NFL Week 18 best bets: Our expert picks for Sunday's key matchups

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
Spread: Detroit -3, Over/under: 45.5 points, Minnesota +150 | Detroit -180

We have an NFC North matchup on our hands to wrap the year in the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, and both teams still have something worth playing for. That makes our betting choice all the more appealing in Week 18. Full preview and Griffin Carroll's pick

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
Spread: Jacksonville -5.5, Over/under 40, Jacksonville -250 | Tennessee +190

Jacksonville has not built on last year's success the way they were hoping to. Nevertheless, if they win on Sunday at Tennessee, they take the AFC South and get back into the playoffs. The Titans are going to try and disrupt that happy ending by beating their division rivals, of course. Full preview and Matt Wiesenfeld’s pick

Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
Spread: New Orleans -3, Over/under 42, Atlanta +175 | New Orleans -145

This is one of several games this weekend with something at stake. Both of these teams are still alive for the NFC playoffs. Without making it too complicated, they would both need to win and need some help. Full preview and Matt Wiesenfeld's pick

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
Spread: Tampa Bay -4.5, Over/under: 37.5 points, Tampa Bay -238 | Carolina +195

If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, they win the NFC South. Is it as simple as betting on the team with something to play for? Full preview and Griffin Carroll's pick

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 4:25 p.m. ET
Spread: Green Bay -3, Over/under 45, Chicago +136 | Green Bay -162

Chicago cannot make the playoffs this season, so we have to take their second-half surge with a grain of salt. Green Bay can though and we believe all they have to do is win to make that happen. This might not be picturesque football on the "frozen tundra" but it is meaningful. Full preview and Matt Wiesenfeld's pick

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 4:25 p.m. ET
Spread: Philadelphia -5.5, Over/under 42, Philadelphia -245 | New York +200

There is nothing at stake here for the hometown New York Giants. For Philadelphia, a win could mean an NFC East title, if the Dallas Cowboys lose in Washington. The Eagles could use some rest and it will be interesting to see how much effort they put into beating New York. Full preview and Matt Wiesenfeld's pick

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 4:25 p.m. ET
Spread: Dallas -13, Over/under: 47 points, Dallas -850 | Washington +575

If the Dallas Cowboys can beat the Washington Commanders, they'll win the NFC East. That feels like a near inevitability, but can they cover the massive spread? Full preview and Griffin Carroll's pick

Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 8:20 p.m. ET
Spread: Bills -2.5, Over/under: 48.5, Moneyline: Bills -155 | Dolphins +130

The NFL couldn't have dreamt of a more impactful game to close out the regular season. The Dolphins have already clinched a playoff spot at 11-5, but they could fall from the No. 2 seed in the AFC to a wild-card spot if they lose this Sunday. The Bills would steal the AFC East title and the No. 2 seed with a win on "SNF." If they lose, though, the Bills could possibly miss the playoffs. Full preview and Jack Dougherty's pick