NFL Week 18 AI Picks: Spread, Moneyline & Total Predictions

We’ve deployed our advanced AI models to cut through the Week 18 noise, delivering the sharpest picks for every spread, moneyline, and total. Turn the season finale into your biggest payday yet!

Ryan Murphy - Managing Editor at Covers.com
Ryan Murphy • Managing Editor
Dec 31, 2025 • 09:53 ET • 4 min read
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Photo By - Imagn Images. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes against the Los Angeles Chargers.

NFL Week 18 has arrived, and while some teams are packing for Cabo, others are fighting for their playoff lives. From a "winner-take-all" bloodbath in the AFC North to a high-stakes showdown for the NFC’s No. 1 seed between the Seahawks and 49ers, the storylines are electric and the betting lines are razor-thin.

We’ve crunched the numbers, simulated the matchups, and identified the sharpest edges on the board using our AI-powered Covers Predictions tool. Whether you’re looking for a lock or a live underdog, our NFL picks have you covered for the regular season's grand finale.

Week 18 NFL picks

Matchup Spread ML Total
Panthers @ Buccaneers Buccaneers -2.5 Buccaneers u44.5
Seahawks @ 49ers Seahawks -1.0 Seahawks u50
Saints @ Falcons Falcons -2.5 Falcons o43.5
Colts @ Texans Colts +10.5
Texans o39
Cowboys @ Giants  Cowboys -4.0 Cowboys u52
Browns @ Bengals  Browns +7.5 Bengals u44.5
Titans @ Jaguars  Titans +12.5 Jaguars u48
Packers @ Vikings  Packers +6.5 Vikings o36.5
Chargers @ Broncos  Chargers +12.5 Broncos o37
Chiefs @ Raiders  Raiders +5.5 Chiefs o36.5
Jets @ Bills  Bills -7.0 Bills o38
Dolphins @ Patriots  Dolphins +11.0 Patriots u46.5
Cardinals @ Rams Rams -7.0 Rams o46.5
Lions @ Bears  Lions +3.0 Lions u50.5
Commanders @ Eagles Commanders +7.5 Eagles u41.5
Ravens @ Steelers Steelers +3.5 Steelers u43

Lines courtesy of FanDuel.

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Panthers vs Buccaneers

This is a de facto NFC South Championship game. The AI favors the Buccaneers to cover the short spread at home, likely banking on Baker Mayfield’s experience over the surging Panthers. With "winner-take-all" pressure, expect a conservative, defensive struggle, making the Under 44.5 the sharp play.

View our matchup Panthers vs. Buccaneers matchup hub for more stats and analysis prior to kickoff.

Seahawks vs 49ers

In a bit of a shocker, the AI is backing the road Seahawks to clinch the NFC West and the #1 seed. This suggests the AI detects a mismatch in Seattle's current momentum or potential health issues for San Francisco. A one-point spread is essentially a "pick’em," so trust the ML.

Check out our Seahawks vs. 49ers matchup hub before game time.

Saints vs Falcons

Atlanta needs a win and a Tampa Bay loss to steal the division. The AI expects Kirk Cousins and the Falcons’ offense to click against a Saints team that has struggled for consistency. The Over 43.5 indicates a belief that Atlanta’s playmakers will finally break loose in a dome environment.

Looking for more analysis? Check out our Saints vs. Falcons matchup hub.

Colts vs Texans

The Texans are heavy favorites to win, but the AI warns of a "backdoor cover" by the Colts. Indy is expected to start Riley Leonard, and a double-digit spread is a lot for a division rivalry. Look for Houston to win, but the Colts to keep it within ten.

View our Colts vs. Texans matchup hub for more stats and analysis.

Cowboys vs Giants

Dallas is fighting for seeding and a win total bonus. While the Giants have historically been "spoiler" material at MetLife, the AI likes Dallas by at least a touchdown. The Under 52 is the key insight here; the AI doesn't see New York's offense contributing much to the total.

Find more stats, results, and trends on our Cowboys vs. Giants matchup hub.

Browns vs Bengals

Cincinnati should take care of business at home, but a 7.5-point spread feels inflated for a rivalry game. The AI predicts a "slugfest" where Cleveland’s defense keeps them within the number. Actionable tip: take the points with the Browns.

View our Browns vs. Bengals matchup hub for more stats and analysis prior to kickoff.

Titans vs Jaguars

Jacksonville is playing for the AFC South crown and a potential No. 1 seed. While they should win comfortably, 12.5 is a massive number for a Week 18 game. The AI suggests Tennessee will play hard enough to stay within two touchdowns.

Looking for more info? We have you covered on our Titans vs Jaguars matchup hub.

Packers vs Vikings

The Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed, while Minnesota is playing for pride and position. The AI suggests a closer game than the 6.5-point spread implies. With a low total of 36.5, the Over is an attractive play for two teams that usually find the end zone.

Visit our Packers vs. Vikings matchup hub ahead of kickoff.

Chargers vs Broncos

Denver needs this for the AFC No. 1 seed, while the Chargers are resting Justin Herbert for Trey Lance. Despite the talent gap, the AI likes the Chargers to cover the massive +12.5. Expect a heavy dose of the run game, pushing the score just over 37.

Dive into our Chargers vs. Broncos matchup hub for more key stats and trends ahead of the game.

Chiefs vs Raiders

The AI sees the Chiefs winning but failing to cover in a hostile Vegas environment. The Raiders always play KC tough, and with the Chiefs' second-half scoring woes this year, a 5.5-point cover on the road is a tall task.

Check out our Chiefs vs. Raiders matchup hub for a bonus score prediction.

Jets vs Bills

Buffalo is locked into a Wild Card spot but wants to maintain momentum. The AI doesn't trust the Jets' offense to keep pace with Josh Allen. A 7-point spread is a "dead number". If you like Buffalo, take the ML in a parlay to be safe.

Bolster your handicap by visiting our Jets vs. Bills matchup hub.

Dolphins vs Patriots

Drake Maye has New England eyeing the top seed. While the Patriots are the better team, the AI suggests Miami’s speed will prevent a blowout. The cold weather in Foxborough favors the Under 46.5, as Miami historically struggles in freezing temps.

Browse our matchup Dolphins vs. Patriots hub to see more stats, picks, and up-to-the-minute odds.


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Cardinals vs Rams

The Rams have a lot to play for depending on the Saturday results. The AI expects Matthew Stafford to carve up a porous Arizona secondary. This is one of the more confident AI "Over" picks on the board.

See our Cardinals vs. Rams matchup hub for more news you can use.

Lions vs Bears

The AI is calling for an "upset" here. Despite being 3-point road underdogs, the AI likes Detroit to win outright. Dan Campbell’s "never quit" culture makes the Lions a dangerous bet when getting points.

Find the latest odds and stats on our Lions vs. Bears matchup hub.

Commanders vs Eagles

Philadelphia is the only preseason favorite likely to win their division, but they haven’t been covering spreads lately. The AI expects a sluggish, low-scoring win for Philly that allows Washington to cover the +7.5.

Explore our Commanders vs. Eagles matchup hub for advanced stats and betting angles ahead of kickoff.

Ravens vs Steelers

The Sunday Night "Game 272" is a winner-take-all for the AFC North. The AI is backing Mike Tomlin as a home underdog, a scenario where he is historically profitable. Take the Steelers +3.5 and the Under 43 in what should be a brutal defensive battle.

Get the latest news and injury updates from our Ravens vs. Steelers matchup hub now.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Ryan Murphy Managing Editor at Covers
Managing Editor

Ryan Murphy began his love affair with sports journalism at the age of nine when he wrote his first article about his little league baseball team. He has since authored his own weekly column for Fox Sports and has been a trusted voice within the sports betting industry for the past eight years with stops at XL Media and Churchill Downs. He’s been proud to serve as Managing Editor at Covers since 2022.

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