2022 NFL Week 18 Betting Predictions
The finale of the NFL regular season is headlined by the AFC South title going down to the wire between the 8-8 Jaguars and 7-9 Titans on Sunday.
Tennessee Titans (7-9) at Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
The Titans slumped to a 6th straight loss in Week 17 but they basically tanked for this Week 18 must-win divisional clash against the Jaguars. They rested the likes of Henry and rolled out a preseason lineup that went down to the Cowboys 27-13. They will continue to start Dobbs at QB but it will be their running game that gets them over the line. Henry rushed for 121 yards in the first meeting of the season and has hit the 100+ rushing mark in 4 of the last 5 games against the Jags. On defence, the Titans are struggling to stop the pass so they'll need to improve against Lawrence and his weapons. However, they're ranked 2nd in the NFL for rushing yards allowed.
The Jags are red-hot after 4 straight wins and just need to beat the Titans to make the playoffs / win the division. They thrashed the Texans 31-3 in Week 17 and their defence has now given up 3 pts in back-to-back games. So they'll be confident of keeping the streak going against a banged-up Titans offence and a young QB. It will be all about stopping Derrick Henry but the Jags running game is also having success with young star Travis Etienne Jr. He's coming off 108 yards on just 9 carries against Houston last week. Lawrence had a quiet game for his standards last week but he has been dealing with a toe injury lately. But, he should enjoy a favourable matchup against a Titans secondary that is giving up the most passing yards in the NFL.
This should be a really close game considering the playoff stakes and the rivalry between the two sides. The Jags are the form team coming into this matchup but their record against the Titans isn't great. Meanwhile, the Titans gave Henry the week off but could be carrying a hip injury. So the trend in this matchup has been low-scoring affairs and that does look the safe play. The Under has saluted in 9 of the last 12 meetings at this venue. The Jags are 10-3 against the Under at home and the Titans are 5-2 against the Under on the road.
Stadium Record
Jacksonville are 4-3 at home this season. Tennesse has won 4 of their last 5 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Jags won the earlier season meeting 36-22. The Titans are 8-2 in the last 10 since 2017.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Rams (5-11) at Seattle Seahawks (8-8)
The Rams disappointing season will finally end in Seattle this weekend and they'll be looking to end the year with a huge divisional upset. However, they were poor last week in the 31-10 loss in the LA Derby. Their offence has struggled with injuries all year and as a result, they've scored just 18 points per game and have been held under 20 pts in 3 of their last 4. But one bright spot over the last few weeks has been the running game behind Cam Akers. He's coming off 100+ rushing yards in 2 straight games and faces a Seattle defence that has struggled in this area. So if they can control the time of possession, that should give their defence a chance of keeping this one close.
The Seahawks simply need to beat the Rams and then hope the Lions beat the Packers to make the playoffs. Last week, they ended a 3-game losing streak with an impressive 23-6 victory over the Jets that kept their season alive. Walker III was a beast in the running game with 133 yards on 23 carries. But QB Geno Smith has been the story at Seattle this year. After the Wilson trade, the Seahawks probably didn't expect to be anywhere near the playoffs but Smith has been excellent. He's totalled 29 touchdowns this season and over 4000 passing yards. So even if Seattle don't make the playoffs, their future looks positive right now.
This is a must-win game for the Seahawks and they should get the job done on their home turf. The Rams offence will likely struggle to score enough points to compete as injuries have crippled their lineup. They have also lost their last 5 road games and 1-6 overall this season. Seattle's defence comes off allowing just 3 pts and they should continue the momentum here.
Stadium Record
Seattle are 4-4 at home this season. Los Angeles are just 5-13 in Seattle.
Head to Head Record
The Seahawks beat the Rams 27-23 in December. Since 2018, the Rams lead the head-to-head 7-3.
Best Bet
Detroit Lions (8-8) at Green Bay Packers (8-8)
The Lions are in the NFC playoff picture and it's been a while since Detroit fans have heard those words. However, they will need the Seahawks to lose before this game and if so, they'll reach the playoffs by beating the Packers. Last week, the Lions bounced back from a disappointing performance against the Panthers with a comfortable 41-10 win over the Bears. QB Jared Goff continued his impressive season at Ford Field as he finished with 3 touchdown passes. They also ran the ball with huge success as Williams/Swift combined for 2 touchdowns and over 200 rushing yards. They get another good matchup against a Packers team that has generally struggled against the run. So if the Lions can get an early led, they should be able to control the game on the ground.
The Packers routed the Vikings 41-17 at Lambeau Field last week and have now won 4 on the trot. If they can make it 5 straight wins, Aaron Rodgers will be back in the playoffs for the Pack. Their defence was impressive last week as they finished with 3 interceptions and they'll be looking to force similar mistakes against the Lions. Meanwhile, Rodgers and his offence have a great matchup against a Lions defence that gives up plenty of yards on both the ground and air. So the Packers should get plenty of opportunities to score points as long as they convert in the redzone.
Green Bay are clear favourites in this one considering their excellent home record against the Lions and their form has picked in the last month. They've scored 24+ pts in this 4 game winning streak and their offence should have similar success against a mediocre Lions defence. For the Lions, their form away from Detriot isn't great but they can score points quickly. So the Over does look attractive. The Packers are 5-2 against the Over at home and 4-2 when they host the Lions. Detroit are 12-6 against the Over overall and have given up 25 points per game this season.
Stadium Record
Green Bay are 19-5 in their last 24 at home. Detroit has a woeful 3-22 record in Green Bay.
Head to Head Record
The Lions won the first meeting of the season 15-9. The head-to-head is square at 5-5 since 2017.
Best Bet
Other NFL Week 18 Tips
| Game | Best Bet
|
|---|---|
| Chiefs at Raiders | Over 51.5 = $1.82 |
| Ravens at Bengals | Cincinnati Bengals -6.5 = $1.80 |
| Buccaneers at Falcons | Under 40.5 = $1.91 |
| Patriots at Bills | Under 42.5 = $1.91 |
| Texans at Colts | Texans Win = $2.25 |
| Jets at Dolphins | Dolphins Win = $1.96 |
| Vikings at Bears | Minnesota Vikings -7.5 = $1.94 |
| Panthers at Saints | Carolina Panthers +3.5 = $1.87 |
| Browns at Steelers | Under 40.5 = $1.87 |
| Cowboys at Commanders | Dallas Cowboys -6.5 = $1.80 |
| Giants at Eagles | Over 43.5 = $1.92 |
| Cardinals at 49ers | San Francisco 49ers -12.5 = $1.73 |
| Chargers at Broncos | Chargers Win = $2.12 |
