Jason McIntyre
Co-host of THE HERD and FOX sports activities betting analyst
Folks, we have lastly arrived on the last week of the 2024 NFL common season. And it has been enjoyable thus far.
As all the time, the ultimate week options some video games that do not carry a lot weight as a result of a number of groups already know their playoff destiny. However, I discovered one which has some gravitas and one other with large unfold that I believe will probably be attention-grabbing.
Let’s dive into my finest bets for Week 18 of the NFL.
(All occasions ET)
SATURDAY JAN. 4
Brown @ Crows (4:30 p.m., ESPN)
Yes, it is a divisive matchup. And sure, the unfold is large. But my God, is Dorian Thompson-Robinson preventing!?
He has had three interceptions and no touchdowns within the final two weeks, beginning with Jameis Winston, who was additionally horrible.
DTR tried 47 passes in opposition to Miami, and solely a kind of was tried additional than 20 yards from the sector. He’s restricted and defenses understand it.
This must be Ravens or go.
A win in Baltimore locks up the division right here; a loss opens the door for Pittsburgh to steal it with a win over the Bengals.
The Ravens protection has been shredded at occasions early this season (401 yards, 6.1 YPP within the earlier assembly with Cleveland). But he has tailored to having Kyle Hamilton in his most pure place behind the protection.
Expect reimbursement to be immediate and aggressive. It may look quite a bit just like the Ravens’ sport final week in opposition to the Texans, which ended with Baltimore successful 31-2.
You will not win long-term by backing double-digit favorites, however I’m effective with doing so on this case.
PICK: Ravens (-18) win by greater than 18 factors
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Bengal @ Steelers (8 p.m., ESPN)
It’s a tough sport to handicap as a result of we all know the Bengals’ motivations. They need to win to have an opportunity to make the playoffs. But what about Pittsburgh?
The reeling Steelers, who’ve misplaced three straight and 4 of six, will go to the playoffs. But if the Ravens win, the most effective Pittsburgh can do is the fifth seed. However, if Pittsburgh misplaced and the Chargers received, the Steelers would drop to sixth place.
Surely Mike Tomlin would fairly face the shaky Texans than the Ravens for a third-rounder, proper?
The Bengals offense is cooking with Joe Burrow, however the damage to RB Chase Brown is regarding as a result of he’s a twin menace on the bottom and as a go catcher. But the protection stays horrendous, unable to cease even in opposition to lower-level QBs like Cooper Rush, Will Levis, and even Bo Nix.
This might be a kind of “excellent” spots for the Steelers after losses to elite groups in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Kansas City.
The first cash got here to Pittsburgh and Tomlin as a house underdog. If you are nervous concerning the Bengals protection – and you must – then think about betting a complete of over 48.5 as a result of we all know Cincy cannot cease and Burrow & Co. will rating.
SELECTION: Over 48.5 factors scored by each groups mixed
Jason McIntyre is a FOX Sports betting analyst who additionally writes concerning the NFL and NBA Draft. Before arriving at FOX, he created the web site The Big Lead. Follow him on Twitter @JasonRMcIntyre.
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