Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 18: Another Disaster
Saturday
- Pit -4 (o/u 33.5)
- Steelers 20 Ravens 16
The Steelers can make the playoffs with a win but need help from a source that will be unlikely, given the circumstances. They will do their part, as the Ravens starters will not get much playing time as they begin to rest with the top seed in their pockets.
- Hou -1.5 (o/u 47.5)
- Texans 31 Colts 20
The winner is in the playoffs, and the loser is out. Both teams could win the division if the Jaguars stumble, so expect both teams to go all out. The Texans have the edge, with CJ Stroud wrapping up the Offensive Rookie of the Year with another big game to get Houston into the postseason.
Sunday at 1
- Cin -7 (o/u 37.5)
- Bengals 23 Browns 6
The Bengals are done, and the Browns are going to the playoffs. The Browns will rest most of their starters as they are locked into the fifth seed. The Bengals will go out and win with some pride.
- TB -4.5 (o/u 37.5)
- Buccaneers 27 Panthers 10
The Buccaneers will win the division with a win. They are playing a Panthers team that quit on the season in November. This one should be easy for the Bucs.
- Det -3.5 (o/u 45.5)
- Lions 26 Vikings 20
The Lions have won their first division title in 30 years and are locked into the number three spot. They have little to play for, but the Vikings are playing so poorly that they will still find a way to get the win.
- NE -2.0 (o/u 30.5)
- Patriots 19 Jets 9
There is no way that the Patriots will lose what could be Bill Belichick's final game in Foxboro, especially with the opponent being the Jets, whom the Patriots have beaten in their last 15 games since 2015.
- NO -3 (o/u 42.5)
- Saints 24 Falcons 20
Both teams can get in the playoffs with a win and help. The Falcons won the first meeting. The Saints will get their revenge, ending the season with a win. However, the help does not arrive.
- Ten +3.5 (o/u 41.5)
- Titans 20 Jaguars 16
The Jaguars ended their losing streak despite Trevor Lawrence missing his first NFL start. With a series of injuries, Lawrence's status remains in the air. This is not ideal for a team that needs a win to get into the playoffs.
Sunday at 4:25
- Sea -2.5 (o/u 47.5)
- Seahawks 27, Cardinals 18
The Seahawks still have a shot to get into the playoffs. The Cardinals have played better down the stretch, but with Seattle coming to the table with their best effort.
- GB -3 (o/u 45.5)
- Packers 31 Bears 20
The Bears are finishing the season strong, and so are the Packers. The difference is that the Packers will make the playoffs with a win. Green Bay has owned the Bears over the last decade, and that trend will continue.
- LV -3 (o/u 38.5)
- Raiders 24 Broncos 13
The Raiders have shown signs of greatness under interim coach Antonio Pierce. Look for them to make the best case for him to get the full-time Raiders' coaching job in 2024.
- KC +3.5 (o/u 35.5)
- Chiefs 17 Chargers 13
The Chiefs starters will not play much in this game, but that won't matter, as the Chargers will find a way to lose again.
- Phi -4.5 (o/u 42.5)
- Eagles 27 Giants 16
With the division likely gone, the Eagles need a win for their psyche to close the season. They will continue their dominance over the Giants by getting somewhat back on track.
- LAR +4 (o/u 40.5)
- 49ers 20 Rams 17
Neither team will have their starters in the game, as this one will resemble a preseason game. The game will be close, with the 49ers edging the Rams by a field goal.
- Dal -13 (o/u 45.5)
- Cowboys 41 Commanders
The Eagles are counting on the Commanders to get a win, to give them a shot to win the NFC East. However, the Commanders rather be on a cruise of the Caribbean.
Sunday Night
- Buf -3 (o/u 48.5)
- Bills 52 Dolphins 10
Sigh, the nightmare never ends. The Dolphins are banged up, and their hopes of winning the division died last week. They just have too many injuries, and they never win on Sunday Night. Pain and suffering. Suffering and pain.