We’re on to Week 18 in the NFL — there are no Thursday games this week, so some contests kick off on Saturday. That means it’s time once again for our weekly look at the point spreads in order to help you win some money.
Last week, Charles McDonald went 10-6 (110-115 overall) and Prince Grimes went 9-7 (38-35 overall). Charles Curtis is 119-117 and back from vacation.
Charles M: Last push! We’ve clawed our way back to have a chance at .500!
Prince: Note to self: Never again pick a Mike Glennon-led team to cover. You know better than that.
Charles C: I needed a little vacation to get my head right for Week 18 and the battle to stay above .500. Let’s rock.
(All odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook.)
1
Chiefs at Broncos (+10.5)
Charles C: Chiefs
Kansas City needs to play this one out, therefore they’re going to put 40 on the board.
Prince: Chiefs
KC is averaging 37 points in its last four games. During their three-game skid, the Broncos are averaging 12.
Charles M: Chiefs
Chiefs need to win this game to have any hope at the number one seed in the AFC. Expect them to come out and pour the points on. Sorry, Denver.
2
Cowboys at Eagles (+7.5)
Charles C: Eagles
I fully expect this spread to get smaller given their respective situations. Give me the points!
Prince: Eagles
A final-week playoff tune-up for division rivals on national television should bring out the best in each team and play out closely.
Charles M: Eagles
This game is meaningless with both teams already clinching playoff berths — which means we should see a lot of backups in the match. That bodes well for the underdogs.
3
Colts at Jaguars (+15.5)
Charles C: Colts
I really, really, REALLY want the Jags to win this game so we can spend a few hours wondering if the Raiders and Chargers play for the tie … but c’mon.
Prince: Colts
Somehow the Colts haven’t clinched a playoff spot yet. They should come out focused and dominate the Jags on both sides from start to finish.
Charles M: Colts
It’s the Jaguars.
4
Packers at Lions (+2.5)
Charles C: Lions
I’m throwing caution to the wind here, but I’m figuring we see a lot of Jordan Love and the Packers’ second team since GB has the No. 1 seed in the NFC. So the Lions play their hardest and cover.
Prince: Packers
It’s really no telling how much the starters play, but I’ll take the Packers by a field goal.
Charles M: Packers
Even if the Packers starters sit they have enough depth to cover this spread against a bare-boned Lions roster.
5
Washington at Giants (+6.5)
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Charles C: Washington
This spread should be at least … four points higher?
Prince: Washington
NEVER AGAIN PICK A MIKE GLENNON-LED TEAM TO COVER.
Charles M: Washington
The Giants can barely even throw for 100 yards in a game. I think a fairer question is whether or not they could beat Alabama or Georgia.
6
Titans at Texans (+9.5)
Charles C: Titans
A win and the Titans clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC. So they’ll beat up on the Texans to do it.
Prince: Titans
The Titans are trying to lock up a first-round bye and get a good opponent to do it against.
Charles M: Titans
Titans control the AFC playoffs with a win against the Texans. They’re about to go all out against one of the worst teams in the league.
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7
Bears at Vikings (-2.5)
Charles C: Vikings
The Vikes SHOULD be playing Kellen Mond but will probably play Kirk Cousins. So I say they get the win over the Bears.
Prince: Vikings
If their quarterback is back, the Vikings shouldn’t have an issue covering a field goal.
Charles M: Bears
Just gonna roll with my guy Justin Fields to give us one last exciting performance before the season ends.
8
Steelers at Ravens (-5.5)
Charles C: Steelers
Picking a Week 18 (how weird is it to type that?) game is simple: If the team needs to win, it’s a good idea to bet on it. Give me the Steelers and the points, especially with Ben Roethlisberger playing what could be his last game against a vulnerable Ravens squad.
Prince: Steelers
With an outside shot at the postseason, the Steelers defense should at least play hard and keep things tight in what’s looking like Big Ben’s last game.
Charles M: Steelers
The Ravens are too broken and I think the Steelers are going to play motivated to send Big Ben out with a bang against a longtime divisional rival.
9
49ers at Rams (-4.5)
(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Charles C: 49ers
I can’t shake Matthew Stafford’s shakiness. I’ll take the surging Niners.
Prince: 49ers
The Niners need a win and have proven they can beat the Rams this season. I’ll take the points.
Charles M: 49ers
Taking the 49ers and the points, they’re playing better football as of late.
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10
Panthers at Buccaneers (-7.5)
Charles C: Buccaneers
Next.
Prince: Buccaneers
Carolina can’t score.
Charles M: Buccaneers
The Panthers might be playing the worst football in the league. Take the Buccaneers.
11
Seahawks at Cardinals (-6.5)
Charles C: Seahawks
Seattle’s put together some decent performances as of late, so I think this one stays close.
Prince: Cardinals
Arizona still needs to iron some things out before the playoffs.
Charles M: Seahawks
I think the Seahawks keep it close, but the Cardinals pull it out with a win in the end.
12
Patriots at Dolphins (+6.5)
Charles C: Patriots
New England will steamroll the Dolphins, who have nothing to play for.
Prince: Patriots
Miami wants to play spoiler as the Pats try to lock up a division title, but I think they’ll have a hard time scoring points on New England.
Charles M: Patriots
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The Dolphins stink now.
13
Jets at Bills (-16.5)
Charles C: Bills
Normally I’d say the scenario in which Buffalo is up 21-0 and rests their starters is a good place to take the points. But the Jets will be playing in frigid Buffalo.
Prince: Bills
Like New England, the Bills will come out focused on trying to win the AFC East. And if they get up by enough, early enough, they could potentially rest their starters.
Charles M: Bills
The Jets had a nice performance last week, but this Bills defense is a very tough matchup for them.
14
Saints at Falcons (+4.5)
Charles C: Falcons
A rough year for Atlanta ends with Taysom Hill winning … but by just a field goal.
Prince: Falcons
The Saints’ offense is ugly. I like Matt Ryan and Co. to cover and maybe even win it for the season sweep.
Charles M: Falcons
I will never pick the Saints.
15
Chargers at Raiders (+3.5)
Charles C: Raiders
I do think the Chargers emerge with a win, but the Raiders will play this one close and lose by a field goal late.
Prince: Chargers
The Chargers dominated the Raiders in their first meeting. Maybe they don’t win by two scores this time but I think their offense is a little more dynamic and finds a way to get it done.
Charles M: Chargers
Chargers have enough firepower to close their season out with a cover against the Raiders.
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