Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 18

With most NFL playoff teams sitting key personnel, Week 18 may not be a great week for putting money down on the traditional betting line. However, with many players looking to make statements, it is a great week to bet on NFL player props.

Of course, with hundreds to choose from, it can be a bit of a chore figuring out which ones to bet on. Here are our top 10 NFL player props (in no particular order) for the weekend’s slate.

Saints vs. Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield, OVER 251.5 Passing Yards at -113 (via BetRivers)

OVER 1.5 Passing Touchdowns at -114 (via BetRivers)

To throw for 300+ yards +260 (via DraftKings)

Mayfield has been in the zone, completing no less than 72.1 percent of his passes in any of the past three games, throwing for more than 251.5 yards in five of his last six games (and in 10 of 16 this season), and recording 2+ passing touchdowns in each of the past four.

Earlier this season, against the Saints, he completed 24 of 36 passes for 325 yards and four touchdowns, but he also had three interceptions.

The Saints are in complete disarray. Spence Rattler has been awful, as has been the Saints’ run game. So even if the New Orleans defense gets off to a strong start, it eventually will get tired. Tampa Bay is playing to secure the division title and its spot in the playoffs.

Mayfield is going for blood in this game. He’ll clear 300+ passing yards and throw at least two touchdown passes. Take the OVER on both.

Mike Evans, OVER 100.5 at -135 (via BetMGM)

Anytime First Half TD Scorer at +160 (via bet365)

Evans needs 85 yards to crack 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight season. Winning will come first, but it’s hard to envision a world where Mayfield doesn’t try to help him get there. Evans was held to two receptions (six targets) for 34 yards vs. the Saints in the first matchup. That will not happen again.

If Mayfield targets Evans as often as I expected, Evans will score at least once in the first half.

Vikings vs. Lions

Jared Goff, OVER 280.5 Passing Yards at -115 (via BetRivers)

Sam Darnold, OVER 281.5 Passing Yards at -115 (via bet365)

There is so much on the line in this game — division title, best record in the conference, No. 1 seed, bye in the first round, pride — to say these guys will lay it all on the line would be an understatement.

But that doesn’t mean we can expect the Lions’ secondary to suddenly become good again. No, this game will be a track meet with one team leading the way and the other playing catch-up. Either way, fans can expect both quarterbacks to throw for more than 280.5 yards.

Goff had 280 and Darnold 259 in the first matchup, but the Lions’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries, and with David Montgomery sidelined, Detroit probably will not focus as much on the run game.

Jordan Addison, OVER 63.5 Receiving Yards at -110 (via bet365)

OVER 4.5 Receptions at -150 (via bet365)

6+ Receptions at +140 (via bet365)

Yes, I know Justin Jefferson is the man in Minnesota. So, why am I going with Addison’s props? Sam Darnold has been loving him some Jordan Addison the past six games, targeting him no fewer than six times and for a total of 52. Addison has done his part, catching six or more in four of those games, though he topped 63.5 yards in just three.

Still, his chances of going over that number against the injury-riddled Vikings secondary are solid.

Jahymr Gibbs, OVER 87.5 Rushing Yards at -114 (via BetRivers)

OVER 17.5 Rushing Attempts at -122 (via BetRivers)

The Lions have leaned on Gibbs since Montgomery’s injury, and he responded with 100-plus yards in each of the past two games. He had 23 carries against the Bears when Detroit was interested in controlling the ball and running the clock and 18 last week in a track meet vs. the 49ers.

With the Vikings’ defense more concerned about the passing game, Gibbs should find enough running lanes to clear 87.5 yards. It may take until late in the fourth to get the 18th carry, but he’ll get it.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 18 betting primer: Fishing for playoff-motivated contenders

The Miami Dolphins barely bothered to show up last week against the Baltimore Ravens, failing to cover the expanded +10.5 and scuttling a tasty three-team parlay.

It’s those spiraling Dolphins we’ll target this week in an epic Sunday night matchup to decide the AFC East champ.

See how this primary wager developed, along with a bonus play and a player prop below.

THE HEADLINER

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins, 8:20 p.m. ET, Bills -3.

NFL fans are well aware that Buffalo needs a victory to take the AFC East title, and that provides sufficient motivation for the Bills.

The betting line has inched consistently toward Buffalo, landing at -3 by midweek.

Adding to the motivation equation is the fact that quarterback Josh Allen and company might need to win the game just to make the playoffs.

By any measure, though, a victory to seize the AFC’s No. 2 seed is the Buffalo target in South Florida Sunday night.

The Dolphins are trending downward. According to Action Network numbers, Miami gave up .54 expected points added (EPA) per play in last week’s 56-19 submission in Baltimore.

Although they beat Dallas on a last-second field goal the week before, that Dolphins effort landed in the bottom third of all defenses. Over the past month, Action reports Miami is 24th in defense.

Not good.

Coach Mike McDaniel’s offense isn’t bailing out the defense, either, ranking 16th in offensive EPA/play over the past month, again per Action Network numbers.

The Bills’ improving defense isn’t going to make it easy on the Dolphins offense.

Over its past four games, Buffalo’s defense gave up an average of only 17.5 points per game (No. 4 in the NFL during that span), 277 total yards per game (fourth) and a 66.7 passer rating (third best).

“I think it’s the rush and coverage working together and the communication that we’re developing with the back seven … ” Bills coach Sean McDermott said.

“I credit those guys on the back end but also the front with their ability to rush the passer.”

Working in Miami’s favor is Allen’s underwhelming passing numbers recently – a development largely the result of his offensive line’s failure to provide much time to throw.

Working against Miami? The absence of its top two pass rushers, Jaelen Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (ACL).

Allen is ready to enjoy a little more time to find open targets as he did in the Week 4 meeting in Buffalo. He threw four TD passes in the 48-20 rout and added a rushing touchdown.

In addition to Phillips and Chubb, the Dolphins don’t expect starting corner Xavien Howard (foot) and No. 2 wideout Jaylen Waddle (ankle) to play.

And Miami deeply missed running back Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) against the Ravens.

The bet: Bills -3 (DraftKings.)

THEY SAID IT

“We’ve talked about this for the last five, six weeks of how our season can go and what we want to do and what we want to accomplish and everything that we want to accomplish is still in front of us. But again, it’s going to take a group effort in all three phases to go get a victory on Sunday in a hostile environment.”

— Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

BONUS PLAY

Eagles at Giants, Cowboys at Commanders, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Eagles are stumbling; the Cowboys are riding good fortune in the wake of their last-gasp survival against the Detroit Lions.

If Philadelphia wins and Dallas loses, the Eagles claim the NFC East crown. The Cowboys just need to defeat the lowly Commanders to earn the division title.

This makes for a nice first-half opportunity. Both teams should be able to carve out a lead before halftime.

The bet: Parlay the Cowboys’ first-half moneyline (-380) with the Eagles’ first-half moneyline (-175) for a -102 wager. (DraftKings)

PROP CORNER

The debate continues in Chicago regarding quarterback Justin Fields’ status with the Bears, who own the top pick in the 2024 draft.

Has Fields done enough to cement his position as the starter, or will Chicago grab a QB with the No. 1 selection?

Take a swing with Fields in a game the Bears would love to win. They haven’t beaten Green Bay in more than five years, so there’s your motivation – and Fields should deliver a top effort.

Prop play: Bears QB Justin Fields’ 175 or more adjusted passing yards parlayed with 40 or more adjusted rushing yards. (+100 at FanDuel.)

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Week 18 NFL Capsules

Saturday

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) at Baltimore Ravens (13-3): Baltimore can rest key players, including Lamar Jackson, after the Ravens thrashed the Miami Dolphins 56-19 last Sunday for their sixth straight victory, clinching the AFC North and a first-round playoff bye in the process. Jackson threw more touchdown passes (five) than incompletions (three) as public support grew for the quarterback to win his second NFL Most Valuable Player award. The Steelers don’t mind facing Baltimore’s backups in Week 18. After staying in the AFC wild-card hunt with Sunday’s 30-23 win at Seattle, they have five paths to earn a playoff berth but no guaranteed ticket win or lose at Baltimore. The Steelers continue to place their hopes on the shoulders of Mason Rudolph, their third starting quarterback this season. In Rudolph’s two starts, two Pittsburgh wins, he has completed 68.6 percent of his passes for 564 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Pittsburgh star T.J. Watt is tied for the league lead with 17 sacks. He recorded two sacks and recovered a fumble when the host Steelers defeated the Ravens 17-10 in October, Pittsburgh’s sixth win in the past seven meetings with Baltimore.

Houston Texans (9-7) at Indianapolis Colts (9-7): C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans led the Texans to their first winning season since 2019. Now, they want a playoff berth. Indianapolis also would wrap up a postseason berth with a win. In addition, the Houston-Indianapolis winner would capture the AFC South title and get a home playoff game if the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) lose their Sunday road game against the Tennessee Titans. Indianapolis enters Week 18 with the AFC’s final wild-card spot in hand. While Stroud has breathed new life into the Texans as a rookie, the Colts are without Anthony Richardson, drafted by the Colts No. 4 overall last April. Richardson provided a tantalizing glimpse of his vast potential during a 31-20 thumping of Houston on Sept. 17, running for two first-quarter touchdowns before leaving due to a concussion. Backup Gardner Minshew helped steer the Colts and their own rookie head coach, Shane Steichen, into this position with a 23-20 win over the Raiders last week. The running game is crucial to the Colts’ success. Jonathan Taylor, in his second game back from thumb surgery, piled up 96 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries last week. Both defenses are in the top 10 in the NFL in sacks. Texans’ sack leader Jonathan Greenard (12.5) was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Sunday

Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-11): With no ground to gain in the AFC playoff picture and locked into the No. 3 seed for next week’s wild-card round, the Chiefs aren’t risking QB Patrick Mahomes’ health at Los Angeles. Blaine Gabbert will start and be surrounded by mostly backups while staring down a Chargers’ team with four consecutive losses and defeats in seven of its last eight games. Easton Stick, serving as the Chargers’ starting quarterback since Justin Herbert was placed on injured reserve with a broken finger Dec. 12, is tasked with getting the Chargers their first win in the past five games. Los Angeles is 1-7 since Nov. 6. Stick could be taking the field again without leading receiver Keenan Allen. He’s dealing with a heel injury and hasn’t played since Dec. 10. Allen has 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. Among Gabbert’s goals for the game: get tight end Travis Kelce over 1,000 receiving yards for the eighth consecutive season. He’s at 984 through 16 games. Kelce, who was inactive Week 1 with a knee injury, had a season-best 12 catches and 179 yards in Kansas City’s win over the Chargers in Week 7.

Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) at New York Giants (5-11): Philadelphia hasn’t won on the road since before Thanksgiving, and the Eagles didn’t beat anyone in December — except the Giants. After losing to the Arizona Cardinals last week, the road is the likely path for Philadelphia in the postseason. Despite a 1-4 December, a win still could give Philadelphia its second straight division title if the Dallas Cowboys (11-5) should stumble at Washington (4-12). Otherwise, the Eagles could be looking at the NFC’s No. 5 seed and all road games for the postseason. Philly’s failures have been on both sides of the ball. That includes a secondary that has surrendered 34 touchdown passes (only Washington has given up more with 35) and an inconsistent offense propped up by the overwhelming red-zone success of the “Brotherly Shove.” For the first time in franchise history, Philadelphia has lost three games where it held double-digit leads. The Eagles led the New York Jets 14-3 and lost 20-14 (Week 6), led the Seahawks 10-0 and lost 20-17 (Week 15) and built a 21-6 lead against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday before falling 35-31. The Giants did put a scare in the Eagles in the first meeting with Tyrod Taylor coming off the bench for a near comeback. The Giants are on a three-game losing streak, including a 33-25 decision at Philadelphia on Christmas Day. New York has lost its past five meetings with the Eagles, including last season’s divisional playoff game. Taylor starts again Sunday after he passed for 319 yards with one touchdown and one interception in last Sunday’s 26-25 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Rams. The Giants are 3-4 at MetLife Stadium, where they have been outscored 139-86 this season.

Buffalo Bills (10-6) at Miami Dolphins (11-5): The Bills were three games behind the Dolphins in the AFC East with five games remaining, but are now thriving in playoff mode, one win away from four consecutive division titles. The Dolphins can block Buffalo’s path and snag the AFC’s No. 2 seed and a home playoff game next week by winning Sunday night — and claiming the division for the first time since 2008. The Bills own the tiebreaker by virtue of their 48-20 home beatdown of Miami in Week 4. The Dolphins were annihilated in every facet of the game against Baltimore last week while missing running back Raheem Mostert (franchise-record 21 total touchdowns) and receiver Jaylen Waddle (1,014 receiving yards). Waddle is fighting an ankle injury and Mostert is dealing with ankle and knee soreness. Back-to-back wins over two playoff teams — the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys — ignited Buffalo’s dynamite December, which also included wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots. Last weekend’s 27-21 home win over the Patriots was achieved behind Josh Allen’s two rushing touchdowns. He had a poor game against New England’s stingy pass defense, throwing for 169 yards and one interception. But Allen has fared well against Miami with a 10-2 starting record (including last season’s playoff victory). He has 34 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in those 12 games. Buffalo has clamped Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill in recent matchups — a season-low three-catch game earlier this season and two receptions for 33 yards when the Bills visited South Beach in 2022.

Los Angeles Rams (9-7) at San Francisco 49ers (12-4): Playoff-bound NFC rivals roll into a regular-season finale neither team wants to lose, but the blatant priority is avoiding injuries. With a wild-card spot clinched, the Rams take a nine-game regular-season losing streak to the 49ers to San Francisco, where Carson Wentz replaces starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. San Francisco clinched the No. 1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs and plans to keep Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy on the sideline this week in favor of backup Sam Darnold. Los Angeles clinched the NFC wild-card berth by winning six of its last seven games. The Rams will either be the No. 6 or No. 7 seed in the postseason.

Rams head coach Sean McVay wasn’t swayed by the seeding uncertainty and is resting Stafford and some other key players: RB Kyren Williams (1,144 rushing yards), WR Cooper Kupp (59 receptions), DT Aaron Donald (16 tackles for loss) and LB Ernest Jones (career-high 145 tackles). Wentz is making his 93rd career start. He appeared in mop-up duty once since joining the Rams in November, just days after a 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Los Angeles then went on its 6-1 surge. Though the Rams have their long streak of regular-season futility against San Francisco, they did beat the 49ers in the NFC Championship following the 2021 season en route to winning the Super Bowl. NFL rushing leader Christian McCaffrey (1,459 rushing yards) is out with a calf injury. No rest is planned for Rams receiver Puka Nacua, who has 101 receptions for 1,445 yards. He needs four catches to break the NFL rookie mark set by Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins in 2021, and 29 yards to surpass the rookie record held by Bill Groman of the Houston Oilers since 1960.

Denver Broncos (8-8) at Las Vegas Raiders (7-9): An eight-game winning streak over the Broncos that dates to 2019 is providing motivation on both sides of an otherwise insignificant game. Las Vegas beat Denver 17-16 in the season opener on Sept. 10. Since then, major changes have altered each team. Among those impacted by the in-season overhaul were both starting quarterbacks in Week 1. Jimmy Garoppolo took the field for the Raiders in the season opener, but injuries and ineffectiveness opened the door for rookie Aidan O’Connell to get a shot when head coach Josh McDaniels was fired. The Raiders have gone 4-4 over the past eight games. Russell Wilson started the first 15 games for Denver, but the Broncos decided to bench Wilson for Jarrett Stidham in a contract-related squabble similar to the drama that unfolded involving Derek Carr at the end of last season. At that time, Stidham was with the Raiders and was pushed into a starting role for the final two games of the regular season. The season finale is an ongoing audition for O’Connell, but also for interim coach Antonio Pierce, who took over after McDaniels was fired on Nov. 1. Las Vegas won its first two games under Pierce, but has gone 2-4 since, most recently losing to the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 last Sunday.

Chicago Bears (7-9) at Green Bay Packers (8-8): If the Packers win for the sixth time in eight games, Green Bay is playoff bound behind first-year starting QB Jordan Love. But no defense has been stingier against opposing quarterbacks than the Bears in the past seven weeks, leading the NFL in defensive passer rating during that time while also holding the league lead in interceptions for the season. The Packers went 8-9 a season ago and missed a chance to reach the playoffs after losing the regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions. Love draws a much-improved Chicago defense than the one he lit up in Week 1 back in September. Since Week 11, the Bears have 16 takeaways and allowed fewer than 20 points four times. Chicago would love to spoil the playoff hopes of their biggest rival in the NFC North. Despite losing eight of their first 11 games, the Bears have continued to battle under coach Matt Eberflus and won four of their past five games. But the Packers are 5-0 against Chicago since quarterback Justin Fields took over at quarterback. The regular-season finale will offer another chance for Fields to try to clarify questions about his future.

Seattle Seahawks (8-8) at Arizona Cardinals (4-12): Seattle reaches the finish line of the regular season as it did last year — needing a Week 18 win and a big assist. A loss last week left the Seahawks in the same predicament they were in a year ago. They need a victory over a division opponent and a Green Bay Packers loss to make the NFL playoffs. Things worked out for the Seahawks last season, but can they go 2-for-2? The Seahawks needed a victory in Week 18 against the visiting Los Angeles Rams and for Detroit to win at Green Bay in the Sunday night game that added to the season-ending drama. This time Seattle will need to win on the road while rooting for the Packers to lose again at home, this time to Chicago. There will be some scoreboard watching with the games kicking off at 4:25 p.m. ET. The Cardinals rallied from a 15-point deficit to shock the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. Now 3-4 since Kyler Murray returned from surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament, the Cardinals were thrilled with his second-half performance. Murray completed 25 of 31 passes for 232 yards and a season-high three touchdowns. Running back James Conner played a starring role, including the game-winning TD, which could be cause for concern after the Seahawks were demolished by Pittsburgh’s previously stagnant ground attack to the tune of 203 yards.

New York Jets (6-10) at New England Patriots (4-12): Coach Bill Belichick might be unsure what the future holds, but he’s not showing much emotion entering Sunday’s possible curtain call at Gillette Stadium. Belichick has patrolled the New England sideline for the past 24 seasons, but doubts have doubled that he’ll return for a 25th as the Patriots prepare to face the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, Mass. But Belichick (333 victories) plans on coaching next season as he chases Don Shula (347) for the all-time wins record, raising the question of whether he can find the right fit elsewhere. For now, Belichick maintains he’s only focused on the Jets. The Jets have split their past four games following a five-game skid, most recently falling 37-20 to the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 28. Trevor Siemian completed 32 of 45 passes for 261 yards with a touchdown and an interception in his second start of the season for New York, which has never fully recovered from losing Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1. Siemian will start again on Sunday, when the gameplan is likely to be turning to Breece Hall. He leads the Jets in rushing (186 carries, 816 yards, four TDs) and is second with 74 receptions for 579 yards and four TDs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) at Carolina Panthers (2-14): Even without a playoff spot clinched, the Buccaneers know there are worse predicaments to be in entering Week 18 than a win-and-in gig against the NFL’s worst team. Tampa seals the NFC South on Sunday with a win at Carolina. In their first season since Tom Brady retired, the Buccaneers are aiming for their third consecutive divisional title. The Panthers entertain their opening starter from last season — Baker Mayfield — and have some confidence of late. They nearly took down Tampa Bay in the first meeting, a 21-18 loss on Dec. 3. And Carolina knocked the Falcons out of a share of first place in the division last month in a rain-soaked 9-7 home victory. In the first matchup, Panthers QB Bryce Young was sacked four times and intercepted once. Carolina’s offense is averaging 167.1 yards per game for the second-worst mark in the league.

Atlanta Falcons (7-9) at New Orleans Saints (8-8): Winning this NFC South showdown in New Orleans won’t be enough to put either team in the playoffs. That requires a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ loss at Carolina or, for the Saints, a win and losses by the Packers and Seahawks. Innumerable variables are in play with a whopping 20 of the NFL’s 32 teams still alive entering Week 18. New Orleans kept its playoff hopes alive and prevented the Bucs from clinching the division title when it won at Tampa, 23-13, last Sunday. The Falcons, who lost at Chicago, 37-17 in Week 17, defeated the Saints 24-15 on Nov. 26 in Atlanta. Atlanta ranks eighth in the NFL in rushing (130.1 yards per game) and had the most rushing yards by a New Orleans opponent (228) in the first meeting. The Falcons’ 41 attempts were the most by a Saints opponent this season and their average (5.6) was the second highest.

Minnesota Vikings (7-9) at Detroit Lions (11-5): The Lions have faint hopes of moving up to the No. 2 spot, but coach Dan Campbell says he’s not resting his regulars in the regular-season finale against Minnesota on Sunday afternoon. Detroit (11-5) needs a win, while the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles would have to lose or tie in their games on Sunday in order for the Lions to snag the No. 2 seed. The Lions are still smarting from the 20-19 loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night, when mass confusion involving whether OT Taylor Decker reported as an eligible receiver wiped out the go-ahead two-point conversion when officials threw a flag. A week earlier, Detroit clinched the NFC North title with a 30-24 win at Minnesota. The Vikings haven’t been eliminated from the wild card race. But their playoff hopes were virtually snuffed out with a 33-10 loss to Green Bay on Sunday night. They need a victory on Sunday and losses by the Packers and Seattle, along with a loss by either Tampa Bay or New Orleans, to sneak into the postseason. Nick Mullens will start at quarterback this week. He threw for 411 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions but was also intercepted four times.

Dallas Cowboys (11-5) at Washington Commanders (4-12): Eliminated from playoff contention, the Washington Commanders can still deliver a parting gift to an NFC East rival. Mired in a seven-game losing streak, the Commanders (4-12) welcome the Cowboys (11-5) for the regular-season finale on Sunday, knowing a Washington win could erase Dallas from the top of the division standings and open the passing lane for the Philadelphia Eagles to crash into first. If the Cowboys win, Dallas would be the NFC East champion and the No. 2 seed in the conference. The Cowboys would head home for a wild-card playoff game at AT&T Stadium, where they are 8-0 this season. QB Dak Prescott was nearly flawless in the first matchup with the Commanders this season and his offense is featuring WR CeeDee Lamb — the NFL leader with 122 catches, second with 1,651 receiving yards — establishing single-season franchise records in each category. The Cowboys’ 45-10 blowout of the Commanders in November led to the firing of Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. A similar result is almost certainly the final gavel for head coach Ron Rivera in Washington. The Commanders rank last in total defense (385.8 yards per game), 31st in pass defense (259.3 yards per game) and aren’t built for comebacks with an NFL-worst minus-12 turnover margin.

Cleveland Browns (11-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (8-8): Signed off the couch last month, Joe Flacco went from perceived Old Man Winter to Ice Cold Clutch and has the Browns spending Week 18 warming by the fire awaiting their playoff assignment. Cincinnati, out of playoff contention following a 25-17 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week, won’t face Flacco while attempting to apply the brakes on the Browns’ four-game winning streak. A victory Sunday would seal the first 12-win regular season since 1986 for Cleveland. Regardless of the result, Cleveland is cemented as the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, the first wild-card position. The Browns have won nine of the past 11 meetings with the Bengals, including a 24-3 rout in the season opener at Cleveland on Sept. 10. Browns backup Jeff Driskel starts for Flacco to become Cleveland’s fifth starting QB this season. The Bengals’ biggest motivation is to finish with a third straight winning season under Zac Taylor, but 9-8 still would be a disappointment following two straight division-winning seasons that ended with deep playoff runs.

Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) at Tennessee Titans (5-11): Without Trevor Lawrence at Carolina, the Jaguars’ 26-0 shutout of the lowly Panthers put Jacksonville in a division-winning scenario at Nashville this week. A victory would give Jacksonville (9-7) the AFC South title and a home game in the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Whether Lawrence (shoulder) is 100 percent isn’t clear after a four-week stretch in which he was also fighting off an ankle injury and concussion. Injuries hit Lawrence back when the Jaguars were 8-3. But four consecutive losses followed, putting the Indianapolis Colts (9-7) and Houston Texans (9-7) in play for the division title. The Titans are literally and figuratively limping to the finish line. Tennessee lost 26-3 last week in Houston, their fourth defeat in five games, and they had 15 names on the injury report for Week 18. That list included rookie quarterback Will Levis, who is battling right foot and left ankle maladies that kept him out of practice. Levis wants to play, but this could be a spot for the Titans to send off 36-year-old Ryan Tannehill and 30-year-old RB Derrick Henry, who has rushed for 9,349 yards in eight seasons with the Titans. Both are in the final year of their existing contracts.

–Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Blaine Gabbert is the starter this week at Los Angeles. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs visit Chargers, choose rest in playoff tune-up

With no ground to gain in the AFC playoff picture by beating the host Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs are in preservation mode in the regular-season finale.

Blaine Gabbert will start in place of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and multiple regulars are headed for plenty of rest in a game head coach Andy Reid said would be used as a good audition for younger players.

Gabbert said he told the team, “Go out there and have fun.”

Win or lose to the Chargers (5-11), Kansas City (10-6) owns the No. 3 seed in the AFC regardless of any outcome on the Sunday schedule. Los Angeles has lost four consecutive games and seven of its last eight.

The Chargers aren’t going to miss Mahomes, who threw for 424 yards and four TDs in their first meeting this season. He had five TDs and no interceptions in two wins over the Chargers in 2022 and a pair of three-TD games in 2021.

Easton Stick, serving as the Chargers’ starting quarterback since Justin Herbert was placed on injured reserve with a broken finger Dec. 12, is tasked with getting the Chargers their first win in the past five games. Los Angeles is 1-7 since Nov. 6.

“This is the last one. Just trying to go out there and find a way to win, and finish this thing together,” Stick said. “I’ve had a lot of fun. I’m really grateful. I’ve really enjoyed getting to go out there every single day, be in the huddle and really compete.”

Stick could be taking the field again without leading receiver Keenan Allen. He’s dealing with a heel injury and hasn’t played since Dec. 10. Allen has 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns.

Among Gabbert’s goals for the game — get tight end Travis Kelce over 1,000 receiving yards for the eighth consecutive season. He’s at 984 through 16 games.

Kelce, who was inactive Week 1 with a knee injury, had a season-best 12 catches and 179 yards in Kansas City’s win over the Chargers in Week 7.

“He’s the best,” Gabbert said. “He has a rare feel for the game of football. He sees the game like a quarterback.”

Reid hasn’t made the final call on Kelce’s status, but Gabbert said the prolific production is a standard for not just Kelce, but the entire organization.

“If he wants to play, he’ll play. If Coach Reid says have him rest, he’s gonna rest,” Gabbert said. “Ultimately that’s on Coach Reid, but if we’re out there we’re going to do our damn best to get him 17 yards.”

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has literal incentive to play at Los Angeles. He can trigger a $1.25 million bonus by reaching 10 sacks for the season, and currently stands at 9.5. Another player with a history of devouring the Chargers, Jones had 4.0 of his 15.5 sacks last season against Los Angeles but sat out the first meeting this season.

Jones was also out of practice Wednesday. He’s dealing with a groin injury and Reid indicated rest might be in the best interest of the team and Jones.

Stick has been sacked 11 times since taking over for Herbert.

–Field Level Media

Bills quarterback Josh Allen tucks the ball and scores a touchdown against the Dolphins.

Dolphins, Bills collide for AFC East crown in Week 18 main event

The Buffalo Bills were three games behind the Miami Dolphins in the AFC East with five games remaining.

Now the Bills stand one victory away from their fourth consecutive division crown when they face the suddenly reeling Dolphins on Sunday night at Miami Gardens, Fla., a primetime main event that serves as the last game of the NFL regular season.

Buffalo (10-6) sprinted to the finish with four straight wins, while the Dolphins (11-5) have split their past four games. The Bills own the tiebreaker by virtue of their 48-20 home beatdown of Miami in Week 4.

The winner will earn the No. 2 seed in the AFC behind the Baltimore Ravens, who just trampled the Dolphins 56-19 last weekend. With a loss, Miami would be a wild-card team and play its first playoff game on the road. Buffalo is part of the wild-card race, too.

Miami hasn’t won a division title since 2008 and is one loss away from seeing its lead washed away.

“If we had said that after Week 4 that we’re going to play this Buffalo team again, and it will be the last game of the season for the division crown, I think everyone would have accepted that,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “That’s some perspective that I talked to the team about. Their eyes were laser focused — they will be eager to wash away this past game. The only way you can do that is to prepare for the next one.”

The Dolphins were annihilated in every facet of the game against Baltimore while missing running back Raheem Mostert (franchise-record 21 total touchdowns) and receiver Jaylen Waddle (1,014 receiving yards). Waddle is fighting an ankle injury and Mostert is dealing with ankle and knee soreness. They sat out Wednesday’s practice, as did cornerback Xavien Howard (foot), who isn’t expected to be available Sunday. He was injured early in the loss to Baltimore.

Back-to-back wins over two playoff teams — the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys — ignited Buffalo’s dynamite December, which also included wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots.

Last weekend’s 27-21 home win over the Patriots was achieved behind Josh Allen’s two rushing touchdowns. He had a poor game against New England’s stingy pass defense, throwing for 169 yards and one interception.

Allen has fared well against Miami with a 10-2 starting record (including last season’s playoff victory). He has 34 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in those 12 games.

Allen knows a lot is riding on the latest showdown between the Bills and Dolphins.

“We’ve talked about this for the last five, six weeks of how our season can go and what we want to do and what we want to accomplish and everything that we want to accomplish is still in front of us,” Allen said. “But again, it’s going to take a group effort in all three phases to go get a victory on Sunday in a hostile environment.”

Allen injured his neck and a throwing finger in the win over New England but was a full participant in Wednesday’s walk-through.

Bills coach Sean McDermott isn’t overly concerned about his quarterback.

“Still sore, we’ll continue to take it one day at a time,” McDermott said of Allen’s neck soreness. “But I anticipate him playing.”

The only Buffalo player to miss practice due to a reported injury on Wednesday was defensive end Leonard Floyd (rib). Safeties Micah Hyde (neck) and Damar Hamlin (shoulder) were limited participants on Wednesday.

For the Dolphins, offensive tackle Terron Armstead (knee, back, ankle) and defensive end Zach Sieler (illness) were among the players who sat out.

Wide receiver Tyreek Hill was a limited practice participant, partly due to his ankle injury. Hill departed practice after a fire broke out at his home.

Hill is an All-Pro lock with a career-high, NFL-leading and franchise-record 1,717 receiving yards to become the first player in NFL history to record 1,700 receiving yards in multiple seasons (1,710 in 2022). Hill is looking to redeem himself after a season-low three-catch game in the first matchup with Buffalo this season. The Bills limited Hill to two receptions for 33 yards when they visited South Beach in 2022.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (quadriceps, left shoulder) and cornerback Jalen Ramsey (knee) were full participants on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) attempts a pass in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos, Jarrett Stidham visit old friends in Vegas

The Las Vegas Raiders can extend their winning streak against the visiting Denver Broncos to eight games when they meet on Sunday afternoon.

The Broncos (8-8) last defeated the Raiders (7-9) in the regular-season finale on Dec. 29, 2019.

Las Vegas beat Denver 17-16 in the season opener on Sept. 10. Since then, major changes have altered each team. Among those impacted by the in-season overhaul were both starting quarterbacks in Week 1.

Jimmy Garoppolo took the field for the Raiders in the season opener, but injuries and ineffectiveness opened the door for rookie Aidan O’Connell to get a shot when head coach Josh McDaniels was fired. The Raiders have gone 4-4 over the past eight games.

Russell Wilson started the first 15 games for Denver, but the Broncos decided to bench Wilson for Jarrett Stidham in a contract-related squabble similar to the drama that unfolded involving Derek Carr at the end of last season. At that time, Stidham was with the Raiders and was pushed into a starting role for the final two games of the regular season.

“I have a certain job to do, certain thing to do on each and every play. Ultimately we’ve got to go out and win. So that’s what I’m focused on doing and it’s my job to help those other 10 guys on offense, move the ball and score points,” Stidham said.

Stidham completed 20 of 32 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown in a 16-9 win against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday, though the Broncos were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

“These are important snaps and games for him,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “That’s the case with every player, right? We’re constantly evaluating how they play, and then it would definitely carry over to how we feel about next year relative to their role.”

Payton said the Broncos wouldn’t change their plans for Week 18 based on being eliminated from the playoffs. He’s particularly keen to remind players of the losing streak against the Raiders.

“Do we approach (Sunday’s game) differently? Absolutely not,” Payton said. “We do everything in our power to win this game. It’s that important. From who is playing quarterback to who is starting at the offensive line to who is starting on defense. It’s that simple.”

For the Raiders, not only is the season finale an ongoing audition for O’Connell, but also for interim coach Antonio Pierce, who took over after McDaniels was fired on Nov. 1.

Las Vegas won its first two games under Pierce, but has gone 2-4 since, most recently losing to the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 last Sunday.

“You can’t point fingers at players,” Pierce said. “Obviously we’ve got to do a better job as coaches. It’s a focus thing: false starts, offside, that’s the Raiders beating themselves. That’s something that for seven games, we hadn’t done. But it came up (against the Colts) and it bit us.”

Pierce said the key is staying patient and ignoring the outside opinions.

“Stay true to yourself, don’t change because of people’s opinion of you,” he said. “Go with your gut.”

O’Connell said it’s important that the Raiders focus on the task at hand and not what happened last week or what’s to come in the offseason.

“You can’t rely on momentum from week to week,” he said. “You can’t look ahead, and you can’t look back. Every play, every series, and every game has enough of its own and you’ve got to lock in.”

Las Vegas running back Josh Jacobs, the leading rusher in the NFL last season with 1,653 yards in 17 games, will be a game-time decision because of a quad injury, Pierce said. He has been limited to 805 rushing yards through 13 games this season.

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) was limited Wednesday. A former teammate of Stidham, Crosby has a sack in eight consecutive games against the Broncos.

“I can’t speak highly enough of this guy,” Stidham said. “Being with him every day for a year, seeing how he works. The most impressive thing is I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a player play that hard for that long every single time he’s out on the field. He’s going to bring it; we’re going to have to be ready.”

Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey (ribs) was limited and wide receiver Cortland Sutton remained in concussion protocol Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and head coach Pete Carroll (background) can crash the playoffs with a win and some help from the Chicago Bears. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Big Bears fans, Seahawks stalk playoff spot in Arizona

For the second year in a row, the Seattle Seahawks enter the final week of the regular season needing a win and a big assist.

A loss last week left the Seahawks in the same predicament they were in at this time last season: They need a victory over a division opponent and a Green Bay Packers loss to make the NFL playoffs.

Things worked out for the Seahawks last season, but can they go 2-for-2?

“I never imagined we’d be in this situation again, but here we are,” Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith said heading into Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz.

The Seahawks (8-8) controlled their playoff fate until last week but surrendered that advantage by giving up 202 yards on the ground in a 30-23 loss to visiting Pittsburgh.

“There’s one game to go. We’ve been here before,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “We’ve got to go to Arizona and go play really well and get a win and see where that leaves us.”

Last season, the Seahawks needed a victory in Week 18 against the visiting Los Angeles Rams and for Detroit to win at Green Bay in the Sunday night game that added to the season-ending drama.

This time Seattle will need to win on the road while rooting for the Packers to lose again at home, this time to Chicago. There will be some scoreboard watching with the games kicking off at 4:25 p.m. ET.

But Seattle can’t afford to take Arizona lightly, especially after the Cardinals rallied from a 15-point deficit to shock the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.

“(This) week is not going to be an easy game. We’ve got to go out there in their place and make it happen,” Smith said. “We’re the type of team that’s going to always bounce back. We’ve got the right leadership. We’ve got the right coaches, right players, and we’re going to make it happen. We’re going to find a way to make it happen.”

The Cardinals (4-12) have gone 3-4 since starting quarterback Kyler Murray returned from surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament. In the 35-31 win over the reigning NFC champion Eagles last week, Murray completed 25 of 31 passes for 232 yards and a season-high three touchdowns.

Running back James Conner played a starring role, including the game-winning TD, which could be cause for concern after the Seahawks were demolished by Pittsburgh’s previously stagnant ground attack.

“The guys, they played well,” Murray said. “We executed and we did our thing and, you know, it’s good. It’s good to feel that. Obviously, with everything that’s happened, a lot of disappointment this year, a lot of tough losses, but trying to finish the season off the right way.”

First-year Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon boomed with pride in his team finishing strong.

“I know our record isn’t what we want it to be, and that falls on me, but they have confidence,” Gannon said. “They never waver. And what I’m really pleased about is the way they practice that effort. They stay together. They focus. Attention to detail. A lot of teams just pack it in right now. That’s not our guys in there. So that’s just a tribute to the character in the locker room.”

Cardinals starting left tackle D.J. Humphries won’t play this week. He suffered a torn ACL in his left knee last week and was placed on injured reserve. Defensive lineman Dante Stills (knee), linebacker Dennis Gardeck (knee) and cornerback Garrett Williams (ankle) are also in danger of sitting out Sunday.

The Seahawks have their own injury concerns on the offensive line. Starting center Evan Brown (concussion) and right tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) missed practice, as did backup tackle Jason Peters (foot).

Running back Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) also sat out, but Carroll seemed optimistic the Seahawks’ leading rusher would play Sunday. Also missing practice were nose tackle Jarran Reed, defensive end Mario Edwards and linebacker Nick Bellore, all with knee injuries.

–Field Level Media

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and franchise owner Robert Kraft are expected to huddle about the outlook for 2024 in the coming days. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick downplays curtain call as Patriots, Jets wrap woeful seasons

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick might be unsure what the future holds, but he realizes now certainly isn’t the time to get sentimental.

Belichick has patrolled the New England sideline for the past 24 seasons, but doubts have doubled that he’ll return for a 25th as the Patriots prepare to face the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, Mass.

NFL Network reported last Sunday that Patriots owner Robert Kraft has yet to speak with Belichick about a potential return in 2024. Belichick getting fired is unlikely, but a mutual decision to part ways is still a possibility, per the report. The tandem that makes up the Patriots’ power center met two days after the season last January, when Belichick emerged to make changes to his coaching staff.

This might not be the offseason Kraft opts to change course. Belichick (333 victories) plans on coaching next season as he chases Don Shula (347) for the all-time wins record, raising the question of whether he can find the right fit elsewhere.

For now, Belichick maintains he’s only focused on beating New York (6-10).

“I’ll deal with that some other time,” Belichick said of reflecting on his time with the Patriots. “Right now, I’ll just try to get the team ready for the Jets.”

The Jets have split their past four games following a five-game skid, most recently falling 37-20 to the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 28.

Trevor Siemian completed 32 of 45 passes for 261 yards with a touchdown and an interception in his second start of the season for New York, which has never fully recovered from losing Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1.

Siemian will start again on Sunday against the Patriots (4-12).

Like Rodgers, running back Dalvin Cook, another offseason addition, was supposed to provide a jolt to the Jets’ offense after rushing for at least 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

Cook struggled to make an impact in New York, rushing for 214 yards on 67 carries. He was released on Wednesday.

That could lead to opportunities in the backfield for Breece Hall, who has already been heavily utilized. In addition to leading the team in rushing (186 carries, 816 yards, four TDs), Hall is also second on the team in receptions with 74 for 579 yards and four TDs.

“Earlier in the year, coming off the (torn ACL last season), we were trying to be judicious how we used him,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said. “We ramped him up, there was a lull in the middle, to get him more opportunities on third down, find ways to get the ball in his hands.

“He’s really starting to hit his stride.”

Quarterback Zach Wilson, tight end Jeremy Ruckert and center Jake Hanson are all in concussion protocol and missed the Jets’ practice on Wednesday. Rodgers (Achilles) and guard Wes Schweitzer (calf) were limited.

New England will attempt to bounce back from last Sunday’s 27-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but it could be without offensive tackle Trent Brown and cornerback Myles Bryant. Both missed Wednesday’s practice due to illnesses.

Tight end Hunter Henry (knee) and safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) were among 10 players the Patriots listed as limited.

–Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers on brink of playoffs, must tame Panthers

A simple math problem awaits the Buccaneers, and the assignment looks rather routine on paper: Beat the lowly Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon in Charlotte, N.C., and one of the NFC’s seven playoff spots belongs to Tampa Bay.

“I know their record doesn’t show it, but they’re really scrappy, so we have to come with it,” Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans said.

The Buccaneers (8-8) can clinch the NFC South by winning regardless of what happens with co-leader New Orleans against the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay could have sealed the divisional title by beating the Saints a week ago, but New Orleans halted the Buccaneers’ four-game winning streak to add a dash of drama to the regular-season finale.

“We won four out of five,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said. “If we win five out of six, we get in. We’ve just got to buckle down and win the last one.”

In their first season since Tom Brady retired, the Buccaneers are aiming for their third consecutive divisional title. They’re thankful they have another chance, and the spoils would include hosting a wild-card playoff game next week.

“We’ve got to be able to show up when we need it,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said. “But, luckily, we have one more game to seal this thing. Once again, (our) back is against the wall.”

The Panthers (2-14) hold the worst record in the NFL and enter following a shutout loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, 26-0. But the Panthers do have teeth. They nearly took down Tampa Bay in the first meeting, a 21-18 loss on Dec. 3. And Carolina knocked the Falcons out of a share of first place in the NFC South last month in a rain-soaked 9-7 home victory.

The turbulent season for the Panthers is about to close.

They’ve gone through a coaching change — again — and the introduction of quarterback Bryce Young, the first player selected in the 2023 draft. On the periphery this week was a $300,000 fine assessed to franchise owner David Tepper for his interaction with fans in Jacksonville. Video surfaced showing Tepper flipping his drink at the crowd.

“I feel that we’ve got a lot to show,” Panthers defensive lineman Derrick Brown said. “Unfortunately, this season didn’t go the way we wanted it to.”

The season already has been defined for Carolina. Interim head coach Chris Tabor said his message to the team to embrace one last chance to make an impact on the division and playoff race.

“What I have to do as a coach and leading this team at this moment is make sure that we’re pros,” Tabor said. “Be a pro.”

The Panthers gave no consideration to resting Young or others who aren’t truly injured, a trend across the league for teams with more comfortable positions in the standings.

“If you’re available to play, you’re playing,” Tabor said.

In the first matchup with the Buccaneers, Young was sacked four times and intercepted once. His offensive support has dwindled in some regard as only receivers Adam Thielen, Terrance Marshall Jr. and Mike Strachan were full participants in Wednesday’s practice. Jonathan Mingo went on injured reserve.

Carolina’s offense is averaging 167.1 yards per game for the second-worst mark in the league.

Kicker Eddy Pineiro has a hamstring ailment that might sideline him this week. Matthew Wright has been added to the practice squad in case he’s needed to be activated.

The Buccaneers want to take advantage of the Panthers anyway possible.

“We’ve got to win this next game in Carolina to win the division and go from there,” said Mayfield, who began the 2022 season with the Panthers. “All you need is to get a chance to get in (the postseason) and we’re still sitting right where we need to be.”

–Field Level Media