The Silcoff Selections are here for Week 18 of the 2024 NFL Season! Below are my records for my straight up and against the spread picks for the season thus far.
Records Last Week:
Straight Up: 14-2
Against The Spread: 10-6
Season Records:
Straight Up: 172-84
Against The Spread: 130-120-6
Cleveland Browns (3-13) @ Baltimore Ravens (11-5) I Line: Ravens -20
The Cleveland Browns haven't scored more than seven points in three straight games, and a win by the Baltimore Ravens would clinch the AFC North title. The Ravens secure the division and the third seed by dominating the Browns B squad.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Browns 7
Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) I Line: Bengals -2
The Bengals need a little help to secure a postseason spot, but it all starts with taking care of business on the road. If the Ravens win, I anticipate the Steelers will ease up and prioritize staying healthy for the playoffs. With more on the line, Cincinnati's urgency propels them to a critical win, keeping their hopes alive heading into Sunday.
Prediction: Bengals 26, Steelers 21
Carolina Panthers (4-12) @ Atlanta Falcons (8-8) I Line: Falcons -8
The Panthers have been a feel-good story in the latter half of the season, but they remain far from being a truly competitive team. With the Falcons facing a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive, expect them to rise to the occasion and win at home.
Prediction: Falcons 28, Panthers 17
Washington Commanders (11-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (7-9) I Line: Commanders -6.5
Since their November loss to the Cowboys, the Commanders have rattled off four straight wins. I anticipate they’ll extend their streak to five this weekend, as a victory would keep them from sliding to the NFC's 7-seed.
Prediction: Commanders 29, Cowboys 20
Chicago Bears (4-12) @ Green Bay Packers (11-5) I Line: Packers -10
Green Bay is locked into the 6 or 7 seed, while the Bears are simply eager to put this season behind them. The Packers cruise past Chicago as they shift their focus to the Wild Card round.
Prediction: Packers 27, Bears 14
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) @ Indianapolis Colts (7-9) I Line: Colts -5
Perhaps the only stakes in this contest are the head coaches' attempts to keep their jobs. With their humiliating loss to the Giants, the Colts lost a chance to remain in the postseason competition. Indy wins the game as both teams move on to 2025.
Prediction: Colts 24, Jaguars 17
Buffalo Bills (13-3) @ New England Patriots (3-13) I Line: Bills -3
After this game, a coaching change in Foxborough could be imminent. With the number one draft pick in play, expect plenty of action from either Jacoby Brissett or Joe Milton under center for New England. Meanwhile, Buffalo completes the season sweep.
Prediction: Bills 19, Patriots 14
New York Giants (3-13) @ Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) I Line: Eagles -3
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had an opportunity to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. However, with the team locked into the number two seed, both Barkley and most of Philadelphia's starters will sit out this week. The Giants, who lost their shot at controlling the number one draft pick after last week’s win over the Colts, remain motivated under Brian Daboll. Without certainty about his future, Daboll inspires his team to finish strong, ending the season on a two-game win streak.
Prediction: Giants 17, Eagles 14
New Orleans Saints (5-11) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) I Line: Buccaneers -13.5
With a win, the Buccaneers will clinch the NFC South title, and I expect them to do so comfortably. The Saints, far removed from their strong 2-0 start, look like a team ready to wrap up the season. The Bucs take care of business, and Mike Evans secures another 1,000-yard season.
Prediction: Buccaneers 28, Saints 13
Houston Texans (9-7) @ Tennessee Titans (3-13) I Line: Titans -1.5
Based on the line, it seems the Texans will rest their starters this week, as they are locked into the AFC's four-seed. However, it would have been nice to see C.J. Stroud and the offense get a few series to build some momentum heading into next week's Wild Card round. That said, the Titans are struggling mightily, and Houston's backups might just outperform most of Tennessee's starters. Texans win on the road.
Prediction: Texans 16, Titans 13
San Francisco 49ers (6-10) @ Arizona Cardinals (7-9) I Line: Cardinals -4.5
The season from hell finally comes to an end for the 49ers this weekend in the desert. With both teams eager to move on to the offseason, I’ll side with the team that's simply healthier. Cardinals win at home.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, 49ers 20
Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) @ Denver Broncos (9-7) I Line: Broncos -10.5
The Broncos narrowly defeated the Chiefs in November. To secure a postseason berth, they'll need to beat the two-time defending champions' backups at home. In this must-win scenario, Denver gets the job done and rides into the playoffs.
Prediction: Broncos 24, Chiefs 14
Seattle Seahawks (9-7) @ Los Angeles Rams (10-6) I Line: Seahawks -6.5
As of a few weeks ago, this was supposed to be a showdown for the NFC West title. However, Seattle’s poor late-game execution throughout the season cost them a meaningful opportunity. Meanwhile, the Rams are resting players ahead of the playoffs. Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald has emphasized the team’s motivation to reach 10 wins this season. Seattle takes care of business and secures the victory.
Prediction: Seahawks 23, Rams 13
Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) @ Las Vegas Raiders (4-12) I Line: Chargers -4.5
With a win and a Steelers loss, the Chargers could climb the standings to claim the AFC's 5-seed. I expect Los Angeles to go on the road and secure a victory, reaching 11 wins in Jim Harbaugh's impressive first season as head coach.
Prediction: Chargers 21, Raiders 10
Miami Dolphins (8-8) @ New York Jets (4-12) I Line: Dolphins -1
In what could very well be the final start of his career—and almost certainly his last as a Jet—Aaron Rodgers and New York end the season with another loss. Even without Tua Tagovailoa, Miami still has a slim shot at the postseason and a chance to finish the season with a winning record. Given everything the Dolphins have endured this year, that would be a mildly impressive accomplishment.
Prediction: Dolphins 20, Jets 17
Sunday Night Football: Minnesota Vikings (14-2) @ Detroit Lions (14-2) I Line: Lions -3
The NFC North title and the NFC's number one seed will be decided in the final game of the 2024 regular season. In this primetime showdown, I like the Vikings to get the job done. Detroit is coming off a short week and a cross-country trip, with a defense battered by injuries. Capping off a remarkable season, the Vikings secure the top seed with their 14th win, while the Lions head into Wild Card Weekend on the road.
Prediction: Vikings 30, Lions 28
ATS Picks Recap:
Ravens -20
Bengals -2
Falcons -8
Commanders -6.5
Packers -10
Colts -5
Bills -2.5
Giants +3
Buccaneers -13.5
Texans +1.5
49ers +4.5
Chiefs +10.5
Seahawks -6.5
Chargers -4.5
Dolphins -1
Vikings +3
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