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The time has come. The final week of the NFL’s regular season is here. Teams that have had excellent seasons are getting ready to become one step closer to the Super Bowl. This week features some good matchups and with some teams likely resting players, some .500 teams could pick up some wins. Here is what to expect from Week 18.
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (Ravens -20) – The Cleveland Browns are 3-13 after their 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins. It was a rough season for the Browns, who went from a playoff team last season to a struggling team once again. Cleveland is making another quarterback change as they plan to start Bailey Zappe. The Baltimore Ravens are 11-5 after winning their last three games. They are on top of the AFC North and this game should help them seal the division title.
Prediction: The Ravens win
Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Bengals -2.5) – The Cincinnati Bengals are 8-8 after their four-game winning streak. This makes them third in the AFC North. They take on another AFC North team that has a shot at the division title. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-6 and have lost their last three games. Their latest loss was a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers have a chance to snap that streak with a win here. A few weeks back, Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati in a competitive 44-38 game. Can they beat the Bengals once again?
Prediction: The Steelers win
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons (Falcons -8.5) – The Carolina Panthers are 4-12 after losing their last game. They beat the Arizona Cardinals in overtime the game before that. This was not an easy season for the Panthers and in their last game of the year, they travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. The Falcons are 8-8 and second in the NFC South. They lost their last game as the Washington Commanders beat them in overtime. This week is a chance to bounce back from that road loss. The Falcons had a solid season and chances are, they finish 9-8 (or right above .500).
Prediction: The Falcons win
Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys (Commanders -6.5) – The Washington Commanders had a fantastic regular season. They are going into this game with a record of 11-5. They are on a four-game winning streak and have a chance to keep their winning ways. They take on a fellow NFC East team in Dallas. The Cowboys are 7-9 after an up and down season. They lost big in their last game as the Philadelphia Eagles beat them 41-7. The Cowboys are 2-6 at home and this game could be their seventh loss at home.
Prediction: The Commanders win
Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers (Packers -10) – The Chicago Bears are coming into this game with a record of 4-12. They are on a 10-game losing streak and are on the road to take on a team that is third in the NFC North. The Green Bay Packers are 11-5 after losing to the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers should have no problem getting a win here and adding to the Bears woes.
Prediction: The Packers win
Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans (Titans -1.3) – The Houston Texans are first in the AFC South despite losing their last two games. They lost to the Chiefs and the Ravens. They are on the road as they take on Tennessee. The Titans are on a five-game losing streak and are at the bottom of the AFC South. If the Texans are not at their full strength, the Titans have a chance at winning this game. However, Houston should still take it.
Prediction: The Texans win
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts (Colts -4) – The Jacksonville Jaguars have a record of 4-12. They beat the Titans 20-13. They take on another division rival in Indianapolis. The Colts are 7-9 and lost their last outing. The New York Giants beat them 45-33. The Colts are a solid home team as they are 4-3 on their field. This is a chance to pick up a win to end the season.
Prediction: The Colts win
Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots (Bills -3) – The Buffalo Bills are on top of the AFC East convincingly. They have a record of 13-3 and are on a three-game winning streak. They take on a team that has struggled all year. The New England Patriots are on a six-game losing streak. They have a record of 3-13 and as a team that is 1-6 at home, the Bills should get the win.
Prediction: The Bills win
New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles (Eagles -2.5) – The New York Giants are 3-13 after beating the Colts in their last game. Their opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles are on top of the NFC East with a record of 13-3. The Eagles should stay on top of the division with a good win over New York
Prediction: The Eagles win
New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Buccaneers -14) – The New Orleans Saints are 5-11 picking up a few wins over the past few weeks. Now, they are on a three-game losing streak. They are headed to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are the top team of the NFC South with a record of 9-7. Tampa Bay won big over Carolina in their last game, and this game is a chance to pick up another big win.
Prediction: The Buccaneers win
Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos (Broncos -10.5) – The Kansas City Chiefs are 15-1. They have had an impressive season up to this point and they have bigger and better things to prepare for. They are on the road for this last game as they take on the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are 9-7 after losing their last two games. They lost to the Los Angeles Chargers and the Bengals. Denver is a solid team at home and as the Chiefs gear up for the playoffs, this could be a chance for the Broncos to get a win.
Prediction: The Broncos win
Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders (Chargers -4.5) – The Los Angeles Chargers are 10-6 and find themselves second in the AFC West. The Chiefs are first in that division. The Chargers are on a two-game winning streak and can pick up their third win in Las Vegas. The Raiders are 4-12 and have won their last two games. However, that streak will likely end here. The Chargers will take home this win.
Prediction: The Chargers win
Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Rams (Seahawks -7) -The Seattle Seahawks are 9-7 after winning their last game. They beat the Bears in a low scoring affair. The Los Angeles Rams are 10-6 after picking up a win in a low scoring affair of their own. The Rams are on a five-game winning streak and can add to that streak here. Seattle will put up a fight though.
Prediction: The Rams win
Miami Dolphins vs New York Jets (Dolphins -1) – The Miami Dolphins have had a decent season as they are .500. They have a record of 8-8 after winning their last two games. They have a chance to pick up a good win over the New York Jets. The Jets are 4-12 and have lost their last two games. The Jets are 2-5 at home and while the Dolphins are not the best road team, they can win this game.
Prediction: The Dolphins win
San Francisco 49ers vs Arizona Cardinals (Cardinals -4.5) – The San Francisco 49ers had an underwhelming season and are at the bottom of the NFC West. They have a record of 6-10 and are on a three-game losing streak. The Arizona Cardinals can hand them another loss and snap their own losing streak. The Cardinals are 5-3 at home and should win this game.
Prediction: The Cardinals win
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions (Lions -3) – This game will be a battle. The Minnesota Vikings are 14-2 and are on a nine-game winning streak. The Lions are also 14-2 and are on a two-game winning streak. Both of these teams have had incredible seasons and this game will come down to who wants it more. It is the battle of the NFC North and a must-see game.
Prediction: The Lions win
NFL Week 18, football matchups, Super Bowl preparations, playoff implications, NFL regular season finale, team strategies
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