The NFL betting lines for Week 18 are live at BetMGM, and some exciting underdogs are looking to end the season on a high note.
Below are my three favorite NFL ATS picks for underdogs in this final week of the regular season.
49ers (+4.5) at Rams
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 9
- Time: 4:25 P.M. EST
- Venue: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA
The San Francisco 49ers need a win versus the Los Angeles Rams to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Earlier this season in Week 10, they beat the Rams with a final score of 31-10.
Matthew Stafford had two interceptions, while Jimmy Garoppolo had two touchdowns. The 49ers held the Rams to 52 yards, and Jimmie Ward returned one of those two interceptions for a touchdown.
I expect the pass defense of the 49ers to give Stafford trouble again. San Francisco is the fifth-best in the league in pass yards allowed per game. The entire San Francisco defense has been playing great as of late and hasn’t allowed over 20 points in their last three games.
On the other hand, Stafford has struggled recently and has tallied six interceptions in his last three games. I expect San Francisco’s defense to keep this game close, with the 49ers’ seventh-ranked running game (126.9 per game) helping San Francisco control the clock.
The one issue I see for the 49ers is the health of Jimmy Garoppolo. He’s currently listed as questionable with a grade 3 UCL sprain and fracture in his right thumb. I’m waiting on Friday’s injury report before placing any bets on this game.
Bears (+3) at Vikings
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 9
- Time: 1:00 P.M. EST
- Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN
The last time these teams played, the Minnesota Vikings won 17-9. That week, the Chicago Bears‘ starting secondary was on the injury/COVID list.
Even so, the Bears still outgained the Vikings by 177 yards. Chicago’s offense played well, but they lost three fumbles, allowing the Vikings to hold the lead.
The Bears are on a two-game win streak and come into this week having put up 54 combined points in their last two games. Against Minnesotas’ 31st-ranked defense in yards allowed, I expect them to outgain the Vikings in yards again.
With a now healthy roster, I think the Bears’ fifth-ranked defense in yards per game will hold up against the Vikings. The Bears also allow the third-fewest passing yards in the NFL, and over the past three weeks have only allowed an average of 70.7 passing yards. I believe that Chicago’s defense will shut down the Vikings, giving the Bears their seventh win of the season.
NFL ATS Picks: Underdogs in Week 18
Which underdog NFL ATS picks are you going to make in Week 18? Make sure you make the most of this last week of NFL football by placing your wagers at the best online sportsbook, BetMGM.
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