NFL Picks Week 18: Early Odds to Exploit for Best Over/Under Score Bets
Week 18 has arrived, which means we're poised to turn the page on the 2023-24 NFL regular season.
For many fans, this means one last chance to wager on a full slate of over/under opportunities. The schedule doesn't feature a Thursday night game, but it will feature two contests to kick off the weekend on Saturday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will visit the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon, while the Indianapolis Colts will host the Houston Texans in the nightcap. The rest of Week 18 will unfold on Sunday.
Below, we'll dive into some of our favorite games on the Week 18 schedule and examine a few over/under lines to consider.
Check the latest lines at DraftKings.
Texans and Colts Over 47.5 Points
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The Colts-Texans game is going to be a fun one, as the winner will secure a playoff berth. One of these teams could also win the AFC South, if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose on Sunday.
Regardless of who emerges victoriously, we'd expect a lot of scoring in this one. C.J. Stroud is back under center for the Texans, while Gardner Minshew and Jonathan Taylor give the Colts offense plenty of punch.
Neither team has fielded a stout defense this season either. The Colts rank 27th in rushing yards allowed, 17th in passing yards allowed, 24th in total yards allowed and 27th in points allowed. The Texans have been better overall defensively, but they've struggled mightily against the pass.
Houston ranks 27th in net yards per pass attempt allowed.
There should be plenty of offensive back-and-forth here, not unlike the Week 2 meeting between these two teams. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was in for the Colts in that game, but its 51 total points represent a level that can be replicated in the rematch.
Cowboys and Commanders Over 45.5 Points
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Like the Colts and Texans, the Dallas Cowboys have plenty to play for in Week 18. If they manage to knock off the Washington Commanders, they'll secure the NFC East title.
Expect Dallas to come out fully focused and eager to win big. The Cowboys have been much better at home than on the road this season, and a decisive victory in Washington could give them a lot of confidence heading into the postseason.
Given the state of the Commanders pass defense—it ranks 31st in both net yards per attempt allowed and yards allowed—Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys passing attack should shine.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Cowboys approach the points line by themselves. Dallas has scored 40 or more points five times this season, and Washington is likely to offer little resistance.
While Dallas may win big, Washington has enough offensive talent to put at least a few points on the board. The last game between these two produced 55 of them.
Eagles and Giants Over 41 Points
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This line is way too low, considering the teams involved. The Philadelphia Eagles have seen their secondary collapse over the second half of the season, and Philly now ranks 28th in passing yards allowed.
The New York Giants haven't been much better on that side of the ball, ranking 28th in points and yards allowed.
Fans can and should expect a fun quarterback duel between Jalen Hurts and Tyrod Taylor to lead to some high scoring. Taylor replaced Tommy DeVito in the last meeting and helped New York hang in against the defending NFC champs. The Eagles only won by eight, and the game produced 58 total points.
The biggest threat to the over here is the possibility of teams resting starters. We wouldn't expect either of these teams to rest many stars, though. The Eagles can still win the division if the Cowboys lose, and both teams are playing in the late-afternoon window.
The Giants, meanwhile, will be eager to play spoiler and end the season on a high note.
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