Just wanted to keep sending thoughts and positivity to Dumar Hamlin before we get into the Week 18 picks. We know that his health is of utmost importance, even if the match is scheduled to take place.
Most of the picking crew was away in week 17, so this is back in time for the season finale after a week off. Some of these games will have a big impact on the playoffs, some won’t at all, but we’ll pick from all of the above.
Before we get into it, here’s a quick update on the record.
Charles Curtis: 101-130-9
Caroline Darney: 94-109-6
Prince Grimes: 103-128-9
Blake Schuster: 95-108-9
1
Chief of the Raiders (+9.5)
prince: raiders
Jarrett Stidham didn’t have a bad first start, and the Chiefs didn’t put up much defensive resistance. KC wins and secures him first place in the AFC, but loses another ATS.
Charles: raiders
I like Prince’s logic here, take the point.
Caroline: Chiefs
Prince’s logic is correct, but I’m going to win by 10 with the Chiefs.
2
Jaguar Titans (-6.5)
prince: Titans
Even after everything happens with the Titans, they can still make the playoffs with a win.
Charles: jaguar
Looking at how the Jaggs have played lately, I think they’ll win by 10 points, especially in the Titans QB situation.
Caroline: jaguar
Jug on touchdown.
3
Falcons Buccaneer (-4)
prince: buccaneers
It doesn’t matter if Tampa wins. By no means. But they need to prepare for the playoffs, so I’ll take the points.
Charles: falcons
This game doesn’t matter… right? So I think I’ll stand by the Falcons.
Caroline: buccaneers
I feel like the time has come to never pick Tom Brady.
Four
Patriots at Bills (-7)
prince: patriot
I’m not sure the Bills are in the right frame of mind to play a game of football. If not, I couldn’t blame them.
Charles: patriot
We wish Dumar Hamlin a full and speedy recovery.
Caroline: bill
There’s a lot of emotion swirling in the Buffalo locker room right now, and I’m going with the Bills here. A heartfelt thank you to Dumar Hamlin, his family, friends, the Bills, and the amazing trainers who took swift action on the field to save his life.
Five
Vikings of the Bears (+7.5)
prince: vikings
Justin Fields doesn’t plan on playing against a Vikings team. blow out load.
Charles: vikings
No, I’m not betting on Nathan Peterman. Thank you so much.
Caroline: vikings
A respected colleague of mine here nailed it.
6
Bengals Ravens (-7)
prince: ravens
The Bengals are playing this game under conditions far from normal.
Charles: ravens
what Prince said.
Caroline: ravens
This one is hard to choose. I don’t know if the Ravens will win, but I think it’s close.
7
Colts Texans (-2.5)
prince: Texan
Have you seen the Colts lately?
Charles: colts
But have you seen the Texans lately? And they’re fighting for the No. 1 pick!
Caroline: colts, kana
The only thing I can say for certain about this game is that I don’t watch it.
8
Dolphin Jet (+1)
prince: Dolphin
With Skylar Thompson presumably leaving for Miami, it’s a tough call, but I just believe they’ll find a way to get it done with so many lines.
Charles: Dolphin
But the Jets love to do spoilers, right?
Caroline: jet jet jet jet
Is this the only pick that will keep the Steelers alive? Yes!
9
Panther of the Saints (-3.5)
prince: panthers
I was impressed with the work Steve Wilkes did as Carolina’s interim coach.
Charles: panthers
I’m not sure how the Saints are favored here (I believe the home team has 3 points), but I favor the underdogs.
Caroline: panthers
The Panthers didn’t endure last week’s collapse and looked very good in the second half.
Ten
Steelers Browns (-2.5)
prince: browns
The Browns didn’t make the playoffs, and the Steelers will do everything in their power to keep them from making the playoffs.
Charles: Steelers
In situations like this, I like to bet something and bet on the team. My record this year does not show that you should listen to everything I say.
Caroline: Steelers
We want Mike Tomlin to keep up an unbeatable record as it was definitely one of his better coaching jobs.
11
Broncos Charger (-1.5)
prince: charger
The Chargers are playing for a seed with this one. If the starter fully digests his four quarters, he can win outright.
Charles: charger
The odds here indicate that the Chargers may rest their starter at some point. Still, I’m not endorsing the Broncos.
Caroline: charger
I refuse to choose Denver.
12
Eagles Giants (-14)
prince: giants
It remains to be seen if the Giants’ pegged sixth seed means a rest for the starters, but I assume they’re playing.
Charles: eagles
The Giants will have to say goodbye to the team as they rest their starters.
Caroline: giants
Eagles win, but by 2 touchdowns??
13
Rams at Seahawks (-6)
prince: rams
The Seahawks need this game to keep their playoff hopes alive, but they’ve been far from dominant these days.
Charles: rams
I think this spread is a little too big.
Caroline: seahawks
of course.
14
Cardinals 49ers (-14)
prince: 49ers
If the Eagles lose, the Niners can claim the NFC’s top seed with a win. That’s why they never flirt with the Cardinals.
Charles: 49ers
See Philosophy for Week 18 above.
Caroline: 49ers
I’ve been a fan of Brock Purdy for years (there’s a tweet to prove it), so I choose San Fran.
15
Commander Cowboy (+7)
prince: cowboys
Dallas is still chasing the top seed in the NFC, and Washington has a new QB in the saddle. This can lead to very biased results.
Charles: cowboys
Again, I like to bet on teams that have something at stake.
Caroline: cowboys
Dallas has a playful side. Washington has that scary pig mascot.
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