NFL Week 18 Preview and Free Picks

Last Updated on December 30, 2025 1:50 pm by Erwin Noguera

We arrive at the final week of the NFL season, Week 18, with two decisive showdowns—one in each conference—that will determine the last remaining playoff spots.

The first game of the weekend will feature the Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the winner claiming the NFC South title and the loser being eliminated from the playoffs.

The same scenario will unfold in the AFC North, where the Baltimore Ravens visit the Pittsburgh Steelers, both fighting for the divisional crown and to avoid elimination.

In the race for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks face off, with the winner securing the top spot.

Meanwhile, in the AFC, the Denver Broncos will try to hold the No. 1 seed when they host the already-qualified Los Angeles Chargers.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all NFL predictions, the final bets for this Matchday, and the odds for each match.

NFL Week 18: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going through a difficult stretch that has them on the brink of missing the postseason. With a 7–9 record, they sit second in the division, but arrive on a four-game losing streak and have dropped seven of their last eight games.This season, they have lost four of the seven games played at home. Baker Mayfield has been intercepted in four straight games, and there has been only one game all season in which he did not throw at least one touchdown pass.

The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, lead the division with an 8–8 record, but were unable to secure their playoff spot last weekend after losing 27–10 at home to the Seattle Seahawks.Between Weeks 5 and 7, they won three straight games, and since then have alternated between a win and a loss. They have not reached the postseason since the 2017 season.

Buccaneers vs. Panthers Betting Pick: Buccaneers

NFL Week 18: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks

The San Francisco 49ers are second in the NFC West with a 12–4 record, one game behind their upcoming opponent, meaning a win would give them the division title for the 23rd time. They are in outstanding form, riding a six-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Chicago Bears 42–38. Brock Purdy has thrown 11 touchdown passes and added two rushing touchdowns over the last three games.

The Seattle Seahawks are chasing their 10th divisional title, the most recent coming in 2020. They are also in excellent form, having won six straight games and 10 of their last 11. Seattle has been the league’s best road team this season, winning six of seven away games, with their only loss coming against the Rams. Sam Darnold has thrown for 3,850 yards with 25 touchdown passes, but his 14 interceptions make him the third-worst quarterback in that category, behind Geno Smith (17) and Tua Tagovailoa (15).

49ers vs. Seahawks Betting Pick: 49ers

NFL Week 17: Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The Denver Broncos lead the AFC with a 13–3 record, but the New England Patriots hold the same mark, meaning that if Denver fails to win, they could lose the No. 1 seed in the conference. The Broncos have lost just one of their last 13 games, that coming two weeks ago at home against the Jaguars. They are coming off a 20–13 win over the Chiefs, with Bo Nix throwing one touchdown pass and scoring another on the ground. With 589 pass attempts, he is tied with Dak Prescott for the most in the league.

The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, have nothing left to play for. They are coming off a home loss to the Houston Texans and, with an 11–5 record, finished two games behind the Broncos. The Chargers have won three straight meetings against Denver, including a 23–20 victory in Week 3, when Justin Herbert completed 28 of 47 passes for 300 yards. This past weekend was not the best outing for rookie Omarion Hampton, but he is still putting together a strong season with four rushing touchdowns and one receiving score.

Broncos vs. Chargers Betting Pick: Broncos

NFL Week 17: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the final week with a 9–7 record and are still sitting atop the AFC North. They missed a huge opportunity to lock up both a playoff spot and the divisional title after losing 13–6 to the Cleveland Browns last weekend. Aaron Rodgers failed to throw a touchdown pass, with all of Pittsburgh’s points coming via field goals. It marked the second time this season that he did not throw a touchdown.

The Baltimore Ravens, meanwhile, are coming in with momentum after a convincing 41–24 road victory over the Green Bay Packers, keeping their playoff hopes alive heading into the final week. All they need to do is win, something they have managed in two of their last three games. Lamar Jackson did not play and remains questionable. However, Derrick Henry carried the load with four rushing touchdowns, giving him six over the previous two games and 16 on the season—second-most in the league behind Jonathan Taylor (18).

Steelers vs. Ravens Betting Pick: Ravens