Jan 9, 2022

  • ESPN staff

The Week 18 NFL schedule for the 2021 flavour is stacked with great matchups, and we got you covered with what yous demand to know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters bring us the biggest keys to every game, a bold prediction for each matchup and, of grade, last score picks.

Additionally, ESPN Stats & Information provides a big stat to know, playoff picture and/or draft position implications and a betting nugget for each contest, and our Football Power Alphabetize (FPI) goes inside the numbers with a matchup rating (on a calibration of ane to 100) and a game project. Everything you want to know is here in one spot to help you get ready for a loaded weekend of NFL football.

Let'south get into the full Week 18 slate, including an AFC Due north showdown betwixt two teams trying to stay alive in the playoff chase, a matchup betwixt the playoff-seeking 49ers and the segmentation title-seeking Rams, and a win-and-in AFC West coming together between the Chargers and Raiders on Sunday night. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted, and playoff scenarios have been updated heading into Lord's day. The previews for the two Sabbatum games accept been moved to the bottom of the slice.)

Leap to a matchup:
KC-DEN | DAL-PHI | CIN-CLE
GB-DET | PIT-BAL | CHI-MIN
IND-JAX | TEN-HOU | WSH-NYG
SF-LAR | Ocean-ARI | NE-MIA
Auto-TB | NYJ-BUF | NO-ATL
LAC-LV

Bengals (ten-6) at Browns (7-9)

1 p.chiliad. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 40.two | Spread : CLE -six (38)

What to watch for: How much will either team care about this game? The Bengals have already clinched the AFC North and could await to rest key players for the playoffs, while the Browns seem by ready for this nightmare flavour to be over. Neither starting quarterback -- Cincinnati'south Joe Couch and Cleveland'due south Bakery Mayfield -- will exist under middle. -- Jake Trotter

Assuming prediction: Bengals running dorsum Samaje Perine volition blitz for 100 yards. The Bengals fill-in should see plenty of carries in Joe Mixon's absenteeism, and Perine has been effective in longer spells during his time in Cincinnati. -- Ben Infant

Stat to know: Cincinnati receiver Ja'Marr Chase has ane,429 receiving yards this season, and he needs 12 more than yards to pause the Bengals' single-season record and 44 more yards to break the all-fourth dimension rookie record.

Playoff and typhoon implications: The Browns are eliminated from the playoffs, and the Bengals already secured the AFC North, their first division title since 2015. Meet current playoff picture.

Injuries: Bengals | Browns

Betting nugget: V of Cleveland's past six games have gone under the total. Read more.

Baby's pick: Bengals 20, Browns xiii
Trotter'southward pick: Bengals 27, Browns x
FPI prediction: CLE, 54.3% (past an average of 1.5 points)

Matchup must-reads: Bengals' Mixon tests positive for COVID-19, won't play in NFL regular-season finale, sources say ... Mayfield to have shoulder surgery Jan. 19, won't play Dominicus ... Burrow living up to 'winner' reputation as Bengals secure AFC North crown

Packers (13-iii) at Lions (two-13-ane)

1 p.chiliad. ET | Play a trick on
Matchup rating: 48.0 | Spread : GB -three.5 (44.5)

What to lookout for: Information technology has been a tough flavour in the Motor City, only receiver Amon-Ra St. Brownish has been a vivid spot. With 803 receiving yards, he needs just 15 more to laissez passer Roy Williams (817) for the most by a Lions rookie. Information technology'southward unclear whether Jared Goff or Tim Boyle will be the starting QB for the Lions, but they'd both exist targeting him early and often. St. Brown has 5 direct games with at least 8 receptions, which is the longest streak for a rookie receiver in the Super Bowl era. He is as well one of four rookies with at to the lowest degree lxx receptions this flavour, joining Miami'due south Jaylen Waddle, Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase and Pittsburgh'south Najee Harris, making information technology the commencement season that iv or more than rookies have reached that marking. -- Eric Woodyard

Bold prediction: Packers fill-in quarterback Jordan Love will relieve Aaron Rodgers at some point and lead multiple scoring drives, giving the Packers more promise for his futurity than they had after his kickoff showtime (earlier this season against Kansas City). The Packers accept won five consecutive games against the Lions, but quarterbacks not named Aaron Rodgers are 1-3 against them since 2008. -- Rob Demovsky

Stat to know: Green Bay receiver Davante Adams has eight games with 100-plus receiving yards this season, the most by a Packer since Robert Brooks in 1995 (ix). And at ane,498 receiving yards this flavor, he is 22 shy of breaking Jordy Nelson's franchise record for the most in a single season (i,519 in 2014).

Playoff and draft implications: The Packers clinched everything they could, securing a playoff spot, the NFC Northward and the NFC'due south No. seed. The Lions, meanwhile, have a chance to reclaim the No. one typhoon spot. They need a loss and a Jaguars win, which ESPN's FPI is giving a xvi% run a risk of occurring. See electric current playoff pic.

Injuries: Packers | Lions

Betting asset: Green Bay is 12-4 ATS this season, tied with Dallas for the best marking in the NFL. Read more.

Demovsky'due south choice: Packers 27, Lions 16
Woodyard's selection: Packers 24, Lions 20
FPI prediction: GB, 79.half dozen% (by an average of eleven.0 points)

Matchup must-reads: Rodgers sounds off after reporter calls him 'the biggest jerk in the league' ... Meet 'Gridiron' Spight, the voice behind every Lions touchdown at Ford Field ... Could the Lions still get the pinnacle draft pick?

Steelers (eight-vii-1) at Ravens (eight-8)

i p.yard. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 44.v | Spread : BAL -6 (41.5)

What to lookout man for: Volition Steelers border rusher T.J. Watt set the NFL sack record? Watt has 21.v sacks this season, putting him one.5 away from breaking Michael Strahan'south single-flavour mark. Ravens correct tackle Patrick Mekari has immune 11 sacks this flavor, tied for the sixth most in the NFL. And five weeks agone, Watt had a monster game against the Ravens, recording 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hits and one forced bollix in improver to disrupting Baltimore's potential game-winning 2-point conversion. -- Jamison Hensley

Bold prediction: Steelers running back Najee Harris will have at to the lowest degree 100 rushing yards for the quaternary time this flavour. The Ravens accept the league's all-time run defense, only Harris is only getting stronger equally the season goes on. He had 71 rushing yards against the Ravens three weeks agone, and he's coming off 188 rushing yards confronting the Browns. The offensive line looked meliorate with J.C. Hassenauer at centre and Chris Morgan in accuse of the room, and the Steelers will build on last week'south performance with another large one to send quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out with a final win. -- Brooke Pryor

Stat to know: This is the 31st career meeting between John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin (including playoffs), which is the 2d most between head coaches in NFL history (George Halas and Curly Lambeau had 49).

Playoff and draft implications: Neither team secures a playoff berth with a win, but both need one to have a chance of getting in. The Ravens also need losses by the Colts, Chargers and Dolphins, while the Steelers would besides demand a Colts loss and for the Chargers-Raiders game to not cease in a tie. Per ESPN's FPI, Pittsburgh has an 9% chance of getting into the playoffs, while Baltimore is at three% -- after sitting at 95% through six weeks of the flavour. Come across current playoff picture show.

Injuries: Steelers | Ravens

Betting nugget: Calendar week 18 would be Roethlisberger'southward 29th career start (30th career game) confronting the Ravens, including the playoffs. Despite his xviii-10 record against them, the Ravens accept really outscored the Steelers by just three points in Roethlisberger's starts. No QB has won more against an opponent in the Super Bowl era with that bad of a point differential. Read more.

Pryor's choice: Steelers 21, Ravens 14
Hensley's pick: Steelers 24, Ravens xvi
FPI prediction: BAL, 58.v% (by an average of 2.9 points)

Matchup must-reads: Roethlisberger prepares for Baltimore after 'surreal' Heinz Field finale ... Jackson misses 3rd straight game with ankle injury ... Steelers place WR Johnson, C Light-green on reserve/COVID-19 list

Bears (half dozen-10) at Vikings (7-ix)

1 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 39.3 | Spread : MIN -5.5 (44.5)

What to watch for: Will Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, Bears autobus Matt Nagy and their respective staffs exist employed come Monday? Both head coaches are on the hot seat and probably tin't salve themselves in this final game. Zimmer, all the same, is one win away from being able to boast 9.ane wins per season in his eight years as a head charabanc and use information technology as a selling betoken with potential future employers. Minnesota is expected to return quarterback Kirk Cousins from COVID-19, only Chicago is expected to be without QB Justin Fields after the rookie was placed on the COVID-xix/reserve list. -- Courtney Cronin

Bold prediction: Bears edge rusher Robert Quinn will take at least one sack and get the commencement player in league history to accumulate 19 or more sacks in a single season with two dissimilar teams. Quinn already earned 19 sacks with the Rams in 2013, and though Minnesota doesn't give up many, the 31-yr-old can singularly focus on rushing the quarterback in a meaningless game. And with a sack on Lord's day, it'll be his ninth directly game with at to the lowest degree one, tied for the fourth-longest streak of any role player since 1982. -- Jesse Rogers

Stat to know: Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson is five receptions shy of tying Michael Thomas for the near past a player in his start two seasons. He already surpassed Odell Beckham Jr. for the most yards by a player in his first 2 years.

Playoff and draft implications: Both teams are eliminated, and the Bears don't have a get-go-round typhoon pick. Minnesota is projected to choice twelfth at the moment with a 15% chance to move into the top 10, per ESPN'south FPI. See current playoff picture show.

Injuries: Bears | Vikings

Betting nugget: Chicago is 3-nine ATS as an underdog this season. Read more.

Rogers' pick: Vikings 20, Bears 17
Cronin's selection: Vikings 24, Bears 20
FPI prediction: MIN, 67.5% (by an boilerplate of 6.0 points)

Matchup must-reads: Bears put QB Fields on reserve/COVID-nineteen list ... Vikings QB Cousins will outset in finale after beingness activated from COVID-xix list

Colts (9-7) at Jaguars (2-xiv)

1 p.grand. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 32.7 | Spread : IND -15.v (44)

What to watch for: The Jaguars have won 6 in a row at home over the visiting Colts (which includes a game in London) and nearly beat them in Indianapolis earlier in the season. Indianapolis running dorsum Jonathan Taylor ran for 116 yards and a touchdown in that game, and the Jaguars are giving up 127.i yards per game on the ground this season -- and they have immune 454 rushing yards combined in the past two weeks. Expect a heavy dose of Taylor, especially if the Colts have a 10-plus-point lead in the 2d half. -- Mike DiRocco

Bold prediction: Taylor volition blitz for at least 266 yards to become the ninth running back in NFL history to peak 2,000 rushing yards in a season. Aye, 266 is a lot for a single game, simply remember, we're talking about the woeful Jaguars, who are giving up the 9th-most yards per game on the footing this season. Taylor rushed for 253 yards confronting them in the season finale in 2020, too. So what's an additional 13 yards for Taylor on Sun if he tin can join the likes Derrick Henry and Adrian Peterson in the 2,000-yard club? -- Mike Wells

Stat to know: Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence has not had more passing TDs than turnovers in any game this flavour. No QB has started every game in a season and had zero games with more passing touchdowns than turnovers since at least 1978. And Lawrence'due south 15 starts with one or fewer passing TDs (all consecutively) are tied for the almost in a season (1995 Trent Dilfer, 1993 Rick Mirer and 1991 Ken O'Brien).

Playoff and typhoon implications: The Colts have an 81% chance of making the playoffs, per ESPN's FPI. If they win, they are in. If they lose, they as well need a Steelers loss, a Chargers loss and a Dolphins win. On the other side of the alley, the Jaguars are looking to secure the No. 1 typhoon option for April. They can do it with a loss or a Lions win. ESPN's FPI has it at 84% for Jacksonville. Come across electric current playoff picture.

Injuries: Colts | Jaguars

Betting nugget: Indianapolis is 6-1 ATS on the road this season, and Jacksonville is 4-12 ATS this season, worst in the NFL. Simply Jacksonville is 11-1-1 ATS against Indianapolis since 2015. Read more.

Wells' pick: Colts 31, Jaguars 10
DiRocco's pick: Colts 34, Jaguars 11
FPI prediction: IND, 79.0% (by an average of 10.vii points)

Matchup must-reads: Colts' playoff hopes ride on snapping road losing streak to Jaguars ... Lawrence reacts to Jaguars fans clowning owner Khan with #Khlownout ... Lawrence fighting opponents and his own arrangement every week ... Will the Jaguars clinch the elevation pick -- and whom could they draft?

Titans (xi-five) at Texans (4-12)

i p.grand. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 27.1 | Spread : TEN -10.5 (43)

What to sentinel for: Even though the Titans aren't expecting running back Derrick Henry to return until the playoffs, Tennessee could nevertheless run all over the Texans. Houston ranks last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (143.iii) and has allowed 150 or more nine times this flavour, which is three more times than any other team and tied for the well-nigh past whatsoever team over the past ten seasons. Henry remains the Titans' leading rusher by 440 yards despite playing in just eight games this flavour. -- Sarah Barshop

Bold prediction: Titans running back D'Onta Foreman volition have his 4th 100-one thousand rushing performance over the past six games, this time coming confronting his sometime team. He had only 25 rushing yards the last time these two teams played, only the Texans take the worst run defence in the league, and Foreman but rushed for a career-high 132 yards terminal calendar week. He'll acme that number in the season finale, helping the Titans assure the superlative seed in the AFC. -- Turron Davenport

Stat to know: Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill needs 53 passing yards to reach 3,500 for a second consecutive flavour. The but role player in Titans/Oilers history with at to the lowest degree that many in consecutive seasons is Warren Moon (iii directly from 1989 to 1991).

Playoff and draft implications: The Titans are the AFC South champions, just they have all the same to lock up the conference'due south top seed and a playoff bye. They tin practise it with a win. ESPN'due south FPI gives it a 74% chance. And the Texans are currently projected to pick at No. 3 in the draft, only they are eliminated from the No. 1 selection race. Run into current playoff film.

Injuries: Titans | Texans

Betting nugget: Tennessee games have gone under the total in four straight games. Read more.

Davenport's selection: Titans 28, Texans seven
Barshop'south pick: Titans 35, Texans 10
FPI prediction: X, 74.iii% (by an boilerplate of 8.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Titans RB Henry practices Wednesday ... RB Foreman doing his part as Titans on brink of clinching AFC's top seed

Washington (6-10) at Giants (4-12)

1 p.yard. ET | Trick
Matchup rating: 12.5 | Spread : WSH -seven (37.v)

What to watch for: Tin the Giants muster whatsoever criminal offence and make this competitive to potentially salve coach Joe Approximate's job? Information technology has been that ugly. Quarterback Jake Fromm is starting for the 2nd time in his career and had 25 yards before being pulled ii weeks ago. And the Giants -- with Mike Glennon starting -- did worse last week in Chicago with minus-ten yards passing. They improve produce something against a Washington defence assuasive 265.6 yards per game through the air, 3rd worst in the NFL. -- Hashemite kingdom of jordan Raanan

Bold prediction: Washington receiver Terry McLaurin will surpass 100 yards and catch a touchdown pass. New York has done a decent job against opposing wideouts, and McLaurin has not been trigger-happy information technology up, mainly due to quarterback play and inconsistent weapons around him. In fact, in Weeks 8 through 17, he was targeted just 54 times and had 33 catches. He surpassed 61 yards once during that stretch. Simply he caught 11 passes for 107 yards against the Giants in Week 2, and in four games against them, he has caught a combined 32 passes for 382 yards -- with ii 100-yard games. He will stop strong. -- John Keim

Stat to know: The Giants' minus-x team passing yards last week against Chicago were the worst by a team since the 1998 Chargers. And they have gone eight straight games with fewer than 200 passing yards, the team's longest streak since 2004-05 (12 directly).

Playoff and draft implications: Both teams are eliminated from the playoffs. The Giants are projected to pick at Nos. 5 and 8 in the draft, while Washington is projected to have the 11th pick (ESPN's FPI). See electric current playoff picture.

Injuries: Washington | Giants

Betting nugget: New York is 0-five ATS since starting quarterback Daniel Jones got injure. Read more.

Keim's pick: Washington 21, Giants 10
Raanan's option: Washington 18, Giants 13
FPI prediction: WSH, 57.5% (by an average of 2.5 points)

Matchup must-reads: Depleted Washington eliminated from NFL playoffs by latest tough loss but sees brilliant future ... Giants' Guess won't 'hibernate' from critics amid slump

49ers (9-7) at Rams (12-4)

iv:25 p.thousand. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 76.nine | Spread : LAR -four.v (44.v)

What to watch for: The stakes don't get much higher in a regular-season finale than what the Rams and 49ers are facing Sun. A victory for the Rams would earn them a third partitioning title in five seasons under coach Sean McVay and the No. two seed in the NFC. The 49ers, meanwhile, can clinch a playoff booth with a win, providing actress incentive to beat out their division rival for a sixth straight time. Also keep an eye on Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, who is on track to earn the NFL'south triple crown, leading the league in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions. -- Lindsey Thiry

Bold prediction: 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo -- injured thumb and all -- not only starts simply also plays well enough to lead the Niners back to the playoffs with a win. He is 5-0 in his career against the Rams and had his highest Full QBR of the season in the beginning meeting between these teams. Garoppolo and the Niners take played improve when their backs are against the wall this season, and information technology gets no more of import than a game with your season on the line. -- Nick Wagoner

Stat to know: Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has 98 career sacks and is seeking to become the sixth-youngest actor to reach 100. Merely Jared Allen, Reggie White, DeMarcus Ware, Bruce Smith and Von Miller reached the milestone at a younger age.

Playoff and draft implications: The Rams have a playoff berth all locked up, but they demand to win or have the Cardinals lose to win the NFC Due west. ESPN'south FPI says they take a 75% adventure. And the 49ers need to either win or take the Saints lose to secure a spot in the playoffs (62% chance). See current playoff picture.

Injuries: 49ers | Rams

Betting nugget: Niners coach Kyle Shanahan is 24-17 ATS equally an underdog, including eleven-iv ATS as an underdog since 2019. Read more.

Wagoner's pick: 49ers 24, Rams twenty
Thiry's pick: Rams 28, 49ers 21
FPI prediction: LAR, 64.4% (by an average of iv.9 points)

Matchup must-reads: How Lance has honed his game behind the scenes ... Rams' Akers given light-green calorie-free to return vs. 49ers ... Garoppolo (thumb) returns to practice ... Stafford, Rams overcome turnovers and mistakes just must play cleaner

Seahawks (half-dozen-10) at Cardinals (11-5)

4:25 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 71.7 | Spread : ARI -6.v (48)

What to sentinel for: The Cardinals need to bear witness that they can win at home after losing their by 4 there. The Seahawks won't be a rollover despite their disappointing flavor, and this game volition ready a tone for the Cardinals heading into the playoffs. There's more than on the line for Arizona than a potential NFC Due west crown. -- Josh Weinfuss

Assuming prediction: Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson will toss three touchdown passes with no turnovers in what might be his terminal game as a Seahawk -- and terminal gamble to testify prospective suitors that he's over the accurateness issues that marred his midseason render from finger surgery. He was in his second game back when he put upward a clunker of a operation in the Seahawks' loss to Arizona in Week xi. He also didn't have help from the running game that Seattle now has, which is thank you to Rashaad Penny's contempo surge. -- Brady Henderson

Stat to know: Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray is one of five players in NFL history with iii,500 passing yards in each of his first three seasons (Bakery Mayfield, Jameis Winston, Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning). And with 12 rushing yards, he could also become the fifth QB to have 400 rushing yards in each of his first 3 seasons (Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Russell Wilson and Cam Newton).

Playoff and draft implications: The Cardinals have a playoff spot, but they can too win the NFC West with a win and Rams loss. ESPN's FPI gives them a 25% risk. And Seattle is eliminated from the playoffs and without a first-round draft pick. Run into current playoff moving picture.

Injuries: Seahawks | Cardinals

Betting asset: Seattle's games are 9-2-1 to the under in its past 12 contests, and its route games are 6-1-1 to the under this season. Read more.

Henderson's pick: Cardinals 27, Seahawks 26
Weinfuss' pick: Cardinals 24, Seahawks 21
FPI prediction: ARI, 64.8% (by an average of 5.1 points)

Matchup must-reads: Penny might be running into Seahawks' 2022 plans ... Murray among the 360 current players wearing custom thigh pads ... Wagner: 'Lot of optimism' I'll stay with Seahawks

Patriots (10-6) at Dolphins (8-viii)

4:25 p.yard. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 68.5 | Spread : NE -6.5 (40)

What to watch for: Miami and New England are the top two defenses in the NFL over the by ii months in terms of expected points added, yards allowed per game, points allowed per game and 3rd-down percentage. The one area where Miami has its opponent this week browbeaten past a broad margin is sacks per dropback, though. The Dolphins (11.2%) rank outset, while the Patriots (6.4%) rank 13th. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

Assuming prediction: Patriots rookie defensive tackle Christian Barmore is finally going to do something he always wanted to in higher at Alabama but never could: sack Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, his former higher teammate. The Patriots second-round option has been creating disruption every bit an interior laissez passer-rusher and has grown considerably from the season opener against Miami when he played 26 snaps and registered simply i assisted tackle. Barmore's interior pressure volition be critical in the Patriots' potential push in the playoffs. -- Mike Reiss

Stat to know: New England quarterback Mac Jones has completed 67.vi% of his passes this season, which is the 2d-highest rate in Patriots history (min. 200 attempts), trailing but 2007 Tom Brady (68.9%). He also could pass Dak Prescott (67.8% in 2016) for the best completion pct past a rookie in NFL history.

Playoff and typhoon implications: The Dolphins were eliminated from the playoffs last week, and their only first-round option is the Niners' selection, which projects to be in the 2nd half of Round ane. The Patriots are in the playoffs, simply they tin can still win the AFC East. They need a win and a Bills loss, which ESPN'south FPI is giving a 5% gamble. Run into current playoff flick.

Injuries: Patriots | Dolphins

Betting nugget: Miami has won five direct home games, going 4-1 ATS. Read more.

Reiss' option: Patriots 23, Dolphins xvi
Louis-Jacques' pick: Patriots 24, Dolphins 13
FPI prediction: NE, 66.v% (by an average of v.seven points)

Matchup must-reads: Patriots rookie running dorsum Stevenson hits stride at perfect fourth dimension ... Deflating loss shines low-cal on Tagovailoa, state of Dolphins' criminal offence

Panthers (5-eleven) at Buccaneers (12-4)

4:25 p.m. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 55.2 | Spread : TB -8.5 (41.5)

What to lookout man for: The Buccaneers have to clean upward their run defense later a lackluster performance last week and tune out the noise of the Antonio Brown saga, which now has lawyers involved and allegations of mistreatment. Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said Thursday, "Our team is great. Our team knows the truth. They know what happened. Our guys are fine. They're prepare for Carolina." -- Jenna Laine

Assuming prediction: The Panthers, who didn't sack Bucs quarterback Tom Brady at all 2 weeks agone in a 32-6 loss, will sack him five times. And three of those will come up from edge rusher Brian Burns, who will pass Haason Reddick for the squad lead and win the decked-out golf cart the two wagered on the nearly sacks this season. -- David Newton

Stat to know: Brady needs 120 passing yards to suspension the Buccaneers' record (five,109, fix in 2019 by Jameis Winston) and 246 passing yards to ready his career loftier (5,235 in 2011). He also needs one more than passing TD to break the Bucs' single-season record (40, fix by Brady last flavor).

Playoff and typhoon implications: The Buccaneers already won the NFC Due south and can't earn the No. 1 seed. And the Panthers are eliminated and are currently looking at the No. 6 typhoon pick, per ESPN'southward FPI projections. Run into current playoff picture.

Injuries: Panthers | Buccaneers

Betting nugget: Tampa Bay is 5-1 ATS in its past six home games, and Carolina is i-5 ATS against teams with winning records this twelvemonth. Read more.

Newton'southward pick: Buccaneers 17, Panthers 10
Laine's pick: Buccaneers 32, Panthers 17
FPI prediction: TB, 85.0% (by an average of thirteen.7 points)

Matchup must-reads: O-line making it tough for Panthers to evaluate Darnold, QB position ... Without Brown, whom do Brady and the Buccaneers turn to next? ... Brown releases lengthy argument, tells his side of story days after leaving Buccaneers game

Jets (4-12) at Bills (10-6)

four:25 p.k. ET | CBS
Matchup rating: 49.9 | Spread : BUF -16 (41)

What to watch for: How will Jets quarterback Zach Wilson'south beginning exposure to the Bills' defense go? The rookie was injured when these ii teams met earlier this season, and he'll face a tough claiming in the league's top overall defence and No. 1 laissez passer defense. The Bills have immune just 11 passing touchdowns and forced 19 interceptions. Wilson hasn't thrown a passing touchdown in more than half of his starts this year. It is set up to be a long day for the Jets' criminal offense, particularly with the AFC East on the line for Buffalo. -- Alaina Getzenberg

Bold prediction: The Jets will blitz for at least 150 yards. Their running game has perked up (423 yards in the past two games), and the Bills are having problems in this area. Since Calendar week 11, Buffalo is 30th in rush defense, having yielded 152 yards per game. It's something that could bite the Bills in the postseason. -- Rich Cimini

Stat to know: Bills quarterback Josh Allen needs ii rushing touchdowns to tie Cam Newton for the most by a QB in his first 4 seasons. He has v career games with multiple rushing TDs, including last week against the Falcons.

Playoff and draft implications: The Bills are in the playoffs, simply they need a win or a Patriots loss to assure the AFC Eastward. ESPN'south FPI think information technology's probable (95%). Buffalo tin't reach the AFC'south top seed, though. The Jets are currently projected to pick at Nos. 4 and 7 in the draft. See electric current playoff picture.

Injuries: Jets | Bills

Betting asset: New York is 0-eleven outright in sectionalization games over the past two seasons, going 3-8 ATS. Read more.

Cimini's pick: Bills 31, Jets 20
Getzenberg's pick: Bills 34, Jets 13
FPI prediction: BUF, 92.three% (by an average of xviii.9 points)

Matchup must-reads: Jets' Saleh takes blame for 4th-down phone call mix-up ... How the Bills expect to reach playoffs, vie for AFC dominance for years to come up ... Wilson needs more than weapons, with Mims' future upward in air ... Bills prove they don't have to always rely on Allen's arm to win

Saints (8-8) at Falcons (7-nine)

4:25 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 33.1 | Spread : NO -4.5 (39.5)

What to watch for: Atlanta can sweep its biggest rival and get into the offseason with momentum in motorbus Arthur Smith's first year. Only New Orleans needs a win to have a run a risk to get to the playoffs. The availability of Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (hamstring), who is 58 yards shy of tying Mike Ditka'due south 60-year-old marker for rookie tight end receiving yards, could be the fundamental. -- Michael Rothstein

Bold prediction: Saints defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport volition each sack Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan twice. Jordan has vii.5 sacks over the past 3 weeks and has sacked Ryan 22 times in their careers (the most of any one player against any one QB in NFL history). New Orleans' defence volition continue to set the tone as it has throughout most of this flavour. -- Mike Triplett

Stat to know: Saints running dorsum Alvin Kamara has 255 touches this flavour, twenty shy of matching his career high -- despite missing four games. Only he needs 156 scrimmage yards to avoid posting a career low in that section.

Playoff and draft implications: New Orleans needs a win and a 49ers loss to go into the playoffs, which ESPN's FPI is giving a 38% chance of happening. Atlanta is eliminated from the playoffs and is projected to have the No. 10 pick in the draft. It holds a 63% chance to stay in the height ten. Encounter current playoff picture.

Injuries: Saints | Falcons

Betting nugget: Saints quarterback Taysom Hill is 6-ii ATS in his career as a starter, with the under going 7-one in those eight starts. Read more.

Triplett's pick: Saints 22, Falcons 16
Rothstein'due south pick: Falcons 20, Saints 17
FPI prediction: NO, 62.ii% (by an average of 4.1 points)

Matchup must-reads: 'Pissed off' Saints defense extends postseason hopes once more ... Despite missing the playoffs, the Falcons and Coach Smith have something to build on ... Why eight-viii ranks amidst meridian achievements for Payton, Saints coaches

Chargers (ix-vii) at Raiders (9-7)

viii:xx p.thousand. ET | NBC
Matchup rating: 48.vi | Spread : LAC -3 (49.five)

What to watch for: Keep an eye on Raiders quarterback Derek Carr vs. Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa. The last time the Raiders and Chargers hooked upwards, way back in Week 4, Bosa came away with some pointed comments about Carr, essentially challenging the quarterback'due south courage. He said Carr got "shook" in the pocket. Carr, facing the biggest game of his eight-year career, took the high road this week. "I think the role we missed, he said I was a great player and a great dude, [so] I think we should talk well-nigh that stuff instead of the negative stuff considering I think the globe of him," Carr said with a laugh. "I wish him the best always -- except this week, that's for sure." -- Paul Gutierrez

Bold prediction: Chargers running back Austin Ekeler will score at to the lowest degree ii touchdowns to get the Chargers to the postseason. And if he also adds 41 scrimmage yards, he'd bring together LaDainian Tomlinson (2005 and 2006) as the only Chargers with ane,500 scrimmage yards and twenty touchdowns in a season. Los Angeles has all of its starters back on both sides of the ball and is driven to get to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. -- Shelley Smith

Stat to know: Carr needs 72 passing yards to break the Raiders' single-season franchise record (Rich Gannon had 4,689 in 2002), and Justin Herbert needs 172 passing yards to break Dan Fouts' single-season franchise record for the Chargers (4,802 yards in 1981).

Playoff and draft implications: The Raiders can clinch with (A) a win, (B) a tie and a Colts loss, or (C) losses past both the Colts and Steelers. The Chargers can clinch with simply a win or a tie. ESPN's FPI is giving the Chargers a 59% adventure to brand the playoffs and the Raiders a 48% hazard. See electric current playoff picture.

Injuries: Chargers | Raiders

Betting nugget: Since 2015, the home team in the terminal prime number-time game of the season has gone 0-5 outright and i-4 ATS. Read more.

Smith's pick: Chargers 34, Raiders 21
Gutierrez'due south pick: Raiders 23, Chargers 21
FPI prediction: LAC, 58.ii% (by an average of 2.8 points)

Matchup must-reads: Chargers' Herbert gear up for first playoff-type moment of immature career ... Raiders expect Hobbs to play Sunday despite arrest ... Raiders' historic run of last-play wins has them in playoff hunt

Sabbatum's games

Chiefs (11-5) at Broncos (7-ix)

Saturday, 4:30 p.thousand. ET | ESPN/ABC
Matchup rating: 72.1 | Spread : KC -11.5 (45)

What to lookout man for: How much do these Broncos have left to give? The Chiefs' electric current win streak against Denver stands at 12, the Broncos have been eliminated from the postseason for the sixth consecutive yr, the Chiefs need a win to keep their playoff cheerio hopes alive and meaning change is coming to the Broncos' roster in the coming weeks. Denver's grapheme will exist tested, and it could really use a large offensive day. -- Jeff Legwold

Bold prediction: Broncos quarterback Drew Lock will not exceed his career QBR of 24.7 against the Chiefs. He has not played well in his three career games confronting Kansas Urban center, with two touchdowns, five interceptions and a completion percentage of 52.eight%. That won't improve significantly confronting a Chiefs pass defense adamant to play better than it did last week confronting Joe Burrow and the Bengals. -- Adam Teicher

Stat to know: Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill has 59 combined receiving yards over his past ii games, his second fewest in a two-game span over the by v seasons. But Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce has three touchdown catches over that bridge. His career high for a three-game span is 4.

Playoff and draft implications: The Chiefs accept already won the AFC West, and the Broncos have already been eliminated from the playoffs. But Kansas Metropolis can secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a Titans loss on Sunday. Meet current playoff moving picture.

Injuries: Chiefs | Broncos

Betting asset: Kansas City has covered six of its by seven games, and it is is ix-two against the spread (ATS) against Denver since 2016. Read more.

Teicher's pick: Chiefs 27, Broncos 13
Legwold's pick: Chiefs 28, Broncos sixteen
FPI prediction: KC, 64.eight% (by an average of 5.1 points)

Matchup must-reads: Chiefs motivated to rebound from loss with No. 1 seed nonetheless possible ... What are the Broncos' quarterback options this offseason? ... How much of the Broncos' tiptop-10 defense force volition GM Paton keep together?

Cowboys (11-5) at Eagles (9-seven)

Sat, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC
Matchup rating: 75.3 | Spread : DAL -4.five (43.five)

What to watch for: Both teams have secured playoff spots, and neither is guaranteed to improve its seeding with a win. So how will they handle this matchup? Dallas motorcoach Mike McCarthy said the plan is to play his starters, though several cardinal players are on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including linebacker Micah Parsons and left tackle Tyron Smith. Eagles omnibus Nick Sirianni has been noncommittal about his approach, merely with a host of starters on the reserve/COVID-19 list, quarterback Jalen Hurts notwithstanding dealing with a high ankle sprain and several veterans in need of balance, Philadelphia might lean conservative here. -- Tim McManus

Bold prediction: Cowboys running dorsum Ezekiel Elliott will reach one,000 rushing yards for the flavour. He needs 85 to get at that place, merely he has gone eleven games without rushing for at least 69 yards. Zeke will non have Smith blocking for him at tackle, just information technology's worth pointing out that he had 95 yards rushing against the Eagles in the start meeting of the year. In his career, Elliott has 884 rushing yards confronting Philadelphia. -- Todd Archer

Stat to know: Dallas has 33 takeaways this season -- tied with the Colts for the virtually in the NFL -- just hasn't finished with more than than 33 since 1987 (43).

Playoff and typhoon implications: Both teams are in playoff spots, and the Cowboys already won the NFC East. And neither can earn the briefing's No. 1 seed. Encounter electric current playoff picture.

Injuries: Cowboys | Eagles

Betting nugget: Philadelphia is i-five ATS against teams with winning records this season (0-half-dozen outright). Read more.

Archer'southward pick: Cowboys 20, Eagles 17
McManus' pick: Cowboys 28, Eagles twenty
FPI prediction: DAL, 56.5% (by an average of 2.2 points)

Matchup must-reads: Parsons' condition iffy equally Cowboys star on COVID list ... Goedert, Cox amongst 12 Eagles on COVID listing ... Loss to Cardinals raises questions on whether Cowboys tin handle playoff atmosphere ... With Eagles playoff-leap, here'southward what you need to know, including Week 18 strategy