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.
Matchup
Kansas City Chiefs
13-3
Las Vegas Raiders
6-10
Saturday, Jan. 7
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
Matchup
Tennessee Titans
7-9
Jacksonville Jaguars
8-8
Saturday, Jan. 7
8:20 p.m. ET
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
Matchup
New York Jets
7-9
Miami Dolphins
8-8
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
Matchup
New England Patriots
8-8
Buffalo Bills
12-3
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
Matchup
Cleveland Browns
7-9
Pittsburgh Steelers
8-8
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
Matchup
Houston Texans
2-13-1
Indianapolis Colts
4-11-1
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
Matchup
Baltimore Ravens
10-6
Cincinnati Bengals
11-4
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
Matchup
Minnesota Vikings
12-4
Chicago Bears
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
Matchup
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8-8
Atlanta Falcons
6-10
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
Matchup
Carolina Panthers
6-10
New Orleans Saints
7-9
The battle of Sam Darnold and Andy Dalton. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for.
Pick: Carolina 24, New Orleans 21
Matchup
Los Angeles Chargers
10-6
Denver Broncos
4-12
Sunday, Jan. 8
4:25 p.m. ET
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
Matchup
New York Giants
9-6-1
Philadelphia Eagles
13-3
Sunday, Jan. 8
4:25 p.m. ET
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
Matchup
Dallas Cowboys
12-4
Washington Commanders
7-8-1
Sunday, Jan. 8
4:25 p.m. ET
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
Matchup
Arizona Cardinals
4-12
San Francisco 49ers
12-4
Sunday, Jan. 8
4:25 p.m. ET
The 49ers aren’t losing the No. 2 seed to Arizona. This is going to be ugly.
Pick: San Francisco 34, Arizona 10
Matchup
Los Angeles Rams
5-11
Seattle Seahawks
8-8
Sunday, Jan. 8
4:25 p.m. ET
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
Matchup
Detroit Lions
8-8
Green Bay Packers
8-8
Sunday, Jan. 8
8:20 p.m. ET
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