NFL Week 18: Lots up for grabs this weekend

Today is all about prepping for the next two days of NFL action. There are some games that might be best left alone, as the Ravens, Chiefs, Browns, 49ers and Rams are all resting starters, but there are still plenty of games that matter. We've got four of our favorites below, but be sure to hop to our betting hub all weekend long for more action on the gridiron!

Saturday NFL

Dalton Schultz over 43.5 receiving yards (-114 FanDuel)

Indianapolis does sport a vulnerability to tight ends of late, allowing the seventh-most receptions per game to the position. In comes Schultz, who is four catches away from a $250K incentive bonus. When Schultz records 4+ receptions, he's over this line in six straight games, averaging 74.3 yards per game.

It's win and get in for both the Texans and Colts here, and we expect Stroud to get the ball to one of his most talented pass-catchers to power a Houston win.

Sunday NFL

Vikings-Lions over 45.5 points (-110 Caesars)

We're expecting both Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown to put on a clinic here just like they did a few weeks ago, as both the Minnesota and Detroit defenses have been incapable of slowing down top wide receivers of late.

The Lions are fighting for an outside chance at the No. 2 seed, and the Vikings have not yet been eliminated from the postseason race. 

When these two teams meet, points follow. Four straight meetings have flown over this total, so grab the over and enjoy.

Brandin Cooks touchdown (+220 FanDuel)

It's a bit shocking we're able to grab such a great price on Brandin Cooks to find the end zone again. Cooks has a touchdown in two straight and seven of his last 11 games. He's facing a Washington secondary that is allowing the second-most touchdowns per game to WRs, and they've been incapable of stopping the pass all season.

Cooks scored earlier this year against the Commanders and we expect another one in a big game for Dallas.

Buffalo -2.5 (-115 ESPN)

Miami has been one of the NFL's best offenses this year, and the Dolphins are getting no respect as home underdogs to Buffalo. We seriously did consider going against the grain and riding with the Dolphins, but their injury list is just too substantial to feel good about right now. 

This Sunday night matchup is for the division, and if Pittsburgh wins on Saturday, it's the difference for the Bills between the No. 2 seed, or out of the playoff altogether. We're not too certain any such swing has ever existed. Give us Buffalo in a must-win game, as the Bills are playing some of their best football of the season.

In the news ...

Nikola Jokic nails 40-foot game-winner against Warriors — Don't sleep on Denver's Nikola Jokic adding to his MVP mantle this year. Last night, Jokic punctuated a late Nuggets comeback with a buzzer-beating 40-foot shot against Golden State. Denver is just a half-game out from the best record in the West, and Jokic is averaging nearly a triple-double (26.0 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 9.1 APG). The Nuggets star is the current MVP favorite at +250.

Dalvin Cook signs with Baltimore Ravens — This was one of the more obvious guesses as to where Dalvin Cook might land after being released by the Jets, and now we know: Cook is heading to Baltimore. The Ravens have dealt with running back injuries this year in what has become a yearly tradition, so Cook figures to slot in as a rotational back for the AFC's No. 1 seed as they look to win their first Super Bowl since 2012. Baltimore currently has the second-best odds to win it all at +300.

Lakers considering coaching change — Is it just us, or does it feel like LeBron James periodically must be involved in firing his coach every few seasons? That seems like what might be coming here in Los Angeles, as head coach Darvin Ham's future with the Lakers is now in doubt. This is Ham's second season as coach, and there is reportedly some growing disconnect between coach and players, thanks in part to his consistent shuffling of the lineup, deploying 10 different starting lineups across 35 games. Los Angeles currently sits in 10th place in the West, but it's still early. The Lakers are -125 to make the playoffs and still hold the seventh-best odds to win the championship at +2000.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll. Follow him on Substack: griffybets.substack.com.