NFL Week 18 odds are challenging to set due to many games having teams with different levels of motivation. For the Minnesota Vikings vs. the Detroit Lions however, this is not the case as all the NFC marbles are on the line with a No. 1 seed at stake. Detroit Lions have been a great bet since mid-November 2022 with an impressive record of 36-10 SU/34-11-1 ATS in their last 46 games which is why they are favored to win in the game. Conversely, Minnesota Vikings, which has a similar record to Detroit, is generating a lot of interest from bettors as the weekend nears.
In the next key clash between the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys, Washington already has an NFC Wild Card bid but wishes to retain the No. 6 seed. Bettors are playing that angle so far at Caesars, with more Commanders money coming in. Dallas on the other hand has had a disappointing season but has not given up as they seek to play spoilers to a division rival.
Randy McKay, a professional bettor has bets on three games, including the Bengals-Steelers Saturday night contest, Chiefs-Broncos matchup on Sunday, and the Vikings vs. Lions game. He favors Bengals as 1.5-point road favorites, playing a parlay of Kansas City +10.5 and Under 40 total points, and Minnesota +3. He bases his betting choices on his belief that they are the stronger teams due to factors like the weather, rivalry dynamics and injury statuses.
The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos game has Denver wrapping up the AFC’s final wild card bid with a victory. Kansas City on the other hand, already has the No. 1 seed sewn up and is resting key players such as Patrick Mahomes. Despite this, bettors think that the Chiefs won’t just lay down against a division rival and are favored to win.
The Cincinnati Bengals vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers game is another major one with both teams needing a win – Bengals to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, and Steelers to secure a favorable wild card seed. The point spread is moving in favor of the Steelers, but most of the betting action is going toward the favorite, Bengals.
The last week of the NFL season brings a host of challenges and opportunities for bettors and teams alike. With playoff positions at stake and key clashes ahead, these games will be some of the most closely watched and widely bet on in the league. As the season draws to a close, every play, decision, and outcome can make the difference between victory and defeat.
