The AFC North will crown a division champion and could see two other teams make the playoffs. The Ravens or the Steelers can take the North, while the other will be a wildcard team. Cincinnati could also clinch a playoff spot, but they need a win, along with a lot of help on Sunday to pull off the improbable berth. Have a look at the Week 18 full odds on BetOnline.
Browns vs. Ravens (-17.5, T-42)
It’s simple for Baltimore: win and clinch the AFC North. For the Browns, they’re playing for the highest draft pick possible, which could end up being the top selection if everything goes their way. The Ravens are coming off a crushing 31-2 victory over the Texans on Christmas Day, with Lamar Jackson continuing to play at an MVP level—throwing for a couple of touchdowns, running for another, and rushing for 87 yards, while Derrick Henry racked up 147 yards on the ground. Baltimore has the No. 1 rushing offense (185.6 YPG) and the No. 1 run defense (81.6 YPG). On paper, this really looks like a major mismatch, but can the Ravens cover such a big spread, especially if they decide to sit their stars later in the game? And can Cleveland even reach double digits in points? They’ve been outscored 44-9 in their last two games and have scored just one touchdown in the last three outings.
Best Bet Prediction: Under 42
The spread in this game is massive, making it tough to take a side, as we could see starters benched at some point. The Ravens should comfortably win this, and with the Browns' inability to score, the under makes perfect sense here.
Game Betting Odds
- Browns +17.5
- Ravens -17.5
- Total: 42
- Moneyline: Cleveland +1000, Baltimore -2000
Recent Betting Trends
- Cleveland is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
- Baltimore is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
- Ravens are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
Bengals vs. Steelers (+3, T-48.5)
The Steelers have already clinched a playoff spot but have a shot to win the division if the Ravens are upset earlier in the day, which likely doesn’t happen. However, Pittsburgh is still playing for something, as a win would secure the No. 5 seed, but a loss could drop them to No. 6. The Bengals need to win and then receive some help on Sunday to make the playoffs. Joe Burrow is playing like an MVP. After a poor start, Cincinnati has won four straight, and Burrow has a chance to reach 5,000 yards (4,641, league-leading) this season. He has thrown an NFL-high 42 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions. He has the weapons, and scoring hasn’t been a problem. But can the defense provide some balance? They have allowed the fourth-most points in the NFL. The Steelers were one of the surprise teams this season but now have lost three straight, albeit against some of the NFL elite (Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs). Pittsburgh has a significantly better defense and special teams than the Bengals, but the offense has struggled. Additionally, it’ll come down to how much Mike Tomlin wants to keep his starters in the game, knowing a playoff spot is clinched and to avoid any injuries.
Best Bet Prediction: Bengals -3
It’s tough to take a side, but with the Bengals in desperation mode, you have to side with them here. Joe Burrow is chasing 5,000 passing yards and needs the win to stay alive for at least one more day. At some point, I feel the Steelers will start pulling players to rest them for the wild-card round.
Game Betting Odds
- Bengals -3
- Steelers +3
- Total: 48.5
- Moneyline: Cincinnati -155, Pittsburgh +130
Recent Betting Trends
- Bengals are 10-6 ATS this season
- Steelers are 10-6 ATS this season
- Cincinnati has hit the OVER in 11 of 16 games
- Steelers are 4-1 SU in their last five meetings vs. Cincinnati