BRENNAN BETS: NFL Week 18 picks

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BEST BETS

CHIEFS 11-5 at BRONCOS 7-9
LINE: Kansas Metropolis by 10 1/2
CHEWABLE: The Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs nonetheless have an opportunity at prime seed within the AFC so that they’ll be going full steam forward in a bounce again from final week’s streak-ending loss to the Bengals, a uncommon dangerous day for the Okay.C defence. This units up effectively for a redemption. Chiefs gained their Week 13 assembly at Arrowhead 22-9 and that’s when Broncos had their finest quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater) within the lineup and Javonte Williams dashing for 102 yards. With a downgrade at QB (Drew Lock) piloting a weakened air assault, Williams managed simply 30 yards on 14 carries in final week’s loss to the Chargers. Broncos have misplaced 4 of their final 5 as a result of they’ve averaged 11 factors within the video games surrounding a 38-10 outburst versus the Lions. They’ll be fortunate to succeed in double digits versus a staff decided to enter the playoffs on a excessive.
TAKING: KANSAS CITY -10 1/2
SCORE: Chiefs 33, Broncos 10

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PACKERS 13-3 at LIONS 2-13-1
LINE: Inexperienced Bay by 3 1/2
CHEWABLE: Aaron Rodgers continues to boost eyebrows off the sphere in addition to on it. This week he took umbrage in opposition to an NFL award voter who stated he wouldn’t endorse the Packers QB as MVP due to his character. Rodgers thinks Hub Arkush’s drawback with him has to do with the actual fact he’s not vaccinated, when perhaps it’s as a result of he lied about it. Anyway, Rodgers says he’s going to play on this meaningless sport, and his staff would love him to come back again subsequent season so no one will deny him. Packers beat the Lions for a fifth straight time after they gained 35-17 in Week 2. Rodgers profession numbers in opposition to the Lions: 18-5, with 50 TD passes and eight picks.
TAKING: GREEN BAY -3 1/2
SCORE: Packers 30, Lions 12

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COLTS 9-7 at JAGUARS 2-14
LINE: Indianapolis by 15 1/2
CHEWABLE: No matter is left of the Jaguars fanbase has grown this week to incorporate supporters of the Steelers, Ravens, Chargers and Raiders, as an upset over the Colts would enhance the playoff aspirations of all 4 groups, if simply barely. It’s not taking place, despite the fact that the Colts have misplaced every of their final seven visits to Jacksonville, a streak that began with a 51-16 by the Blake Bortles-led Floridians on Dec. 13, 2015. Earlier than their three-point loss to the Raiders final week, Colts have been one of many hottest groups within the NFL. With Trevor Lawrence throwing two TD passes and eight picks in his final 9 video games, and with Jonathan Taylor making one closing bid for the MVP award in opposition to the twenty fifth ranked run defence, it’s simpler to consider within the Easter Bunny than the Jaguars pulling off a miracle upset right here. There’s all the time the opportunity of the again door cowl, however even the Colts backups ought to be capable of deal with the Jags.
TAKING: INDIANAPOLIS -15 1/2
SCORE: Colts 40, Jags 9

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THE REST

COWBOYS 11-5 at EAGLES 9-7
LINE: Dallas by 4 1/2
CHEWABLE: Query: Which of those playoff-bound groups has extra to achieve from a win? Reply: It’s a trick query, the reply is neither. Cowboys will nearly absolutely settle in because the No. 4 seed regardless, and having misplaced WR Michael Gallup to damage it’s comprehensible in the event that they’re nervous about dropping one other key piece to their on-again, off-again offence. Eagles shall be seeded both 6 or 7 and hitting the highway subsequent week to both Tampa, Arizona, Dallas or L.A. to face the Rams. They might acquire some confidence with a victory right here even when it comes in opposition to a lot of second-stringers. It will be Philadelphia’s first in seven video games in opposition to an opponent with a successful file this season. Cowboys have additionally gone dwelling empty-handed after their final two journeys to Lincoln Monetary Area, scoring a complete of 18 factors within the course of.
TAKING: PHILADELPHIA +4 1/2
SCORE: Eagles 27, Dallas 24

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BENGALS 10-6 at BROWNS 7-9
LINE: Cleveland by 6
CHEWABLE: The massive quantity has much less to do with the previous, and the actual fact the Browns have gained the final three conferences whereas scoring a complete of 113 factors, than it does with the current and future. Neither staff will use its banged-up beginning quarterback, with Case Keenum stepping in for Baker Mayfield and Brandon Allen getting the decision so Joe Burrow can keep away from additional harm to his knee and finger earlier than the playoffs. Bengals can even be with out RB Joe Mixon, the NFL’s second-leading rusher, after he examined constructive this week. There’s no telling who else they could restrict or relaxation as a result of they’ve clinched the division title and don’t have anything at stake. Browns will attempt to save a bit face in entrance of the disenchanted inhabitants of the Dawg Pound.
TAKING: CLEVELAND -6
SCORE: Browns 24, Bengals 17

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BEARS 6-10 at VIKINGS 7-9
LINE: Minnesota by 5 1/2
CHEWABLE: Whereas Boomer Esiason says Matt Nagy has already been knowledgeable that is his final sport as Bears coach, it’s believed Mike Zimmer can even be unemployed as of Monday. Chicago has performed effectively in successful the final two video games with Nick Foles then Andy Dalton at quarterback. Justin Fields was named the starter for the finale, however he wound up on the COVID-reserve listing Thursday. Vikings light out of rivalry by going 2-4 within the final six — a stretch which features a 17-9 victory at Soldier Area in Week 15 — and with Kirk Cousins again from COVID-reserve, they’re not more likely to exit with their first three-game dropping streak of the season. Bears are 3-9 as an underdog and that development ought to proceed too, however count on that they’ll proceed to play arduous for Nagy and that this shall be Minnesota’s seventh sport determined by a subject purpose or much less.
TAKING: CHICAGO +5 1/2
SCORE: Vikings 24, Bears 21

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WASH. 6-10 at GIANTS 4-12
LINE: Washington by 7
CHEWABLE: Washington will attempt to hit the seven-win mark for the second and closing season because the Soccer Group which, earlier than the 3-13 mark in 2019, is in keeping with 2017 and 2018 end. What the boys from D.C. gained’t have is an opportunity to construct on a playoff sport dropping streak that sits at 5, relationship again to a 17-10 victory over the Bucs within the 2005 wildcard. Fascinating, Tampa additionally represents the final time the Soccer Group gained a sport by as many factors as they’re being requested to win this one. Since that startlingly 29-19 victory over the Bucs in Week 10, Washington has a six-point victory and two by a pair, adopted by the present four-game dropping streak that has led to a seat on the sidelines for the playoffs. Giants began the season poorly, dropping three straight out of the gate, and are ending it worse. They’ve misplaced 4 in a row and scored greater than 13 factors as soon as of their final seven.
TAKING: N.Y. GIANTS +7
SCORE: Wash. 17, Giants 13

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STEELERS 8-7-1 at RAVENS 8-8
LINE: Baltimore by 6
CHEWABLE: Unsure why there’s such assist for the Ravens, who’ve misplaced their final 5 video games whereas spiralling out of the playoff image and, as of now, appear like they’ll be with out Lamar Jackson for the fourth in a row. Tyler Huntley has confirmed to be a good possibility, however the Ravens have a lot of points, together with a cross defence that ranks because the worst within the league. Theoretically, that ought to be a parting present for Ben Roethlisberger, however numbers-wise the Steelers QB seems to be getting an early begin on retirement. In some way he managed to have a 2.7 yards per try common whereas finishing 24 passes in final Monday’s Heinz Area swan tune, and this week he’s unlikely to have as a lot assist from Najee Harris, who rambled for 188 yards in opposition to the Browns. What the Ravens do have is the most effective run defence within the league.
TAKING: PITTSBURGH +6
SCORE: Ravens 13, Steelers 10

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TITANS 11-5 at TEXANS 4-12
LINE: Tennessee by 10
CHEWABLE: Derrick Henry hasn’t performed since Halloween and he’s nonetheless sixth in league dashing with 937 yards. If he does swimsuit up Sunday, he in all probability gained’t overtake Jonathan Taylor or attain the two,000 yard plateau once more — in all probability — however what higher strategy to get again into the stream then in opposition to the Texans, who’ve the worst run defence within the league whereas giving up a median of 143.4 yards per sport. Texans have confirmed some battle by successful two of their final three, however Tennessee is a really well-coached staff with a shot at prime seed within the AFC. Houston shall be crying “no mas” halfway by the third quarter.
TAKING: TENNESSEE -10
SCORE: Titans 38, Texans 12

SAINTS 8-8 at FALCONS 7-9
LINE: New Orleans by 4 1/2
CHEWABLE: Excuse Tom Brady and the Bucs in the event that they’re quietly pulling for the house staff to drag off the upset, since New Orleans can get into the playoffs with a win (and Niners loss) and Tampa hasn’t overwhelmed the Saints in two seasons. Saints have a fantastic defence, led by sack specialist Cam Jordan, and an offensively harmful 1-2 punch of Alvin Kamara-Taysom Hill. Falcons are worse than their file signifies, which is testomony to first-year coach Arthur Smith. Quarterback Matt Ryan has a greater fame than numbers. He hasn’t thrown multiple landing cross in a sport in his final eight outings. Saints have gained their final three video games in Atlanta and 6 of the final eight conferences general and three of their final 4 to get thus far.
TAKING: NEW ORLEANS -4 1/2
SCORE: Saints 21, Falcons 10

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JETS 4-12 at BILLS 10-6
LINE: Buffalo by 16 1/2
CHEWABLE: Payments want this sport to clinch the division title for a second 12 months in a row and to own residence subject benefit in an anticipated wildcard showdown with their arch-nemesis from New England. And they’re going to win it. But it surely gained’t be straightforward. For no matter motive, Josh Allen has had his palms full with the Jets, successful 4 of six video games whereas throwing solely 5 TD passes and 5 interceptions. Payments tap-danced on the Jets to the tune of 45-17 in Week 10, however they have been helped by 4 interceptions off backup quarterback Mike White. Rookie second general decide Zach Wilson hasn’t thrown an interception in 4 video games and he went toe-to-toe with Brady in a 28-24 loss final week. It was the Jets’ third first rate sport in a row and head coach Robert Saleh will push one other a fourth out of them on Sunday. Both means, the unfold is just too juicy to cross up.
TAKING: N.Y. JETS +16 1/2
SCORE: Payments 37, Jets 21

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PATRIOTS 10-6 at DOLPHINS 8-8
LINE: New England by 6 1/2
CHEWABLE: Dolphins had their balloon popped final week in Nashville, the place their seven-game successful streak and playoff hopes got here to an finish in 34-3 loss to the Titans. It took loads of work for them to erase the 1-7 begin and now that it’s over it might be comprehensible in the event that they’re mentally drained. Patriots, then again, are simply gearing up for the playoffs and nonetheless maintain out hope, nonetheless unlikely it might be, of taking the division title. Miami gained the season opener 17-16 in Foxborough, however that was additionally the NFL debut of Mack Jones, who snapped out of a funk with a three-TD sport in final week’s 50-10 victory over Jacksonville. When you assume Tua Tagovailoa can rally the troops and end this topsy-turvy season (and probably his profession as a Dolphin) on a excessive, ask your self this: when was the final time Invoice Belichick’s staff was swept in a season sequence by an inferior division rival?
TAKING: NEW ENGLAND -6 1/2
SCORE: Patriots 28, Dolphins 7

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PANTHERS 5-11 at BUCS 12-4
LINE: Tampa Bay by 8
CHEWABLE: How a lot are the Bucs trying ahead to ending the Antonio Brown dialog and getting again on the sphere? How anxious are they to point out their assist of the coach that led them to a Tremendous Bowl win amid allegations Brown’s spat with Arians stemmed from his bitterness over not getting sufficient targets? And what an fascinating accident it might be if Brown’s previous working mate in Pittsburgh, Le’Veon Bell, parlayed a possibility in opposition to the Panthers into a job within the Bucs playoff run. With nothing concrete to play for, the defending champs ought to use this tuneup to get Brady in sync with Tyler Johnson and Cyril Grayson. Panthers have horrible offence however nonetheless rank No. 2 in whole yards in opposition to. On the identical time, they’ve additionally misplaced their final six video games, together with a 32-6 education by Tampa two weeks in the past, and absolutely can’t anticipate this season to finish.
TAKING: TAMPA BAY -8
SCORE: Bucs 27, Panthers 13

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NINERS 9-7 at RAMS 12-4
LINE: L.A. Rams by 4 1/2
CHEWABLE: Huge quarterback questions for either side within the weekend’s most fascinating sport, with the Niners needing a win to make the playoffs and the Rams needing one to take the division crown. Jimmy Garoppolo is predicted to start out for the Niners, however with torn ligaments within the thumb on his throwing hand, will he stay a better option than rookie Trey Lance? In the meantime, regardless of successful 5 straight, Rams QB Matthew Stafford is combating 5 landing passes and 6 interceptions in his final three video games. Can he pull it collectively in opposition to the No. 5-ranked cross defence? Take into account this: Niners have gained the final 5 conferences between the groups, together with a 31-10 spanking in Week 10. Each groups have loads of star energy on either side of the ball, however with a wholesome Elijah Mitchell producing alongside the bottom to go with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, the Niners will change into the third staff from the NFC West to order a spot within the post-season.
TAKING: SAN FRANCISCO +4 1/2
SCORE: Niners 30, Rams 27

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SEAHAWKS 6-10 at CARDS 11-5
LINE: Arizona by 6 1/2
CHEWABLE: Playing cards coach Kliff Kingsbury admits he’d fairly not play the Cowboys within the wild card sport — after his staff ended a three-game droop with a 25-22 victory over them final week — as a result of “it’s robust to beat anyone twice on this league.” To keep away from Dallas, Arizona has to win this one and hope the Rams lose, which is how we predict this race goes to unfold. Russell Wilson’s finger appeared fin

e in final week’s 51-point outburst in opposition to Detroit, however he’s already stated his so lengthy to Seahawks followers and there’s extra at stake for the playoff-bound Playing cards, who have been on prime of a 23-13 closing between the groups in Week 11,

TAKING: ARIZONA -6 1/2

SCORE: Playing cards 30, Seahawks 21

CHARGERS 9-7 at RAIDERS 9-7
LINE: L.A. Chargers by 3
CHEWABLE: A basic win-and-in state of affairs for each groups within the finale of the 2021 common season — except after all each are able to tie for a spot within the post-season event, which might create a wildly controversial end. Raiders might obtain an enormous increase with the return of TE Darren Waller. Led by Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler, Chargers scored a 28-14 win of their Week 4 assembly, however solely have a victory over the offensively challenged Broncos to point out for his or her final three video games. Raiders have gained their final three video games. We see them paying the final word tribute to their former coach, the nice John Madden, by sneaking into the playoffs.
TAKING: LAS VEGAS +3
SCORE: Chargers 24, Raiders 24