N.F.L. Week 18 Picks Against the Spread

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m., CBS

Line: Colts -15.5 | Total: 44

This is the linchpin game for the rest of the A.F.C. The Jaguars (2-14) are one game away from a merciful ending to a disastrous season. The Colts (9-7), though, need to win not only for their playoff berth but also because a loss would create mathematical chaos for other wild-card hopefuls.

Carson Wentz looked wobbly in his fast-track return from the Covid-19 list last week, throwing for only 148 yards and completing less than 50 percent of his passes in a loss to the Raiders. Jacksonville’s defense, which allowed the Patriots to throw for 290 yards and three scores last week, should allow him to rebound easily. Having Jonathan Taylor, the league’s rushing leader, in the backfield to help run out the clock helps, too. Pick: Colts -15.5

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m., Fox

Line: Vikings -3 | Total: 44.5

Both the Bears (6-10) and the Vikings (7-9) have been eliminated and both teams are expected to look for new head coaches. Kirk Cousins, who contracted the coronavirus last week, is expected to play, and his return should lift Minnesota after its dismal showing against Green Bay last week. Though the Bears have won their last two games, it’s tough to imagine them covering on the road. Pick: Vikings -3

Washington Footballers at Giants, 1 p.m., Fox

Line: Footballers -6.5 | Total: 38.5

Washington (6-10) showed life in the middle of the season, winning four straight games, but a loss to the Cowboys in Week 14 and a coronavirus outbreak that caused a game to be rescheduled killed all its momentum. The Giants (4-12), though, have played horridly all year, and the profanity-laced rant by Coach Joe Judge after their drumming in Chicago last week epitomized the organization’s frustration. Expect Washington to win easily and then enter the off-season focused on fixing its roster, name, mascot and, hopefully, its stadium. Pick: Washington +6.5

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans, 1 p.m., CBS

Line: Titans -10.5 | Total: 43

The team officially designated Derrick Henry for return this week from surgery to repair a foot injury that has kept him out since the end of October. Tennessee’s offense has regrouped now that receiver A.J. Brown is healthy, and D’Onta Foreman, who rushed for 132 yards last week, is also capable of providing starting-caliber production.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/06/sports/football/nfl-week-18-picks.html