I awoke on New Yr’s morning to an article on nypost.com detailing Nostradamus’ predictions for 2026. Now, that’s a tricky act to comply with, isn’t it?
Right here within the Picks Division, we’re nonetheless making an attempt to get by means of the 2025 NFL season with profitable information general and in Greatest Bets. Week 18 figures to make that troublesome with its number of playoff and tanking eventualities. Until these issues end up to make it simpler.
We will see. Right here we go, and joyful New Yr!
SATURDAY
BUCCANEERS (-3) over Panthers
Unimaginable mistake by the NFL schedulers to plant this as a stand-alone, winner-take-all recreation for the NFC South title, solely to have the Falcons upset the Rams on Monday evening. So the scenario now’s the Panthers will win the division with a victory right here, or with a Falcons house victory over the Saints on Sunday. Appears to defeat the acknowledged goal of beginning all video games which have contingent that means on the identical time.
The opposite factor that strikes me about this recreation is Todd Bowles calling out Baker Mayfield. I’d submit the Bucs’ present 1-7 SU and 0-8 ATS streak has as a lot to do with the coach than the quarterback, even when Mayfield’s efficiency has gone fairly a bit south.
I nonetheless consider Mayfield because the man who saved the Bucs’ season, profitable sufficient video games early with out virtually all of his receivers and operating backs to present them an opportunity within the closing week. Saturday, they’ll have most of their large names accessible, and I feel Mayfield will ship … even when the division may slip away 24 hours later.
Seahawks (-1.5) over 49ERS
This one is for the NFC West crown and the all-important No. 1 seed within the NFC. The hesitation right here revolves round Sam Darnold, who has 20 turnovers (14 interceptions, six misplaced fumbles) and likewise introduced the Vikings to the same level final season earlier than imploding in Week 18 and within the playoffs. So there’s some current adverse historical past with him heading right into a recreation through which he’s a small street favourite.
The distinction right here is that the 49ers haven’t been producing a lot of a go rush (NFL-low 18 sacks), and I doubt they’ll be capable to drive Darnold to proceed making the massive errors. He ought to have his approach to make use of Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba whereas Seattle’s wonderful protection will get after Brock Purdy.
SUNDAY
GIANTS (+3.5) over Cowboys
Effectively, I suppose we noticed final week that the Giants are extra involved with ending sturdy than they’re about draft place after they served up the No. 1 general decide to the shameless Raiders on a Caesars Palace gold platter. On the very least, presumably the small unfold may assist right here if the Cowboys determine to begin Dak Prescott and go away him in.
BILLS (-6.5) over Jets
This line has cratered from 11.5 on the expectation that ailing Josh Allen and different Payments starters will sit out to relaxation up for the wild-card spherical. It’s the ultimate recreation at Highmark Stadium (previously generally known as Wealthy and The Ralph). I determine whoever the Payments put on the market with Mitch Trubisky shall be motivated sufficient to win by double digits in opposition to a Jets workforce that posted presumably the worst December in NFL historical past and now has shut down Breece Corridor.
FALCONS (-3.5) over Saints
If the Panthers find yourself needing a Falcons win, they only received some extra assist with the information that Saints prime receiver, Chris Olave, will miss the sport with a blood clot in his lung. Greatest needs to him. Atlanta is enjoying on a brief week with cross-country journey after a Monday evening upset of the Rams. The circumstances may hold them sufficient, although.
Betting on the NFL?
Browns (+7.5) over BENGALS
Myles Garrett has 22 sacks, and with another will go Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt (22.5) for the single-season report. The Browns protection actually was on level in a 13-6 win over the Steelers final week, draft place be damned. And the Bengals most likely received’t need to give Garrett too many probabilities to plaster Joe Burrow into the chilly, onerous turf.
VIKINGS (-7.5) over Packers
Inexperienced Bay is locked into the seventh seed within the NFC, and Job 1 is to maintain injured QBs Jordan Love and Malik Willis out of hurt’s approach. So it must be primarily Clayton Tune in opposition to an indignant Brian Flores protection that shall be wanting to avoid wasting face on the finish of a disheartening season.
Titans (+13.5) over JAGUARS
Hardest situational name on the cardboard because the Jags are nonetheless trying to clinch the AFC South and will rise to first seed if the Patriots and Broncos lose within the late window. Nonetheless, any measurement win would serve that goal, and this can be a ton of factors to put in opposition to a Titans offense that has been perky of late (26.8 ppg previous 4 video games).
Colts (+10.5) over TEXANS
Dwelling workforce nonetheless has AFC South title hopes that will begin to flicker if the Jaguars begin to draw back from the Titans. Texans have received eight in a row, however seven of these got here by lower than this quantity.
BEARS (-3) over Lions
With a division title and residential playoff recreation already safe, the Bears can clinch the No. 2 seed within the NFC with a win. Can’t see the Lions being too thrilled about dragging their carcasses to Chicago in 32-degree temps to attempt to fight Caleb Williams and Co.
BRONCOS (-12.5) over Chargers
Determine Jim Harbaugh supplied the reply by beginning Trey Lance and resting Justin Herbert, and certain plenty of different starters. The Broncos would clinch the No. 1 AFC seed with a win, and there doesn’t appear to be a lot resistance right here.
Chiefs (-5.5) over RAIDERS
Even when the Okay.C. offense has scout workforce and observe squad gamers in key spots, Steve Spagnuolo nonetheless has plenty of his guys on protection, and the Raiders confirmed how a lot the No. 1 general decide means to them final week in presumably the best tanking efficiency in NFL historical past.
RAMS (-7.5) over Cardinals
Matthew Stafford and the Rams starters are anticipated to play as Sean McVay tries to proper the ship earlier than the playoffs. If Seattle wins Saturday, there’s an opportunity the Rams may transfer from No. 6 to No. 5. Good concept to carry off betting this till that situation turns into extra clear, however since I’m taking the Seahawks, I’ll do that, too.
Dolphins (+10.5) over PATRIOTS
The Patriots’ motivation for the No. 1 seed would dry up if the Broncos take the lead on the Chargers. I wouldn’t thoughts holding a double-digit ’canine ticket on the Dolphins if that’s the case, significantly given the current prison costs in opposition to New England’s Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore.
EAGLES (-4) over Commanders
Perhaps I’m being a little bit inconsistent right here as a result of the Eagles’ bid to enhance their seeding probably shall be diminished with the scoreboard posting of Bears-Lions. Simply considering the Eagles would end the job anyway and canopy this modest unfold in opposition to gamers who have already got packed for Cabo.
Ravens (-3.5) over STEELERS
I wouldn’t put it previous Aaron Rodgers to get this completed, however he wants a minor miracle after DK Metcalf’s debilitating suspension. This offense had nothing vs. Cleveland and now will determine to want to attain quite a bit if the Ravens can add Lamar Jackson again with thundering Derrick Henry. Ravens steal the AFC North in Sport 272.
BEST BETS: Bears, Payments, Ravens.
LOCK OF THE WEEK: Bears (Locks 6-11 in 2025).
LAST WEEK: 8-8 general, 2-1 Greatest Bets.
Why Belief New York Submit Betting
Dave Blezow’s one of many longest tenured NFL handicappers on the Submit with picks courting again to 1994. He received the Submit’s NFL betting standings in 2021 and the Playoffs most lately in 2023.
