It’s the final week of the regular season!
Always a very interesting time in football, some teams have already locked in playoff spots and opt to rest their stars, others are going all out for one last chance to make it into the post season and the teams down the bottom are mixing things up and looking towards the 2023/24.
One thing that doesn’t change however is the Neds NFL Preview! Very interesting storylines means there is money to be made!
I’ve run my eyes over the market and reckon I’ve found a few winners.
Here is my preview for Week 18 of the NFL.
Check out the nonsense we get up to to on the Neds NFL Punting Podcast too, there is a link to that below!
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Sunday morning Aussie time we get our first game, Raiders v Chiefs and it’s looking like the Chiefs should be relatively full strength.
The Raiders will be looking towards next season, it’s been quite a disappointing year for them given the amount of investment and roster building they did over the off season.
The Chiefs will see this as centre wicket practice for the playoffs and I like them to win in a big way here.
Anytime TD Tip: Juju Smith-Schuster
There’s a lot riding on this game,
Whoever wins will win the AFC South and a spot in the playoffs.
The Jags have won their last four in a row despite TLaw being a little banged up.
The Titans who rested majority of their starters last week to prepare for this should be up for the challenge but I think they will fall short in a massive way.
Jags to cover
Anytime TD Tip: Travis Etienne
A really interesting matchup this one.
The 12-4 Vikings who have one of the worst defences in the league will look to get a bit of momentum going before the playoffs and the Bears will be looking for a loss I believe because it could secure them the first overall draft pick.
The Vikings have fallen off a cliff in recent times but I’m backing Justin Jefferson to bounce back in a big way after being held to just 15 yards last week.
Anytime TD Tip: Justin Jefferson
The Bengals will be looking to put that MNF game behind them and put in a good performance against their divisional rivals.
The Ravens are only one win behind them and the winner of this game could lock up the AFC North title.
While there’s been a heap of noise during the week, I like Burrow and the Bengals to shut it all out and put on a positive performance here. They looked red hot at the start of the game last week and I like them to continue where they left off.
Anytime TD Tip: Tee Higgins
Mike White v Skylar Thompson not the match up we would’ve seen a couple months ago.
It’s been a rough way to end the season for Miami and I don’t see it getting much better here, hopefully they get a healthy Tua next season and we can see them live up to that exciting potential they had at the start of the year.
Jets aren’t much better but also have a heap of potential, can’t wait to see Breece Hall comeback next year.
Anytime TD Tip: Zonavon Knight
Speaking of potential, how about these Steelers?!
I really like what they’re putting forward and they’re still an outside chance of making the playoffs.
Their defence has been incredibly strong and Kenny Pickett continues to develop, I like them to beat the Browns here.
The Browns have been quite middle of the road and I think they’re just looking towards next season.
Anytime TD Tip: Najee Harris
They currently have the 1st overall pick but I don’t see them holding onto it in this game.
The Colts have opened as slight favourites but I have not seen much from them recently that inspires me to back them with any confidence.
Don’t want to think about this snoozer too much.
Texans to win and miss out on the top pick.
Anytime TD Tip: Brandin Cooks
The Falcons have opened as favourites and I believe that’s because the Buccs will be playing with a bit of a preseason rotation.
Brady will start but I doubt he plays all four quarters.
The Falcons are building, they have a solid running game and I think they are going to see what they really have with Desmond Ridder in this game.
I think they should win if they keep their stars on all game but this is a hard match up to read.
Anytime TD Tip: Tyler Allegier
Panthers have been pretty solid recently considering their playing with a side that hasn’t been expected to do much this season.
I think they beat the Saints here, the Saints will be looking to turn things around next season it’s been an out of character year for them.
Panthers to win.
Anytime TD Tip: DJ Moore
The Giants are resting their starters after clinching their first playoff berth since 2016.
Philly have everything to play for here, the Cowboys are hot on their heels and a win against the Giants will see them clinch the NFC East.
The Eagles should win but I think the Giants will stick with them, I always take the + when the line is that big.
Anytime TD Tip: Miles Sanders
The Chargers have opened as underdogs because Herbert has ended up on the injury report but has since put in a full practice.
They won’t be sitting anyone because they want to hold onto the 5th seed and should pump the Broncos.
$2.10 is enough value for me not getting too fancy, jump on before the markets adjust.
Anytime TD Tip: Austin Ekeler
49ers will look to make it 10 in a row when they take on the 4-12 Cardinals.
They’ll look to keep developing Brock Purdy and should keep their starters in.
49ers should win this one comfortably.
Anytime TD Tip: Brandon Aiyuk
The Commanders are in all sorts at the moment.
They have some decent pieces but they don’t hold a candle to what the Cowboys are doing at the moment.
The Cows want to win and hopefully lock down the NFC East and should make light work of the Commanders.
Anytime TD Tip: Ceedee Lamb
The Seahawks were a huge chance of the playoffs but have been disappoining in recent memory.
Ken Walker returned to his hot form last week and I expect him to lead that offense once again.
I like the Seahawks in this one but I think it will be quite close.
Seahawks 1-13
Anytime TD Tip: Ken Walker
Win and in is the story line for these two NFC North teams.
Both sides have been on a rip and tear towards the back end of the season but I think the Packers are far too good and will come out and make a statement against the Lions.
Christian Watson has been quiet in recent weeks but I’m backing him to EXPLODE here.
Not to mention the Packers defence shut down the best WR in the league last week and should do the same to the Lions.
Anytime TD Tip: Christian Watson