The schedule for NFL Week 18 has yet to be decided. Right now, top games include Kansas City at Denver, Carolina at Atlanta and the Buccaneers hosting the Saints because of likely playoff scenarios. The NFL will come out with a full schedule this Tuesday. In the meantime, check out analysis and picks for six of week 18’s top games so that when NFL odds land, you’re ready.

Top Picks to Bet on NFL Week 18

Week 18 Power Rankings pic.twitter.com/4uWCT75qgm

— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) December 31, 2024

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

• When: Sunday, January 5th, 2025. 1:00pm EST
• NFL Week 18 Odds: TBA

The Panthers are in a good place. Although Carolina didn’t have a winning season, Bryce Young has solidified his position as the Panthers’ future starting quarterback. The strides young has made this season, especially in the past month, are close to incredible.Atlanta has their future quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. This should be a must win game for the Falcons, but Young is going to be difficult to contain. Give the Panthers a shot to cover the spread.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

• When: Sunday, January 5th, 2025. 4:25pm EST
• NFL Week 18 Odds: TBA

The Chiefs will be resting all of their starters. Patrick Mahomes will sit. Travis Kelce will sit. Chris Jones and George Karlaftis will sit. Don’t expect Andy Reid to play anybody in this game.

The line shouldn’t be too much in favor of the Broncos, think Denver -6 or -6.5. The Chiefs’ second and third teams will play hard, but Denver is too good of a team and Bo Nix is playing too well not to cover in this.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

• When: Sunday, January 5th, 2025. 8:20pm EST
• NFL Week 17 Odds: TBA

The game should be for the NFC North. Unless the Vikings lose to Green Bay at home and the Lions lose to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, this game may not only be for the NFC North but also for the top seed in the NFC Playoffs.

The Vikings have made great strides on both sides of the ball this season. But a Vikings’ weakness is a Detroit strength. Minnesota’s pass defense has trouble against the top passing teams in the NFL. So don’t expect the Vikings to get it done. Still, Detroit’s pass defense is in shambles right now. Vikings cover even thought the Lions should pull out the victory.

Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots

• When: Sunday, January 5th, 2025. 1:00pm EST
• NFL Week 17 Odds: TBA

Buffalo has nothing to play for. Unless the Bills want Josh Allen to pad his stats, so JA can win the NFL MVP, Allen should sit. The Bills should for sure sit their best players on defense because Buffalo will have to take on the Chiefs and Ravens in the playoffs.

The Patriots almost pulled off the upset over the Bills in the first game, and that contest was at Orchard Park. The Patriots should win this. So give New England the nod in what will be a close game.

New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• When: Sunday, January 5th, 2025. 1:00pm EST
• NFL Week 17 Odds: TBA

Saints versus Buccaneers should be one of this weekend’s most boring contests, which is a good thing for NFL handicappers. The Buccaneers, no doubt, will be fighting for the NFC South title.

The Saints are a mess and will start second team and possibly third or fourth team players. Bucs cover for sure in what should be a blowout victory.

Seattle Seahawks vs. L.A. Rams

• When: Sunday, January 5th, 2025. 4:25pm EST
• NFL Week 17 Odds: TBA

Seattle takes on the LA Rams in a game that will go a long way in determining whether the Seahawks grab a wildcard. The Rams may have to play their starters. The guess is that LAR won’t but will for at least a half because Sean McVay will want to keep his fellas sharp.

The Seahawks’ defense has stepped it up in recent games but beating up Caleb Williams and the Bears and containing Stafford, Puka, Kupp, and Williams at SoFi is another matter even if those guys play for only a half. Rams win and cover.

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