As we approach the first-ever NFL Week 18, playoff positions are still up for grabs. Several divisional matchups have intriguing NFL odds this week.
For a look at the best NFL underdog bets in Week 18, let’s start with vital information for each game.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore (-5.5)
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022
- Time: 1:00 P.M. EST on CBS
- Venue: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD
- Participants: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers have won three of their last five games. The Baltimore Ravens have lost five games in a row, but the Steelers are still NFL underdogs for Week 18.
Ben Roethlisberger won his swan song at home 26-14 over the Cleveland Browns. Big Ben went 24 of 46 for 123 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. The running game made the difference on offense, with Najee Harris rushing 28 times for 188 yards.
Baltimore is ranked first in rush defense, but Pittsburgh still managed 85 rushing yards in a 20-19 win in Week 13. Roethlisberger preyed on Baltimore’s 32nd-ranked pass defense for 236 yards and two TDs.
The Ravens may get Lamar Jackson back for Week 18. Whether Jackson or Tyler Huntley get the start, they’ll have to contend with Pittsburgh’s league-leading pass rush. The Steelers lead the NFL in sacks (52), and they recorded nine sacks on Baker Mayfield on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Ravens have given up the most sacks in the NFL (54).
Both teams have outside shots at a playoff spot, but I think the Steelers pass rush and Baltimore’s poor passing defense will lead to a Pittsburgh victory.
Indianapolis at Jacksonville (+15.5)
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022
- Time: 1:00 P.M. EST on CBS
- Venue: TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL
- Participants: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
Of all Week 18 underdogs, there is no team with a worse record than the 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars. This week, they’ll take on the Indianapolis Colts.
The Jaguars will face a solid running attack from MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor. Taylor leads the league in rushing yards and rushing attempts.
Trevor Lawrence has had a challenging rookie year, with 3418 passing yards, ten touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. The Colts are third in interceptions, but that’s the only defensive category where they rank in the top 10.
The Jaguars rank 25th in rushing yards allowed per game, and over the past three games, they’ve given up 176.3 yards on average.
I expect Indianapolis to score early and often, but I also think the Jaguars could cover. If the Colts build up a large lead, they could elect to rest their starters to keep them healthy for the playoffs, allowing Jacksonville to score a last-minute touchdown and cover this spread.
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas (+3)
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022
- Time: 8:20 P.M. EST on NBC
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV
- Participants: Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers control their playoff chances. Whichever team wins Sunday night gets in the NFL playoffs. There’s also an interesting scenario where both teams could make the playoffs. If Indianapolis loses to the Jaguars, the Chargers and Raiders could both make the playoffs if they tie, although this is highly unlikely.
On offense, the two teams have almost identical passing numbers. Justin Herbert and Derek Carr have both passed for over 4,600 yards. The Chargers do average around 15 more yards per game with their running backs. Yet on defense, the Raiders rank higher in every category except for turnover margin.
Las Vegas has won their last three games, while the Chargers have lost two of their previous three games. I like the Raiders to win this Week 18 matchup because of the Chargers’ defense. I believe Derek Carr and the Raiders’ offense will run a pass-heavy offense and win this game. Two weeks ago, the Chargers gave up 41 points to the Houston Texans. Three weeks ago, the Kansas City Chiefs scored 34 points against them. The Chargers have given up 298 passing yards per game over their past three matchups.
NFL Underdog Bets For Week 18
This season’s historic final Week 18 promises to have some exciting football. I believe the games listed above represent the best NFL underdog bets this week.
Which Week 18 underdog bets do you like? Create your account with the best online sportsbook, BetMGM, to place your bets on this weekend’s NFL action. Sign up today for a risk-free initial bet of up to $1,000.
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