The final week of the 2025-26 NFL Regular Season can provide a number of challenges when betting on NFL games. This is especially true when looking to wager on these games a few months in advance.

So, patience and proper handicapping are two key factors for betting on this week’s slate of games.

Some of the challenges that NFL bettors will face in Week 18 are teams resting for the Playoffs in order to make a run at the Super Bowl, other teams tanking for the NFL Draft, and maybe a few teams still fighting for Playoff seeding.

Unfortunately, we don’t know which teams will fall into which categories. Yet, we can make a few educated guesses based on the rosters, offseason moves, and overall projections.  

With that said, the entire Week 18 slate is filled with divisional matchups. That means we’ll see some possible upsets based on the factors above.

Additionally, there are no Thursday Night Football or Monday Night Football games. All 16 NFL games will be played on Sunday, January 4. Furthermore, the exact Week 18 schedule won’t be determined until the conclusion of Week 17 as the NFL has a flex policy in place for the final week of the season.

Typically, if there are any games important for Playoff seeding or winning a division, then the NFL will flex that game to Sunday Night Football like they did last year with the Vikings and Lions. The winner secured the NFC North, while the loser secured the top Wild Card seed.

With that said, let’s take a look at the NFL Week 18 odds and make our early Week 18 picks.

NFL Week 18 Schedule

NFL Week 18 Odds

The NFL odds for Week 18 are all over the map at the time of this writing. And, that’s due to most sports betting sites not being able to see this far into the future.

With that said, the Buffalo Bills are the largest favorites for Week 18 with a -395 moneyline and giving up 9.5 points. The Bengals are the next biggest favorite with a -380 moneyline and giving up 8.5 points.

Most of the game don’t have Totals listed due to the complexities of the league’s final week of the regular season. Unfortunately, this lack of betting data will also limit player prop bets, as well.

With that said, if you need any additional betting assistance for Week 18, or any other week of the 2025-26 NFL season, then check out the industry’s top handicapping membership.

Take advantage of the free trial today and get access to thousands of elite NFL picks. handicappers. You can also prepare for the Playoffs by testing out this membership ahead of time.

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NFL Week 18 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full slate of NFL Week 18 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game.

Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds

Entering the season, these two longtime rivals have played against each other 181 times including two postseason matchups. The Washington Commanders hold the lead with a 90-86-5 record. However, the Philadelphia Eagles have won four of the last five meetings including three in a row at home.

Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles Predictions

Last year, these two NFC East rivals met in the NFC Championship game. There’s a strong chance that it could happen again this year, as well.

If there’s one game to put your money on as the matchup to be flexed to Sunday Night Football, it’s this one. Both teams will make the Playoffs and we could see a scenario where the winner gets the division and the loser gets the Wild Card spot.

That’s a difference between a home game in the first round and possibly going out on the road as a Wild Card team.

Right now, I give the edge to the Eagles as they still have the slightly better overall roster. However, I do think Washington’s Jayden Daniels is superior to Philly’s Jalen Hurts and he will keep this team in the fight.

I’m taking the Eagles to win this game at home based on the assumption that both teams are fighting for the division title.

Bet: Philadelphia Eagles (-195)

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants Odds

With 126 games played between these teams entering the season, the Dallas Cowboys hold a commanding 77-47-2 series lead. Additionally, the Cowboys have won eight games in a row including four consecutive road games.

The New York Giants haven’t beaten Dallas since January 2021. They’re 1-15 over the last 16 head-to-head battles.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants Predictions

Speaking of the NFC East, here’s a matchup of the other two teams in the division. And, I don’t see either team making the Playoffs this year. Although, I do believe that Dallas will be close. Unfortunately, they will fall short. A loss in Week 17, or possibly this week, will crush their postseason dreams.

The Giants will flirt with a winning record this year, but it won’t be enough to keep Brian Daboll’s job. I see the coach getting axed on Black Monday.

As for the winner of this game, go with the home team and the points. The Giants would love to play spoiler and/or beat up on an emotionally broken Dallas team.

Bet: New York Giants +1.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos Odds

The Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos have played against each other 131 times coming into this season. The Broncos lead the rivalry with a 73-57-1 record. However, it’s the Chargers that have won two games in a row. Last year, LA was able to win in Denver as well.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos Predictions

Here’s one of the only other games that will truly matter in Week 18. Meaning that both teams will still be fighting for something. I believe that both the Chargers and Broncos will make the Playoffs this year just like last season. However, the seeding will be different.

I also see this game being important for one team to make the Playoffs and the other for seeding. For example, Denver could be fighting to be the #5 seed and face Houston in the first round instead of the #6 and taking on Buffalo or Baltimore.

The Chargers will be fighting just to make the Playoffs. With that said, I like Denver to win this game at home. Skip the points and just take the Broncos’ moneyline. It’s a safer bet.

Bet: Denver Broncos (-135)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders Odds

Entering this season, the Kansas City Chiefs hold a sizable lead in this rivalry with a 75-55-2 record. The Las Vegas Raiders have won one time in the last nine meetings. The Chiefs have won seven straight games at the Raiders.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders Predictions

The AFC West will be locked up a few weeks prior to the conclusion of the season. In fact, I also see the Chiefs earning the no.1 seed in the AFC Conference once again.

With that said, this means that the Chiefs will have nothing to play for in Week 18 other than keeping their stars safe. Last year, KC was in this exact scenario and rested their starters which allowed Denver to win and make the Playoffs.

The Raiders won’t make the Playoffs but they will still love beating up on their most hated rival. Give me the points here as KC has nothing invested in this game, but the Raiders will treat it as their championship.

Bet: Las Vegas Raiders +6 (-110)

New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons Odds

These two divisional rivals have played against each other 112 times. This doesn’t count the first meeting played earlier this season. Surprisingly, the series is tied 56-56. Yet, the New Orleans Saints have won five of the last seven games over the Atlanta Falcons. Those two losses did come at Atlanta during that span.

New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons Predictions

I’ve said for quite some time now that the New Orleans Saints will be one of the worst teams in the league. So, this should be a favorable spot for the Falcons.

However, this is also a spot where the Falcons need to win and get some help from other teams in order to snatch one of the NFC Wild Cards. Unfortunately, I don’t see them getting the help needed.

I like Atlanta to take a step towards becoming a Playoff caliber team this year, but they will fall short on a tie breaker and miss the postseason. The Saints will be trying to get the top pick in the Draft.

Bet: Atlanta Falcons (-230)

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

After last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won five games in a row. That doesn’t include their first matchup this season. However, the Carolina Panthers have the slight series lead with a 25-24 record in their 49 all-time matchups prior to the 2025 season.

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Predictions

One reason why I see the Falcons missing the Playoffs is due to the Buccaneers winning the NFC South title again. With that said, I don’t Tampa winning this game. I believe they will rest their starters since they’ve clinched the division in Week 17.

That means jump on Carolina to win. Or, a safer approach would be to take the touchdown. The Panthers will still fight in the final week to improve their record and go out on a winning note. The Bucs will rest and have their attention on the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs.

Bet: Carolina Panthers +7 (-110)

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

The “Battle of Ohio” has seen 103 meetings coming into this year. And, it’s the Cincinnati Bengals that hold the lead with a 55-48 rivalry. Additionally, the Bengals have won four of the last five meetings, including three in a row. The Cleveland Browns have not won at Cincy since November 2021.

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

The Cincinnati Bengals should make the Playoffs this season. I see this team finishing as quite possibly the no.5 seed and earning the top Wild Card spot. Last year, they came up short in their quest.

The only reason to take Cincy this week is if they still have something to play for. Otherwise, this will be a Browns game where the “browns” things up. In other words, when they should tank for a better pick in the Draft, Cleveland will go out and win this game. Probably with Sanders as QB and then the franchise will get its hopes up for next, only to be let down again and again and again.

Bet: Cleveland Browns +8.5 (-110)

Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans Odds

Entering the 2025-26 NFL season, it’s the Indianapolis Colts with a large lead in this rivalry. The Colts are sporting a 33-13-1 record. However, the Houston Texans have won four of the last five matchups, including three in a row. Yet, the Colts are 3-1-1 in their last five trips to Houston.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans Predictions

The Houston Texans will clinch the AFC South probably in Week 16, if not Week 15. This division is the worst in all of football. The Colts, Titans and Jaguars will all finish with losing records. The two latter teams will be some of the worst franchises in the league this year.

Additionally, the Texans will most likely be locked into the no.4 seed just like last year, which means they will be resting their starters.

Take the Colts to win this game outright as they are playing for pride while the Texans are playing their backups.

Bet: Indianapolis Colts +4.5 (-110)

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots Odds

These bitter AFC East rivals have played against each other 119 times coming into the season. And, it’s the Miami Dolphins with the series lead at 64-55. The Dolphins have also won eight of the last nine meetings, including four in a row. The New England Patriots are just 1-2 in their last three home games versus the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Predictions

The Patriots will come up short in snatching the final Wild Card spot, but they won’t come up short in this spot. I expect New England to win this game at home and end the season on a strong note.

Plus, they will probably learn that Miami will fire the entire coaching staff if they lose this game. So, that will give the Patriots something extra to play for.

Miami is not good enough to win the division or make the Playoffs. And, a blowout loss in this game will send their head coach to the unemployment line.

Bet: New England Patriots (-135)

Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Odds

Entering the football season, these two teams have played against each other 61 times and it’s the Tennessee Titans with a 35-26 series lead. Yet, it’s the Jacksonville Jaguars that have won five of the last six head-to-head battles, which includes three wins in a row at home over the Titans.

Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Predictions

This game is probably the most meaningless of the final week. Neither team will be able to lose and get the top spot in the Draft. And, neither team will win and make the Playoffs or even finish with a winning record.

With that said, it will be all about Cam Ward picking up a victory this week and I see it happening. The young QB will play some of his best football of the season and lead the Titans to a divisional victory and give hope to Tennessee fans for the 2026-27 NFL season.

Bet: Tennessee Titans +4.5 (-110)

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

These two NFC West foes have played against each other 94 times entering the season. The Los Angeles Rams hold a 51-41-1 series lead and have also won six of the last eight meetings. The Arizona Cardinals last won in Los Angles back in 2022.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams Predictions

I do believe that the Arizona Cardinals will be in the Wild Card hunt. Unfortunately, I also see the Rams not only winning the NFC West division, but eliminating the Cardinals from the postseason with a victory this week.

The Rams will be fighting for that #2 spot which is two home games in the Playoffs, if LA can win in the Wild Card Round. That’s something important to play for.

The Cardinals will be a better team this year, but like the last few years, they will fall short of the postseason. Take the Rams to win at home in a Playoff-like game.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams (-215)

New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

With 129 meetings between these two rivals, it’s the Buffalo Bills that hold a 71-58 series lead entering the 2025 NFL season. Additionally, the Buffalo Bills have won eight of the last 10 matchups. The New York Jets have not won in Buffalo since December 2019.

New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills Predictions

The Bills will have locked up the AFC East probably by the beginning of December. But they will more than likely be fighting for the no.2 spot all the way into Week 18. And, that’s because the Ravens will be doing the same thing.

With that said, the Jets are an awful team and Buffalo should steamroll them this week. The only way that Buffalo loses this game is if they’re resting their starters due to having already clinched the no.2 spot.

If they Jets have a shot at the top pick in the draft, I can see this team tanking in the final week as they claim their best players have injuries. Two out of three scenarios favor the Bills, so take them to win this game.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (-395)

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

Over the last two decades, this has been one of the top rivalries in the NFL. Coming into the season, these teams have played against each other 63 times with the Pittsburgh Steelers holding a 36-27 series lead.

Yet, the Baltimore Ravens have won the last two meetings between these teams. Pittsburgh has won their last two home games versus the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

As mentioned above, I believe the Ravens will win the AFC North division prior to Week 18. However, they will most likely be playing for the no.2 spot in the AFC.

Last year, they had a game against the Steelers in the final week that had Playoff implications on the line. And, Baltimore went out and smashed Pittsburgh. Could their rivals pull off the upset this time around?

In short, NO!

The absurd Aaron Rodgers will come to a merciful conclusion in Week 18 as the Ravens beat up the veteran QB and hand the Steelers their worse loss of the season.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-205)

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers Odds

The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers have played against each other 54 times coming into this year. While Seattle holds a 31-23 series lead, it’s the 49ers that have won six of the last seven head-to-head meetings.

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers Predictions

As mentioned above, the Rams will win the NFC West. So, both of these teams will be looking towards the Wild Card picture. Unfortunately, I don’t see either team making the Playoffs this year.

Instead, I believe that Seattle and San Francisco will both fall well short of the postseason due to inferior teams compared to the top-half of the NFC.

As for this matchup, it could go either way. So, take Seattle with the points as this divisional battle should be a close finish.

Bet: Seattle Seahawks +4.5 (-110)

Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds

This black and blue rivalry has seen 129 games played prior to the 2025-26 season. And, it’s the Green Bay Packers with a slight 66-60-3 series lead. However, the Minnesota Vikings have won six of the last nine matchups, which includes sweeping the Packers last season.

Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings Predictions

Last year, the NFC North sent three teams to the Playoffs. And both of these teams made the postseason. However, I don’t see the Vikings making the postseason this year. I’m not as confident in JJ McCarthy as others are. Sure, he has potential but that won’t be enough to get this team back into the Playoffs.

I do see Green Bay making the Playoffs as the no. 6 seed just behind the loser of the Commanders and Eagles. And, this game will matter as Green Bay needs the victory to lock in a spot without having to rely on any help.

Take the Packers to roll into Minnesota and pick up a crucial win as they return to the Playoffs looking for a deep run.

Bet: Green Bay Packers (-122)

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears Odds

Week 18 marks the 192^nd meeting between these rivals. Not including their early-season matchup, the Chicago Bears hold a 105-80-5 series record. Yet, it’s the Detroit Lions that have won five of the last six meetings and swept Chicago last season.

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears Predictions

I believe the NFC North will send three teams to the Playoffs once again. However, it will be the Lions, Packers and Bears this time around.

Yes, I like what Chicago has done this offseason and I believe in their potential. Caleb Williams will have a better season because their offensive line will be greatly improved.

I believe the Bears will win this game at home because they have a postseason berth on the line, while the Lions will most likely have wrapped up the no.1 seed in the NFC by Week 17. That means Detroit will rest their starters.

Bet: Chicago Bears (+102)

NFL Week 18 Best Bets

The following NFL picks are our best bets for Week 18:

• Philadelphia Eagles (-205)
• Las Vegas Raiders +6 (-110)
• Chicago Bears (+102)

The Eagles at home in Week 18, sounds like a great spot for a victory. I can see a scenario where this game to have the division crown on the line, which makes it even more important that they’re playing in Philly.

The Kansas City Chiefs will have locked up the AFC West and AFC’s top spot before Week 18. So, they will rest their players which means the Raiders will get to beat up on their hated rival. Take Las Vegas and the points because this is still the Raiders after all.

I like the Bears at home in Week 18 against the Lions. I see Detroit having locked up the division and top seed just like the Chiefs in the AFC. So, they will rest their starters just like KC, which means that the Bears will win at home.

If you want to place all three of these Week 18 picks into an NFL parlay, then you would win $474 on a $100 wager.