Betting
1/1/24
3 min read
NFL 2023 Week 18 Survivor Pool Picks, Predictions
The regular season finale is unique in survivor pools because motivation becomes a massive factor. We’ll discuss motivation in every option, including contests with surprising opening spreads.
We’ll finalize our survivor pool stances on Saturday in our free Discord.
WEEK 18 SURVIVOR POOL PICKS
Dallas Cowboys (at Washington Commanders)
Spread: Cowboys -13.5
If the Dallas Cowboys win, they will be division champs and the NFC’s No. 2 seed. They will be highly motivated with two clear advantages: Dak Prescott’s passing attack and their premium pass rush against Washington’s bottom-tier offensive line.
The Washington Commanders have little to play for but pride against their primary rival, Dallas.
Philadelphia Eagles (at New York Giants)
Spread: Eagles -6
The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a brutal home loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week. That alone makes the Eagles a more untrustworthy option than in the first half of the season. The New York Giants nearly upset the red-hot Los Angeles Rams last week after giving Philadelphia a contested matchup in Week 16.
The Eagles need the Cowboys to lose to retake the NFC East. Both teams will play in the 4:25 p.m. window, so expect the Eagles to play their starters. If that expectation changes, we will discuss it in Discord.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Carolina Panthers)
Spread: Buccaneers -5.5
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can claim the NFC South by winning this matchup. They will be highly motivated against the league’s least successful team. That said, as we saw last week, Tampa is still an unreliable team that can’t be entirely trusted.
Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Cleveland Browns)
Spread: Bengals -4.5
The spread for this contest indicates the Cleveland Browns are expected to rest starters. The Cincinnati Bengals should only be considered if Cleveland is resting its core players.
Jacksonville Jaguars (at Tennessee Titans)
Spread: Jaguars -3.5
The Jacksonville Jaguars stopped their four-game losing streak with a win against the Carolina Panthers last week. If Trevor Lawrence returns to action, Jacksonville is a highly motivated team with more paths to victory than Tennessee. That said, expect Mike Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans to be a motivated spoiler.
Pittsburgh Steelers (at Baltimore Ravens)
Spread: Steelers -3.5
The spread for this contest indicates the Baltimore Ravens are expected to rest starters. That is the only circumstance the Pittsburgh Steelers should be even considered this week.
New England Patriots (vs. New York Jets)
Spread: Patriots -2
This could be Bill Belichick’s last game in Gillette Stadium. If you are without traditional options, the New England Patriots warrant consideration.
