NFL · 1 year ago

5 Week 18 NFL Favorites That Won’t Cover the Spread

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Dallas Cowboys (-13.5) vs. Washington Commanders
The Dallas Cowboys are well-positioned to capture the NFC East crown. With a victory in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys clinch the division title and second seed in the NFC. We're expecting the Cowboys to go up big in the first half against the Commanders, but we won't be surprised if the Commanders make it a respectful score in the second half. For a divisional clash this late in the year, 13.5 points is too big of a number.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) vs. Baltimore Ravens
With the Pittsburgh Steelers listed as a 3.5-point road favorite against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, all signs point to the home side resting their starters for at least half the game. We've seen it time and time again in this rivalry; even with one side not at full strength, these games are battles in the trenches, and we expect no different on Saturday. The Steelers may win this game and keep their postseason hopes alive, but we like for the Ravens to keep it a field goal game.
Houston Texans (-1.5) vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are set to host the Houston Texans with a playoff spot on the line for the winner. The Texans are listed as a slight 1.5-point road favorite in this Week 18 divisional clash. With C.J. Stroud back in the mix for the Texans, you can understand why the visitors are listed as a slight favorite. Still, giving the Colts points at home in this critical matchup feels off to us, and we're content siding with that value on Saturday night.
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-6)
The Cleveland Browns are locked into the fifth seed in the AFC and won't have anything to play for in Week 18. Still, their opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, don't have anything to play for either and have been eliminated from playoff contention. The Bengals are listed as a six-point home favorite in Week 18. Although we don't expect the Browns to play their starters for a full game, Cleveland keeping this a close game is a solid value play.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-5.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
Although the Tennessee Titans have nothing to play for in Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, that's not how Mike Vrabel operates. If anyone can get the Titans prepared for their last game of the season and get something out of this group, it's Vrabel. Week 18 is always full of surprises, and although the Jaguars should win this game, it won't surprise us if it's by a field goal or less.
Dallas Cowboys (-13.5) vs. Washington Commanders
The Dallas Cowboys are well-positioned to capture the NFC East crown. With a victory in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys clinch the division title and second seed in the NFC. We're expecting the Cowboys to go up big in the first half against the Commanders, but we won't be surprised if the Commanders make it a respectful score in the second half. For a divisional clash this late in the year, 13.5 points is too big of a number.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) vs. Baltimore Ravens
With the Pittsburgh Steelers listed as a 3.5-point road favorite against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, all signs point to the home side resting their starters for at least half the game. We've seen it time and time again in this rivalry; even with one side not at full strength, these games are battles in the trenches, and we expect no different on Saturday. The Steelers may win this game and keep their postseason hopes alive, but we like for the Ravens to keep it a field goal game.