-season quarterback dashing file after he was dominated out towards Minnesota with a hip harm. Nathan Peterman will begin for Chicago. In the meantime, the NFC No. 2 seed continues to be in play for the Vikings as long as they win at Soldier Subject and the 49ers lose to the Cardinals. — Courtney Cronin
Daring prediction: The Vikings’ protection could have its greatest statistical day of the season with Fields sidelined. Even with Fields on the sphere, the Bears managed simply 230 yards final week towards the Lions’ woeful protection. The Vikings enter this sport giving up 396.8 yards per sport, No. 31 within the NFL. Their season low for yards allowed was 263 in Week 9 at Washington. They’re going to maintain the Bears under that threshold. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: Kirk Cousins is tied with Dak Prescott and Derek Carr for league-lead in interceptions (14).
What’s at stake: The Vikings are locked in as NFC North champs however wouldn’t have a shot on the No. 1 seed. They’re most definitely to be the third seed, establishing a wild-card matchup with the Giants. The Bears have been eradicated however are proper within the combine for the No. 1 draft choose, which ESPN’s FPI at present offers them a 48.4% probability to land. They must lose and see the Texans beat the Colts. See playoff image.
Accidents: Vikings | Bears
Betting nugget: Minnesota is 0-4 ATS in its previous 4 video games. Six straight Minnesota video games have gone over the entire. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Vikings 23, Bears 10
Walder’s choose: Vikings 20, Bears 13
FPI prediction: MIN, 64.2% (by a mean of 4.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: ‘There has by no means been something like this’: How 12-4 Vikings stay an enigma … Bears’ Fields out Sunday, ending shot at QB dashing mark … Vikings piecing collectively offensive line as accidents mount … Will it’s the Bears at No. 1 within the draft?
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: IND -2.5 (38)
What to observe for: The Texans would personal the No. 1 total draft selection if the season ended at the moment, however that would change with a win. The Colts, who’re angling to accumulate a franchise quarterback, at present personal the fifth total choose (per ESPN’s FPI projections) however might slide with a win. Each spot on the draft board is treasured if you’ve endured the form of quarterback morass they’ve in Indianapolis. — Stephen Holder
Daring prediction: The Texans win this sport and lose the No. 1 total choose. Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger has began two video games this 12 months, and the Colts are 0-2 in these begins, as he is averaged 152 yards passing with zero landing passes. In addition they averaged 9.5 factors per sport underneath Ehlinger. The Colts have not been nice at working the ball both since Jonathan Taylor landed on IR. The Texans will not want to attain a lot to beat the Colts, and attending to 17 factors must be sufficient. — DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: The Colts are at present on a six-game dropping streak, their longest since dropping six in a row in 2017.
What’s at stake: Each groups are eradicated from the playoffs, however there’s something large on the road. The Texans can safe the No. 1 draft choose for April in the event that they lose or the Bears beat the Vikings. ESPN’s FPI is giving Houston a 51.6% probability to clinch. See playoff image.
Accidents: Texans | Colts
Betting nugget: Indianapolis is 1-5 ATS as a favourite this season and 1-7 ATS in its previous eight video games in that position. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Colts 20, Texans 13
Walder’s choose: Texans 19, Colts 16
FPI prediction: HOU, 73% (by a mean of seven.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Texans’ Hughes credit youngsters for serving to him discover ‘enjoyable’ in sports activities once more’ throughout resurgent 12 months … Giants’ Thibodeaux not bothered by Saturday’s criticism … Massive questions concerning the No. 1 choose: Can the Texans clinch? … Colts’ Ngakoue to bear throat surgical procedure, positioned on IR
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: MIA -2.5 (38.5)
What to observe for: The all-time common season sequence between the groups is tied at 56-56-1, so the Jets couldn’t solely take the sequence lead with a win Sunday, however they’d additionally safe their first season sweep of the Dolphins since 2015. Apparently sufficient, the Jets have by no means crushed QB Tua Tagovailoa however won’t have confronted him in both of those groups’ matchups this season, as Skylar Thompson is anticipated to start out for the Dolphins on Sunday. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Daring prediction: The Jets will fail to attain an offensive landing for the third straight sport. They’re in a severe funk, having produced solely 4 touchdowns up to now 5 video games (58 possessions). They’re averaging 1.0 level per drive over that span, the bottom within the league. This looks like a hunch that may carry into the offseason. — Wealthy Cimini
Stat to know: The Dolphins have misplaced 5 straight video games since an 8-3 begin and are hoping to keep away from ending a season with six straight losses for the primary time in franchise historical past.
What’s at stake: The Jets may be eradicated (projected to choose at No. 13 within the draft, per ESPN’s FPI), however the Dolphins nonetheless have quite a bit to play for in Week 18. They want a win and Patriots loss to clinch the ultimate AFC playoff spot. They’ve a 49.5% probability, per ESPN’s FPI. See playoff image.
Accidents: Jets | Dolphins
Betting nugget: New York is 0-3 ATS in its previous three video games. 9 of its previous 11 video games have gone underneath the entire, together with three straight. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Jets 31, Dolphins 27
Walder’s choose: Dolphins 20, Jets 16
FPI prediction: MIA, 63.2% (by a mean of three.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Jets standing by QB Wilson ‘by means of hell or excessive water’ … Dolphins QB Thompson getting first-team reps in follow … Jets’ revolving door at quarterback: Benchings, accidents and large questions
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: NO -3.5 (42)
What to observe for: Saints coach Dennis Allen has been agency about not making main adjustments to the lineup with no probability of reaching the playoffs, however accidents might tweak {that a} bit. First-round choose Trevor Penning might get his first begin at left deal with instead of James Hurst, and rookie cornerback Alontae Taylor might get again into the beginning lineup on account of Paulson Adebo’s hamstring harm after enjoying no defensive snaps final week. — Katherine Terrell
Daring prediction: The Panthers will rush for at the least 250 yards towards a New Orleans protection that offers up 127.9 yards a sport, together with 145 to Carolina in a Week 3 loss. D’Onta Foreman will cleared the path with 150 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries to ship interim coach Steve Wilks off with a 6-6 file. — David Newton
Stat to know: Panthers receiver DJ Moore is 122 receiving yards away from a fourth straight 1,000-yard season.
What’s at stake: Neither workforce will make the playoffs. And whereas ESPN’s FPI initiatives the Panthers’ draft choose to be No. 9, the Saints wouldn’t have a first-rounder this 12 months. See playoff image.
Accidents: Panthers | Saints
Betting nugget: Eight of New Orleans’ previous 9 video games have gone underneath the entire, together with 5 straight. Carolina has gone over the entire in 4 straight video games. The previous 4 conferences between these groups went underneath the entire. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Saints 28, Panthers 24
Walder’s choose: Panthers 24, Saints 13
FPI prediction: NO, 59.3% (by a mean of two.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Has Panthers interim coach Wilks earned the full-time job? … As younger stars proceed to emerge, the Saints hope to finish season on four-game successful streak … Panthers proprietor, Jim Harbaugh talked teaching job … Jordan turns into Saints’ sack chief, thanks Ryan … Ache of dropping shot at NFC South title reveals how far Panthers have come
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: ATL -4 (40.5)
What to observe for: Tom Brady has by no means misplaced to the Falcons in his profession — 10-0 within the common season and 1-0 within the postseason. Ought to Brady begin Sunday, he’ll have an opportunity to increase that streak. Atlanta hasn’t crushed Tampa Bay since 2019 and hasn’t gained at dwelling towards the Buccaneers since Oct. 14, 2018. — Michael Rothstein
Daring prediction: Final week may need belonged to Mike Evans, however Russell Gage, who has quietly come on in current weeks, will end with 75 receiving yards and a landing after lacking the primary matchup towards his former workforce in Week 5. — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: Brady has 477 completions this season and is 9 shy of breaking the single-season completions file set by himself in 2021.
What’s at stake: The Buccaneers are in as NFC South champs and would be the No. 4 seed within the playoffs. The Falcons are eradicated and looking out on the No. 8 spot within the draft, per ESPN’s FPI. See playoff image.
Accidents: Buccaneers | Falcons
Betting nugget: Tampa Bay is a league-worst 4-11-1 ATS this season, together with 2-11-1 ATS in its previous 14 video games and 1-5 ATS in its previous six video games. It is usually 0-5 ATS in its previous 5 highway video games. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Falcons 23, Buccaneers 17
Walder’s choose: Falcons 27, Buccaneers 17
FPI prediction: TB, 62.8% (by a mean of three.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Bucs coach Bowles plans to play starters in Week 18 … Rookie Allgeier powers Falcons’ working sport … Brady finds Evans for 3 TDs as Bucs win NFC South … OC Byron Leftwich: Demise of Bucs offense enormously exaggerated
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: PIT -2.5 (40.5)
What to observe for: Fueling the Steelers’ late surge is a clutch rookie quarterback and a turnover-happy protection. However the Browns aren’t a simple win. The offense turned in its greatest efficiency since Deshaun Watson’s return final week, because of Watson’s three landing passes, Amari Cooper’s 105 receiving yards and Nick Chubb’s 104 dashing yards. — Brooke Pryor
Daring prediction: Kenny Pickett has delivered to this point within the clutch to maintain Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes alive. But once more, the rookie QB might be down a rating late and begin a possession with the possibility to win the sport within the last seconds. — Jake Trotter
Stat to know: Najee Harris is 46 dashing yards shy of a second consecutive 1,000-yard season to start out his profession (1,200 rush yards in 2021). Harris can be first participant in franchise historical past to hurry for 1,000 yards in every of his first two seasons.
What’s at stake: Pittsburgh can nonetheless make the playoffs, however it wants assist. It might have to win and get losses from the Patriots and Dolphins. ESPN’s FPI is giving the Steelers a 15.6% probability. The Browns have been eradicated and wouldn’t have a first-round choose. See playoff image.
Accidents: Browns | Steelers
Betting nugget: Six straight Cleveland video games have gone underneath the entire, together with all 5 Watson begins. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Browns 27, Steelers 21
Walder’s choose: Browns 24, Steelers 17
FPI prediction: PIT, 53.4% (by a mean of 1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Browns offense reveals first signal of progress … Pickett leads one other Steelers comeback to maintain playoffs in sight
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: CIN -7 (40.5)
What to observe for: The stakes of this sport had been unclear early within the week, however the Bengals are actually AFC North champions. Cincinnati had a a lot harder schedule than Baltimore, which has been with out quarterback Lamar Jackson down the stretch and misplaced three of its previous six video games. We might see a rematch of those two groups within the wild-card spherical, too, with the placement of that matchup being decided by a coin flip. — Ben Child
Daring prediction: The Ravens will surrender greater than 30 factors. Since Week 3, Baltimore is considered one of two defenses to carry each opponent underneath 30 factors (Jets). However for the reason that Ravens held the Bengals to 17 factors in Week 5, Joe Burrow and Cincinnati have averaged the third-most factors within the league (28.3 per sport). — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: The Bengals might match their franchise file for many wins in a season (12), executed 3 times beforehand (1981, 1988 and 2015).
What’s at stake: Each groups are in, and the Bengals are AFC North champs. If the Ravens win Sunday and are matched towards Cincinnati in an AFC wild-card sport, the location can be decided by a coin flip. If Cincinnati wins or if the 2 groups should not matched towards one another after a possible Ravens win, common scheduling procedures can be used. See playoff image.
Accidents: Ravens | Bengals
Betting nugget: Baltimore has not been greater than a three-point underdog this season. Since 2018, Baltimore is 16-3-1 ATS as an underdog, together with 6-2 ATS with out Jackson. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Bengals 24, Ravens 13
Walder’s choose: Bengals 27, Ravens 10
FPI prediction: CIN, 58.2% (by a mean of two.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Ravens prepared for ‘distinctive’ Bengals showdown … Bengals’ Taylor praises Payments coach for response … Taylor’s spouse gathering well-wishes for Hamlin
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: DAL -7 (41)
What to observe for: Washington will begin rookie quarterback Sam Howell, the eighth completely different starter in coach Ron Rivera’s three seasons and the thirty third to start out for the franchise because it final gained the Tremendous Bowl after the 1991 season. He’ll get to face the NFL’s Tenth-ranked move protection, which has recorded the third-most sacks and is tied for the sixth-most interceptions. — John Keim
Daring prediction: The Cowboys will win the NFC East with a win and grow to be the No. 2 seed within the playoffs, with the Eagles dropping to the Giants. They are going to grow to be the primary workforce to repeat as NFC East winners for the reason that Eagles gained 4 straight from 2001-04. By being the No. 2 seed, the Cowboys will get at the least one dwelling sport at AT&T Stadium, however it’s additionally potential they may face Aaron Rodgers if the Packers beat the Lions on Sunday evening. Would not that be a matchup for Cowboys followers to dread, understanding Rodgers’ historical past towards the Cowboys? — Todd Archer
Stat to know: The Cowboys are in search of their thirteenth win this season, which might tie their franchise file for a single season (1992, 2007 and 2016).
What’s at stake: Washington is out, however Dallas is in — and nonetheless in competition for the NFC East and the convention’s No. 1 seed. A win and an Eagles loss clinches the division title, and a further 49ers loss would additionally hand the Cowboys the first-round bye within the playoffs. ESPN’s FPI is giving Dallas a 14.9% probability on the division and 1.6% probability on the NFC’s prime seed. Washington, in the meantime, is projected to choose at No. 14 within the draft and has a 1.1% probability to slide into the highest 10. See playoff image.
Accidents: Cowboys | Commanders
Betting nugget: Washington is 0-4 ATS in its previous 4 video games. Eleven of its previous 14 video games have gone over the entire. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Cowboys 33, Commanders 17
Walder’s choose: Cowboys 26, Commanders 19
FPI prediction: DAL, 83.6% (by a mean of 11.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Prescott is aware of he is ‘obtained to cease’ throwing INTs for Cowboys to make Tremendous Bowl run … Commanders to start out rookie Howell in finale … Will Dallas be No. 1 in NFC? … Why begin Howell now and what’s subsequent for Wentz, Rivera
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: PHI -14 (43)
What to observe for: All eyes are on whether or not quarterback Jalen Hurts (sprained throwing shoulder) will play for the primary time since Dec. 18. If not, it will likely be Gardner Minshew for a 3rd straight week. The Giants are locked into the No. 6 seed, which means they’ve the chance to relaxation key starters on this one in the event that they select. — Tim McManus
Daring prediction: The Giants hold this sport shut, regardless of resting a few of their prime gamers. This has been a pesky bunch for probably the most half, minus the 26-point loss to the Eagles of their earlier assembly. Who cares if the Giants are 14-point underdogs on this one? They are going to give the Eagles matches with that fourth-ranked dashing assault. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: A.J. Brown is 9 receiving yards shy of breaking the Eagles’ single-season file set by Mike Fast in 1983 (1,409).
What’s at stake: The Giants are locked into the No. 6 seed. However whereas the Eagles locked up a playoff spot weeks in the past, they nonetheless have one thing to play for right here. A win offers Philly the NFC East title and the highest seed within the convention. But when the Eagles lose, they’d want a Dallas loss to win the division and a further 49ers loss to nonetheless take the convention’s prime seed. ESPN’s FPI is giving Philadelphia an 85.1% probability to win the NFC East and an 82.4% probability to carry off Dallas and San Francisco for the first-round bye within the playoffs. See playoff image.
Accidents: Giants | Eagles
Betting nugget: New York is 9-2 ATS as an underdog this season and 6-1 ATS on the highway (all as an underdog). Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Eagles 28, Giants 20
Walder’s choose: Eagles 30, Giants 12
FPI prediction: PHI, 81.8% (by a mean of 10.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Daboll mum on Giants’ Week 18 method vs. Eagles … Mock draft: Eagles want defenders in first spherical … The Jones debate is over after Giants clinch playoffs … Thibodeaux not bothered by Jeff Saturday criticism
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: SEA -6 (41.5)
What to observe for: The Seahawks want a win to maintain their playoff hopes alive. However earlier than beating the Jets final week, the Seahawks had misplaced 5 of their previous six video games. The Rams had been the one workforce they beat throughout that stretch, and the Seahawks wanted a late Geno Smith landing drive to do it. — Brady Henderson
Daring prediction: Bobby Wagner will break the Rams’ single-season file for tackles (142) towards his former workforce. Wagner wants 10 tackles to interrupt the mark. Within the first sport between Seattle and Los Angeles this season, Wagner had seven tackles, two sacks and an interception. — Sarah Barshop
Stat to know: The Seahawks have not missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons underneath Pete Carroll.
What’s at stake: ESPN’s FPI is giving Seattle a 20.7% probability to make the playoffs. The Seahawks have to win after which have the Lions beat the Packers on Sunday evening. The Rams are out and wouldn’t have a first-round draft choose. See playoff image.
Accidents: Rams | Seahawks
Betting nugget: Seattle is 1-6 ATS in its previous seven video games regardless of masking towards the Jets final week. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Seahawks 31, Rams 19
Walder’s choose: Seahawks 23, Rams 22
FPI prediction: SEA, 61.8% (by a mean of three.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Wagner says Seahawks ‘gave up’ on him … The Seahawks’ playoff hopes come all the way down to Week 18 … Carroll: Seahawks LB Brooks has ‘legit’ ACL harm
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: DEN -2.5 (39.5)
What to observe for: Regulate which Chargers lineup takes the sphere towards the Broncos. Los Angeles might have its playoff seed locked in by kickoff, and if that is the case, some starters would possibly relaxation. In that case, Broncos QB Russell Wilson, who’s on observe for a career-low in landing passes and already has a career-high in sacks (53), has a greater probability at ending the season on a excessive word. — Jeff Legwold
Daring prediction: The Bolts will do the whole lot potential to get working again Austin Ekeler the ball within the crimson zone to provide the undrafted sixth-year working again an opportunity to affix elite firm. Ekeler wants two touchdowns to affix LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, Priest Holmes, Marshall Faulk and Emmitt Smith as the one gamers in NFL historical past with 20 touchdowns in consecutive seasons. — Lindsey Thiry
Stat to know: Justin Herbert already has probably the most passing yards (13,816) by means of his first three seasons of anybody in NFL historical past.
What’s at stake: The Chargers are locked right into a wild-card berth, whereas the Broncos are eradicated (and wouldn’t have a first-round choose). See playoff image.
Accidents: Chargers | Broncos
Betting nugget: Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS as a highway favourite this season. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Chargers 23, Broncos 19
Walder’s choose: Chargers 20, Broncos 13
FPI prediction: LAC, 77.2% (by a mean of 8.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Chargers’ Carter: Substitute teacher-turned-special groups standout … Three changes Broncos interim coach Rosburg ought to proceed to make
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | Unfold: SF -14 (40)
What to observe for: San Francisco enters Sunday’s sport with a nine-game successful streak and an opportunity to assert the No. 1 seed within the NFC. The final time the 49ers entered the playoffs with a successful streak of 9 or extra video games was in 1984, which ended with a Tremendous Bowl XIX victory. — Josh Weinfuss
Daring prediction: There’s nothing to play for, accidents have riddled the roster and the Cardinals are trotting out their fourth staring quarterback of the season in David Blough. However Blough could have the perfect sport of his profession, throwing for 300 yards, two landing passes and an interception. A kind of scores will go to A.J. Inexperienced, who may be enjoying the final sport of his profession, and the opposite will discover Marquise Brown on a deep ball. — Weinfuss
Stat to know: The 49ers’ nine-game successful streak is their longest since successful 11 straight in 1997.
What’s at stake: The NFC West champion Niners nonetheless have an outdoor shot on the No. 1 seed within the convention. They should win and see the Eagles lose. ESPN’s FPI is giving San Francisco a 16.1% probability. Arizona, in the meantime, is eradicated and looking out on the No. 4 draft choose (97.6% to finish up within the prime 5). See playoff image.
Accidents: Cardinals | 49ers
Betting nugget: San Francisco is 6-1 ATS as a house favourite this season, with 4 straight covers. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: 49ers 35, Cardinals 17
Walder’s choose: 49ers 24, Cardinals 20
FPI prediction: SF, 89.9% (by a mean of 15.5 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Kingsbury: Murray ‘in all probability’ will not be again to open subsequent season … Purdy earns excessive marks for main 49ers from behind
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Unfold: GB -5 (49)
What to observe for: The final time these two groups performed, the Lions picked off Aaron Rodgers 3 times. Solely 4 different instances in Rodgers’ profession has he been picked off that many instances in a sport. Currently, it has been the Packers’ protection that has been producing takeaways. It has eight up to now two video games and 12 complete within the present four-game successful streak. — Rob Demovsky
Daring prediction: Jamaal Williams will break Barry Sanders’ franchise file for many dashing touchdowns in a single season (16). The previous Inexperienced Bay working again wants only one to tie Sanders and two to personal the file. He at present leads the NFL in dashing touchdowns (15) and is coming off a season-high 144-yard dashing efficiency towards the Bears as he prepares to face his previous squad. — Eric Woodyard
Stat to know: Each the Packers and Lions misplaced 5 straight at one level this season. The winner of this sport might grow to be one of many uncommon groups to lose five-plus straight video games and nonetheless recuperate to make the postseason.
What’s at stake: If the Packers win, they clinch a playoff spot. ESPN’s FPI says there’s a 66.7% probability. But when the Lions win, they clinch — so long as Seattle loses earlier within the day. Detroit has a 12.5% probability. See playoff image.
Accidents: Lions | Packers
Betting nugget: Inexperienced Bay is 17-9 ATS in its previous 26 video games as a house favourite. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Lions 31, Packers 26
Walder’s choose: Lions 27, Packers 23
FPI prediction: GB, 66.4% (by a mean of 4.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Answering the most important questions forward of Packers-Lions showdown … How the Packers, Lions can win their big Week 18 matchup … Lions treating Pack showdown like playoff sport
Saturday’s video games
Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC/ESPN+ | Unfold: JAX -6.5 (40)
What to observe for: The winner takes the AFC South title whereas the loser nearly actually misses the playoffs. The groups are streaking in reverse instructions: The Jaguars have gained 4 in a row, and the Titans have misplaced six straight. The Titans are beginning journeyman QB Joshua Dobbs, whereas the Jaguars have Trevor Lawrence, who leads the league in completion share since November started. The Titans have not scored greater than 14 factors of their previous three video games, whereas the Jaguars have solely given up six mixed factors of their previous two video games. It looks like a simple Jaguars victory, however the Jags have not swept the season sequence with the Titans since 2005. — Mike DiRocco
Daring prediction: The Titans will rating at the least 24 factors. That is quite a bit contemplating how Tennessee has damaged the 20-point mark solely as soon as throughout its six-game dropping streak. The Jaguars have allowed solely 13.3 factors per sport over the previous three weeks, however Dobbs will carry stability to the offense by passing for 250 yards, whereas Derrick Henry could have a 150-yard dashing efficiency. — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: Lawrence wants 99 yards to grow to be the third 4,000-yard passer in Jaguars historical past (2015 Blake Bortles, 1996 Mark Brunell).
What’s at stake: It is win-and-in for each groups right here. The winner of this sport will take the AFC South. However whereas the Titans can be eradicated with a loss, the Jaguars might nonetheless make the playoffs in the event that they fail to win Saturday. Jacksonville would want losses from the Patriots, Dolphins and Steelers. See playoff image.
Accidents: Titans | Jaguars
Betting nugget: Tennessee is 0-5-1 ATS in its previous six video games. Ten of Tennessee’s previous 13 video games have gone underneath the entire, together with three straight. Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Titans 27, Jaguars 20
Walder’s choose: Jaguars 31, Titans 7
FPI prediction: JAX, 85.2% (by a mean of 12.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Titans to start out Dobbs at QB vs. Jaguars … Jaguars flip consideration to Titans after routing Texans … Jaguars followers vote for workforce’s Week 18 uniform towards Titans
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC/ESPN+ | Unfold: KC -9 (52)
What to observe for: Time to see if Jarrett Stidham’s first-ever NFL begin towards the 49ers’ top-rated protection was a one-off now that the Chiefs have sport movie on him. Stidham, who would be the first Raiders QB aside from Derek Carr to start out towards Kansas Metropolis since Matt McGloin in 2013, has a pair of high-powered belongings to work with. Operating again Josh Jacobs has rushed for 1,608 yards and could possibly be the Raiders’ first dashing champ since Marcus Allen in 1985, whereas receiver Davante Adams wants 5 catches for his third straight 100-reception season and is averaging a career-best 15.2 yards per catch whereas main the league with 14 landing receptions. — Paul Gutierrez
Daring prediction: Patrick Mahomes and Stidham will mix to throw for greater than 700 yards. The Chiefs and Raiders function two of the NFL’s worst move defenses, tied for thirtieth in opposing QBR (55.0). Each groups are additionally within the backside 10 in opponent completion share and touchdown-to-interception ratio. — Adam Teicher
Stat to know: Travis Kelce is one receiving landing shy of changing into the primary tight finish with 10,000 receiving yards and 70 receiving TDs inside their first 10 seasons.
What’s at stake: The Chiefs have already secured the AFC West title and so they can lock up the 1-seed within the AFC with a win or a loss by the Payments. The Raiders have been eradicated and are projected to land the No. 7 draft choose in April. See playoff image.
Accidents: Chiefs | Raiders
Betting nugget: Kansas Metropolis is 4-10 towards the unfold (ATS) as a highway favourite of at the least seven factors underneath Andy Reid (4-8 ATS with Mahomes, together with 5 straight ATS losses). Learn extra.
Moody’s choose: Chiefs 32, Raiders 24
Walder’s choose: Chiefs 27, Raiders 20
FPI prediction: KC, 90% (by a mean of 15.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Chiefs activate vast receiver Hardman from IR … Brady? Garoppolo? Stidham? Trying on the Raiders’ 2023 QB choices … Adams hopes to be saved in loop on Raiders’ QB resolution