Best and worst NFL betting teams in advance of Week 18
For the last time this season, let's dig into the NFL betting trends for the entire league. It's hard to believe we're approaching Week 18 — it seems just yesterday we were waiting for the season to begin.
Approach Week 18 in the NFL carefully. Many games matter not, meaning we may see more backups than usual. Be wary of those factors — we recommend sticking to the games where stakes remain.
Best teams: ATS
- Cincinnati Bengals (12-3)
- New York Giants (12-4)
- Detroit Lions (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-5-1)
- San Francisco 49ers (10-6)
- Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6-1)
There are seven teams here that have covered the spread at a 60% rate or better this season, and not coincidentally, every team you see here remains in the mix for a postseason spot.
The Lions will need the Seahawks to lose and to beat the Packers to secure the seventh seed in the NFC. The Steelers need the Patriots and Dolphins to lose, coupled with a win of their own over the Browns.
Worst teams: ATS
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11-1)
- Chicago Bears (5-10-1)
- Kansas City Chiefs (5-10-1)
- Los Angeles Rams (5-9-2)
- Indianapolis Colts (6-10)
- Minnesota Vikings (6-9-1)
- Baltimore Ravens (6-9-1)
Four of the teams here are also in the postseason mix, that being the Bucs, Chiefs, Vikings and Ravens. Of the four, only Kansas City has earned our trust as a serious contender.
Minnesota has a negative point differential on the season, an odd thing to see from a 12-4 team.
Best teams: Overs
- Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
- Chicago Bears (10-6)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
- Detroit Lions (10-6)
We've remarked on it all season, but it hasn't been a profitable season for the over if you were to bet on every single over this year. Only six teams hit their over at better than a 50% rate, compared to 18 teams who went under at a rate higher than half.
Best teams: Unders
- Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
- New York Jets (11-5)
- Denver Broncos (11-5)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
- Tennessee Titans (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (10-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-5-1)
- Washington Commanders (10-5-1)
- Cincinnati Bengals (9-5-1)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
- Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
- Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
- Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
- New Orleans Saints (10-6)
- Houston Texans (10-6)
Nearly half the NFL has gone under in 62.5% or more of their games. How about Denver, though? So long at the top of this list, they've gone on a recent over run, making way for Baltimore to be the league's top under team.
The Ravens' placement on this list has certainly been aided by the absence of Lamar Jackson. Jackson's status remains unknown for Week 18 and beyond.
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