The final week of the NFL regular season is coming to an end, and here you can check out the Week 18 NFL Picks Breakdown!
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Jaguars at Colts at 1 PM ET
The Jacksonville Jaguars approach this game with the intention of competing while maintaining their draft positioning, currently standing at 4-12 after a 20-13 win against Tennessee in their last outing. Mac Jones has thrown for 1,447 yards, achieving 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 65.7%. Tank Bigsby has emerged as the leading rusher with 727 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Travis Etienne Jr. has contributed 527 rushing yards. Brian Thomas Jr. leads the receiving corps with 1,179 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Indianapolis Colts enter this matchup aiming to conclude the season positively, following a disappointing 45-33 defeat to the New York Giants, which resulted in a record of 7-9 and dashed any aspirations of reaching the playoffs. Anthony Richardson has accumulated 1,814 passing yards, with 8 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing 47.7% of his attempts, while also contributing 499 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. Joe Flacco has recorded 1,497 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, achieving a completion rate of 66.8%. Jonathan Taylor leads the team with 1,254 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while Josh Downs has made 62 receptions for 709 yards and 5 touchdowns. Additionally, Alec Pierce has garnered 767 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.
The Pick:
I assume that Jacksonville would opt to endure a defeat rather than compromise their draft standing, given the congestion of 4-12 teams among the lower ten in the draft order. I believe the Colts are motivated to rid themselves of the negative experience from their last home game and to offer their supporters a proper send-off after a lackluster performance against a poor Giants team last week. If I had to make a bet on this game, I would select the Colts.
Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Commanders at Cowboys at 1 PM ET
The Washington Commanders are set to take the field with aspirations of concluding the season on a high note, having elevated their record to 11-5 following a 30-24 overtime triumph over Atlanta in their previous game. Jayden Daniels has thrown for a total of 3,530 yards, achieving 25 touchdowns against 9 interceptions, with a passing accuracy of 69.4%. Additionally, he has rushed for 864 yards and secured 6 touchdowns. Brian Robinson Jr. has also made significant contributions with 789 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, while Terry McLaurin leads the receiving corps with 74 receptions, amassing 1,034 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Dallas Cowboys head into this game with the objective of undermining their division rival's aspirations, currently holding a record of 7-9 after a lopsided 41-7 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in their last match. Quarterback Cooper Rush has recorded 1,844 yards through the air, with 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, completing 60.7% of his passes. Rico Dowdle leads the team in rushing, having gained 1,007 yards this season. CeeDee Lamb is the primary target in the passing game, boasting 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Jalen Tolbert has added 512 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns to the team's efforts.
The Pick:
Should Washington emerge victorious, they will obtain the 6-seed without needing to depend on a Packers defeat. I am optimistic that Washington will succeed in this contest, thus I suggest supporting the Commanders while laying the points.
New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Saints at Buccaneers at 1 PM ET
This season, the New Orleans Saints have a record of 5-11 after suffering a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, who won the game 25-10. The Saints were significantly outgained, with the Raiders amassing 388 yards against their 269. Furthermore, the Saints were unable to secure any turnovers, finishing the game with a 2-0 deficit in that regard, and they converted just 1 of 10 third-down opportunities. Spencer Rattler's performance included 218 yards passing, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Juwan Johnson had six receptions for a total of 66 yards.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have achieved a 9-7 record this season, following their recent victory over the Carolina Panthers, which ended with a score of 48-14. In this matchup, the Buccaneers showcased their dominance by outgaining the Panthers with a total of 551 yards against 204. Both teams finished the game without any turnovers, and the Buccaneers were effective on third downs, converting 10 of their 14 attempts. Baker Mayfield excelled with 359 passing yards and five touchdown passes, while Bucky Irving contributed significantly with 113 rushing yards on 20 attempts.
The Pick:
In recent weeks, the Buccaneers have exhibited strong form, notably overpowering the Panthers in their most recent game. Conversely, the New Orleans Saints find themselves on a three-game losing streak, having been outscored 59-10 in their last two outings. The Saints seem to be focused on merely concluding the season, and it is challenging to foresee their offense keeping up, especially if Kamara is sidelined again. I expect Baker to excel in the passing game once more, and I believe the Buccaneers will secure a straightforward win.
Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Bills at Patriots at 1 PM ET
The Buffalo Bills stand at 13-3 this season after their recent triumph over the Jets, winning the game 40-14. In this contest, the Bills outgained their opponents with a total of 348 yards compared to the Jets' 281. They also excelled in the turnover battle, finishing with a 3-0 advantage, and converted 8 of 14 third-down attempts. Josh Allen threw for 182 yards and achieved two touchdowns, while James Cook contributed with 53 rushing yards and one touchdown.
This season, the New England Patriots have a disappointing record of 3-13 after suffering a heavy loss to the Chargers, who triumphed with a score of 40-7 in their most recent game. The Patriots were outgained by a substantial margin, with the Chargers achieving 428 yards to the Patriots' 181. Furthermore, the Patriots were unable to secure any turnovers, ending the game with a 1-0 deficit in that regard, and they converted only 2 of their 10 third-down opportunities. Drake Maye passed for 117 yards and threw one touchdown, while DeMario Douglas recorded four receptions for 46 yards and one touchdown in the losing effort.
The Pick:
New England lacks the motivation to secure a victory in this game, as they are positioned to obtain the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Although the Patriots recently faced Buffalo competitively and will be playing on their home turf, it is unlikely that they will jeopardize their draft position. The significance of the top pick is too great for them or for any team interested in trading for it, leading me to believe that they will adopt a conservative approach in this matchup. I recommend backing the Bills for the win.
Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Texans at Titans at 1 PM ET
Recently, the Houston Texans triumphed over the Dolphins, but they suffered losses to both the Chiefs and the Ravens. Over their last eight road contests, the Texans have recorded an even split. C.J. Stroud is currently completing 62.7 percent of his passes, totaling 3,677 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The duo of Nico Collins and Tank Dell has combined for 1,635 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. On the ground, the Texans are averaging 106.4 yards per game, with Joe Mixon at the forefront, having gained 993 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.
The Tennessee Titans are currently facing a challenging period, having suffered defeats against the Bengals, Colts, and Jaguars. They have experienced three consecutive losses in their home games. Quarterback Will Levis has achieved a completion rate of 63.7 percent, accumulating 1,916 passing yards, along with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Receivers Calvin Ridley and Chin Okonkwo have collectively amassed 1,420 receiving yards and scored 6 touchdowns. Additionally, the Titans' rushing offense is averaging 110.6 yards per game, with Tony Pollard leading the team with 1,017 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Pick:
The Texans are undoubtedly the stronger team, often taking the field with a winning attitude. Meanwhile, the Titans have not achieved a victory in over a month and seem to excel at losing. With a season record of 1-6 straight up, the Titans are struggling significantly. Although there are more appealing options on the NFL card for Sunday, I find myself leaning toward the Texans and their slight favorite status.
New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Giants at Eagles at 1 PM ET
The New York Giants have encountered setbacks against the Ravens and Falcons, although they achieved a win against the Colts. They are currently experiencing a three-game losing streak in away matches. Drew Lock has recorded a completion rate of 55.9 percent, with 933 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions to his name. Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson have together garnered 1,796 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. The ground game for the Giants averages 105.2 yards per game, with Tyrone Tracy Jr. leading the charge with 780 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Philadelphia Eagles have recently secured victories against both the Steelers and the Cowboys, although they suffered a defeat to the Commanders. They have achieved six consecutive wins at home. Quarterback Jalen Hurts boasts a completion rate of 68.7 percent, amassing 2,903 passing yards, along with 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have collectively recorded 1,912 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Additionally, the Eagles' rushing attack is averaging 187.3 yards per game, with Saquon Barkley leading the team with 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Pick:
It has been confirmed that Barkley will not be playing, and Hurts is likely to be out due to his concussion and finger issues. In light of this situation, it is difficult to confidently support the Eagles. The Giants are coming off a significant upset win against the Colts, and they would certainly be eager to compete against their rivals, the Eagles, regardless of the match's overall importance. Given the health status of the players, the advantageous position appears to be with the Giants and the points. I would opt for the free points offered to the road team.
Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Bears at Packers at 1 PM ET
During the game against the Seahawks last Thursday, the Bears could only achieve a single field goal, resulting in a first-half score of 6-3. This score persisted throughout the second half, culminating in a 6-3 loss for Chicago. Caleb Williams had a lackluster performance, throwing for only 122 yards and one interception, while DJ Moore recorded six receptions for 54 yards. D’Andre Swift was the leading rusher, carrying the ball 12 times for 53 yards. The Bears' offensive struggles are evident this season, as they average just 17.9 points per game, compared to the 21.8 points they concede.
In their encounter with Minnesota on Sunday, the Packers were down 13-3 at halftime. They managed to score a touchdown in the third quarter and added 15 points in the fourth quarter, but ultimately lost the game 27-25. Quarterback Jordan Love threw for 185 yards and one touchdown, while Josh Jacobs had 17 carries for 69 yards and also scored a touchdown. The standout receiver was Romeo Dubbs, who recorded seven receptions for a total of 58 yards. This season, Green Bay has shown a commendable offensive capability, averaging 27.4 points per game against an average of 19.6 points allowed.
The Pick:
On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers found themselves trailing for the majority of the game, concluding with a total of 271 yards (167 through the air) and achieving 17 first downs offensively. Defensively, they allowed 441 yards and 26 first downs, a performance that is unlikely to suffice in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears suffered a disappointing defeat against the Seattle Seahawks, managing only 179 total yards (76 passing) and 11 first downs. The Bears have not exceeded 20 points in a non-overtime game for ten consecutive contests. However, there is a silver lining for Chicago, as they were competitive in their previous encounter with the Packers, which ended in a narrow 20-19 victory for Green Bay on November 17. Nevertheless, it appears that the Bears may struggle to pose a significant threat in this matchup, particularly as they have little to gain aside from breaking their losing streak. Nonetheless, unexpected outcomes can occur, and the divisional rivalry may provide additional motivation. Go with the Packers.
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Panthers at Falcons at 1 PM ET
The Panthers faced a 27-14 deficit at halftime during their game against Tampa Bay on Sunday. The second half was pretty miserable, as Carolina got outscored 21-0 on the way to a 48-14 defeat. Bryce Young finished the contest with 203 yards and two touchdowns, while Raheem Blackshear led the ground game with only 20 yards on eight carries. Adam Thielen was the leading receiver, achieving five receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. This season, the Panthers are struggling offensively, averaging just 18.6 points per game, compared to a significant 31.0 points per game allowed defensively.
The Falcons faced the Commanders on Sunday night in a tightly contested game. They held a 17-7 lead at halftime but were subsequently outscored 17-7 in the second half, which led to overtime. In the end, Atlanta suffered a 30-24 defeat in a hard-fought battle. Quarterback Michael Penix completed the game with 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Bijan Robinson was the leading rusher, carrying the ball 17 times for 90 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Additionally, Drake London recorded seven receptions for 106 yards, while Kyle Pitts caught a touchdown pass among his four receptions for 44 yards. This season, the Falcons have an average of 21.9 points scored per game, while their defense allows an average of 23.7 points per game.
The Pick:
Atlanta is required to elevate their performance significantly compared to their last game against a formidable Washington team. In that outing, the Falcons managed a mere 337 yards and 23 first downs, while allowing their opponents to gain 412 yards and 29 first downs. Notably, Atlanta has recorded 24 points or fewer in six of their last seven games, resulting in a disappointing 2-5 record. A more substantial scoring effort would be beneficial in the upcoming match. On the other hand, Carolina finds itself in a bleak situation, having been eliminated from playoff contention for some time. Their recent performance against Tampa Bay was uninspired, as they only achieved 204 yards (165 passing) and 13 first downs in a lopsided loss. This marks the third instance in four games where they have scored 16 points or fewer. In their last meeting on October 13, Atlanta secured a 38-20 victory. The Falcons have everything to gain in this rematch, and a defeat would severely impact their playoff chances. Back the Falcons.
LA Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Chargers at Raiders at 4:25 PM ET
Following a commanding 40-7 triumph over the New England Patriots, the Los Angeles Chargers have positioned themselves for a postseason run, improving their record to 10-6. Justin Herbert has recorded 3,524 yards through the air, along with 21 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, achieving a completion rate of 65%. J.K. Dobbins has been the leading rusher for the Chargers, accumulating 842 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns this season. Ladd McConkey leads the team in receptions with 77, totaling 1,054 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Quentin Johnston has added 525 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns to the team's efforts.
The Las Vegas Raiders enter this matchup aiming to end the season on a positive note, having raised their record to 4-12 after a 25-10 triumph over New Orleans in their last outing. Gardner Minshew has passed for 2,013 yards, achieving 9 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 66.3%. Aidan O’Connell has contributed with 1,398 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, completing 62.2% of his throws. Furthermore, Desmond Ridder has recorded 447 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, with a completion rate of 61.4%. Alexander Mattison leads the Raiders in rushing, totaling 400 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Brock Bowers is the top receiver, boasting 108 receptions for 1,144 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Pick:
I am not supporting the Raiders, as I believe they are reluctant to further diminish their draft position, which has already suffered in recent weeks. They have transitioned from being a strong contender for the first overall pick to being one of five teams in a tie at 4-12, with another team at 5-11 that could potentially push the Raiders out of the top ten. Currently, the Chargers hold this position, but if they find themselves without any stakes in the game, they may also fall short. Therefore, I will favor the Chargers in this instance.
Seattle Seahawks vs LA Rams Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Seahawks at Rams at 4:25 PM ET
Recently, the Seattle Seahawks faced losses against both the Packers and Vikings, while managing to defeat the Bears. They have notably won five consecutive games on the road. Geno Smith is currently completing 70.2 percent of his passes, totaling 4,097 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. The combination of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf has resulted in 2,060 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. The Seahawks' rushing attack averages 93.8 yards per game, with Kenneth Walker III at the forefront, having recorded 573 yards and 7 touchdowns.
The Los Angeles Rams have recently claimed victories against the 49ers, Jets, and Cardinals. They have recorded wins in 4 of their last 6 home matchups. Matthew Stafford is completing 65.8 percent of his passes, totaling 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have collectively achieved 1,700 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. The Rams' rushing offense averages 105.1 yards per game, with Kyren Williams at the forefront, boasting 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Pick:
The Rams appear to be considering the option of resting their starters, even though they have a stake in the game. Nevertheless, I am inclined to take the points with the Rams. The Seahawks have not been particularly impressive, and their lack of motivation in the final week further diminishes their prospects. Regardless of the lineup of the Rams field, there remains a significant incentive related to seeding, and I anticipate that the players will compete vigorously. A free touchdown with the Rams playing at home is an opportunity that cannot be overlooked. I am backing the Rams.
Miami Dolphins vs New York Jets Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Dolphins at Jets at 4:25 PM ET
In their encounter against the Browns on Sunday, the Dolphins maintained a slight advantage of 6-3 at halftime. Miami managed to score a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters, ultimately securing a 20-3 victory over Cleveland. Quarterback Tyler Huntley recorded 225 passing yards and one touchdown, while also contributing to the ground game with seven carries for 52 yards and an additional touchdown. Tyreek Hill emerged as the top receiver for the team, amassing 105 yards on nine receptions. This season, the Dolphins are averaging 20.3 points per game, while their defense is performing admirably, allowing an average of 20.8 points per game.
During their encounter with Buffalo on Sunday, the Jets experienced yet another overwhelming defeat. At the end of the second quarter, New York was behind 12-0 and ultimately succumbed to a final score of 40-14. Following a difficult start, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was substituted for Tyrod Taylor, who managed to achieve 83 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Breece Hall contributed 45 yards on 10 carries, while Garrett Wilson stood out among the receivers with seven receptions totaling 66 yards and one touchdown. This season, the Jets' offense has struggled significantly, averaging only 19.1 points per game, even with Rodgers leading the team.
The Pick:
For Miami to clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC, they must achieve a victory in this game, coupled with a loss from the Broncos. The Dolphins have been on a commendable streak, having recorded 280 yards and 18 first downs in their 17-point victory over Cleveland. Nonetheless, the match was characterized by a significant number of penalties, with Miami responsible for 11 out of 20. Meanwhile, the Jets suffered a series of blunders in their loss to a much stronger Bills team, conceding 348 yards and 23 first downs on defense, while only managing 169 passing yards and committing three turnovers on offense. New York has scored just 23 points in their last two games, and their defense has lost its intimidating presence. The last meeting between these teams on December 8 ended in a 32-26 overtime win for the Dolphins at home. Given the critical nature of this game and Miami's impressive 6-2 record over the past eight games, I expect them to maintain their winning streak against a faltering Jets team.
San Francisco 49ers vs Arizona Cardinals Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
49ers at Cardinals at 4:25 PM ET
The 49ers are experiencing a difficult season, entering this game with a record of 6-10. In their latest encounter with the Lions, the offense showcased its capabilities by scoring 34 points; however, the defense faltered, allowing 40 points, which led to their defeat. Brock Purdy had a few interceptions but overall performed well, completing 27 of 35 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Ricky Pearsall emerged as a key player, recording eight receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. This season, the 49ers have averaged 22.8 points per game, while their defense has surrendered an average of 24.3 points. The offense ranks 13th, while the defense is ranked 22nd.
The Cardinals have undeniably underperformed after an encouraging start, and their chances of making the playoffs have now diminished. In their latest game against the Rams, the defense showcased its strength by allowing only 13 points; however, the offense could only muster nine points, leading to their defeat. Kyler Murray had a performance where he completed 33 out of 48 passes, accumulating 321 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Tight end Trey McBride stands out as a potential cornerstone for the team, having caught 12 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals are currently averaging 22.1 points per game, while their defense surrenders an average of 22.2 points. The offense ranks 15th in the league, with the defense slightly ahead at 14th.
The Pick:
The Cardinals' offense is likely to face significant challenges in this matchup, which will ultimately be a decisive factor. However, their defense is expected to perform exceptionally well. Anticipate that Kyler Murray will encounter difficulties in advancing the ball, resulting in a game that is expected to have a lower score. It would be smart to back the Under in this duel.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Chiefs at Broncos at 4:25 PM ET
In their latest game, the Chiefs took on the Pittsburgh Steelers and emerged victorious with a score of 29-10. Patrick Mahomes showcased his skills by completing 29 of 38 passes, accumulating 320 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Kareem Hunt was the leading rusher, finishing the game with 20 yards, which highlighted a more balanced rushing strategy. This season, the Chiefs are averaging 24.06 points per game, while their defense concedes an average of 18 points per game. The offense is currently ranked 11th in the league, while the defense boasts a commendable 2nd-place ranking.
In their recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Broncos faced a defeat, ending with a score of 30-24. They were able to force the game into overtime, but ultimately lost by six points. Despite the setback, rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a commendable outing, completing 24 of his 31 attempts for 219 yards, along with three touchdowns and one interception. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin also had a solid performance, finishing with 10 carries for 69 yards. Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. made a significant impact, catching eight passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos are currently averaging 24.2 points per game, while their defense allows 19.4 points. The offense is ranked 10th in the league, and the defense is positioned 5th.
The Pick:
Although the Chiefs plan to rest a significant number of players, it would be unwise to underestimate their ability to keep the game competitive. While Wentz may not be on the same level as Patrick Mahomes, I expect him to orchestrate a competent offense. The Chiefs should find opportunities to score. It is likely that the Broncos will win the game outright and qualify for the playoffs, which is the primary concern for their fanbase. Nevertheless, the Chiefs are poised to keep the contest tight. I advise backing the Chiefs against the spread in this one.
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions Prediction NFL Picks 1/5/25
Vikings at Lions at 8:20 PM ET
In their latest encounter with the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings' offense achieved a total of 27 points. Although they allowed the Packers to re-enter the contest, a frequent occurrence for the team, they managed to clinch the win. Darnold completed 33 out of 43 passes, totaling 377 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. Justin Jefferson has been contending with double teams all season long, yet he successfully caught eight passes for 92 yards. The Vikings are currently averaging 26.4 points per game, while their defense permits 18.8 points. The offense ranks 9th, while the defense is positioned 4th in the league standings.
The Detroit Lions competed against the San Francisco 49ers during Monday Night Football. Despite securing a victory, the performance of the defense was notably subpar. The offense managed to score 40 points, yet the defense allowed 34 points. Quarterback Brock Purdy successfully completed 26 out of 34 passes, accumulating 303 yards and three touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs contributed significantly with 18 carries for 117 yards and one touchdown. Throughout the season, the Lions are averaging 33.3 points per game, while their defense concedes an average of 20.8 points. The offense currently holds the top ranking in the league, whereas the defense is positioned ninth.
The Pick:
The outcome of this game will largely depend on the defensive performance, and the Lions' defense recently allowed 34 points to a 49ers' offense that has struggled this season. Justin Jefferson is poised to excel against the Lions' defense, making it unnecessary to focus on the point spread. The Vikings' offense is expected to score a minimum of 35 points, leading them to victory. Back the Vikings on the money line.
Oliver’s Pick 49ers at Cardinals Under 42.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
