NFL Week 18 2022: Picks and predictions for every game
It’s time for NFL Week 18 picks, and we finish up the regular season with what should be a drama-packed slate of games to watch.
ESPN. 6-10. 13-3. 124. Saturday, Jan. 7. 28. KC -9.5. 4:30 p.m. ET
The Chiefs are 5-0 against the AFC West this season, with a point differential of +16. Every time, it’s been a one-score game. Expect another.
Pick: Kansas City 32, Las Vegas 27
52. JAX -6. 7-9. 35. 8-8. 8:20 p.m. ET. ESPN. Saturday, Jan. 7
How can you pick the Titans in this spot? Jacksonville has the better team, the better quarterback and a ton of confidence. It’s the Jaguars.
Pick: Jacksonville 23, Tennessee 17
30. 8-8. NYJ -1.5. 7-9. CBS. Sunday, Jan. 8. 59. 1 p.m. ET
If the Jets’ defense is getting Skylar Thompson for the second time this season, it could be over for the Dolphins. If it is, what a colossal collapse.
Pick: New York 20, Miami 17
1 p.m. ET. 8-8. CBS. 12-3. 47. Sunday, Jan. 8. 16. BUF -7
The Patriots know that if they win, they’re in. As for the Bills, how do you account for their emotions following the terrifying situation with Damar Hamlin?
Pick: New England 20, Buffalo 17
CBS. 8-8. 55. 1 p.m. ET. 7-9. 53. Sunday, Jan. 8. PIT -2.5
Pittsburgh has a great chance to make the playoffs after starting 2-6. Can’t ask for much more come Week 18.
Pick: Pittsburgh 18, Cleveland 16
Sunday, Jan. 8. IND -2.5. 2-13-1. CBS. 4-11-1. 46. 1 p.m. ET. 10
It would be the most Texans thing imaginable to win a game that means nothing, but takes them out of the top pick. Well, here come the Colts.
Pick: Houston 23, Indianapolis 20
56. CBS. Sunday, Jan. 8. 11-4. 1 p.m. ET. 10-6. 26. CIN -7
Again, what’s the motion for Cincinnati here? Also, if the Bills-Bengals game is cancelled, Cincinnati has already won the AFC North.
Pick: Cincinnati 20, Baltimore 16
MIN -7. 12-4. FOX. 57. 1 p.m. ET. 60. Sunday, Jan. 8. 3-13
Without Justin Fields being active, it’s hard to see Chicago making a real push here. The Vikings are the vastly superior team.
Pick: Minnesota 20, Chicago 17
Sunday, Jan. 8. 1 p.m. ET. 8-8. 48. FOX. 6-10. 44. ATL -4
The Falcons will play their starters and the Buccaneers will not. Atlanta gets to 7-10 and starts the process of finding a franchise quarterback.
Pick: Atlanta 24, Tampa Bay 13
6-10. 87. 1 p.m. ET. FOX. Sunday, Jan. 8. 7-9. 15. NO -3
The battle of Sam Darnold and Andy Dalton. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for.
Pick: Carolina 24, New Orleans 21
DEN -2.5. 13. Sunday, Jan. 8. 45. 4:25 p.m. ET. 10-6. CBS. 4-12
If Los Angeles elects to play hard, it’ll handle the Broncos, who might petition the NFL for a running clock to make this season end immediately.
Pick: Los Angeles 23, Denver 15
Sunday, Jan. 8. 13-3. 54. PHI -14. 9-6-1. 31. 4:25 p.m. ET. FOX
New York is locked into the sixth seed and the Eagles are fighting for home field. This should be a blowout by halftime.
Pick: Philadelphia 31, New York 7
FOX. Sunday, Jan. 8. 7-8-1. 4:25 p.m. ET. 12-4. 123. 58. DAL -7
Dallas is going to play hard, knowing it has a slim chance at the top seed. However, the Commanders, who are rolling with rookie quarterback Sam Howell, may just lay down.
Pick: Dallas 28, Washington 17
4-12. 12-4. 42. 4:25 p.m. ET. 32. FOX. Sunday, Jan. 8. SF -14
The 49ers aren’t losing the No. 2 seed to Arizona. This is going to be ugly.
Pick: San Francisco 34, Arizona 10
FOX. Sunday, Jan. 8. 8-8. 4:25 p.m. ET. 5-11. SEA -6.5. 51. 36
Seattle knows it must win to keep hope alive for the No. 7 seed. Geno Smith will handle business, and the Seahawks, at minimum, will earn a winning record.
Pick: Seattle 26, Los Angeles 21
8-8. NBC. Sunday, Jan. 8. 49. 8:20 p.m. ET. 50. 8-8. GB -4.5
For the Packers, a dream ending to what was a nightmare is at stake. Green Bay isn’t about to lose at home with the playoffs on the line.
Pick: Green Bay 31, Detroit 23
Last Week: 11-4
Season: 161-84-2