Prisco’s Week 18 NFL picks: Bills sink Dolphins on road for AFC East title; Packers clinch playoff spot

One game over .500. One lousy game.

That’s where I am picking NFL games against the spread this season with one week to go. That’s because I was a disappointing 7-9 last week to drop my season record to 123-122-11. It was a lot better straight up as I went 12-4 to bring that season record to 158-98-0.

This week’s games are the toughest to pick with so many teams resting players and other teams already with reservations for Cabo and Bermuda. That’s what makes this such a challenging week.

Then again, aren’t they all? 

So maybe it’s the unexpected week, a tough one on paper that ends up being full of winners. Just let me finish the regular season above .500 ATS. Please.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (+3.5)

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (ABC, fubo)

Who plays for the Ravens since they clinched the top seed? They might play some key starters for a bit. The Steelers need to have this game to have any chance to make the playoffs. But you know these two don’t like each other. Even if guys like Lamar Jackson sit, I think the Ravens will win it. 

Pick: Ravens 24, Steelers 21

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (+1.5)

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC, fubo)

The winner of this game will be in the playoffs and could win the AFC South if Jacksonville loses to the Titans. The Texans are a different team with C.J. Stroud, who played well last week after missing two games. I think he plays a good game here and the Texans make the playoffs. 

Pick: Texans 31, Colts 26

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (+5.5)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+) 

If the Bucs win, they win the division. It’s that simple. But they didn’t play well last week against the Saints. I think they will play much better here against a Carolina team that didn’t score last week against Jacksonville. Bucs win and also win the division. 

Pick: Bucs 24, Panthers 13

If you want a more analytical approach to your NFL picks, then I…


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Author : Pete Prisco

Publish date : 2024-01-07 04:44:25

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