This article analyzes the strategic implications of Week 18 NFL games, focusing on teams already in the playoffs resting players versus teams fighting for playoff spots or seeding. It highlights key factors to consider, such as tanking teams unexpectedly winning and resting teams performing well against the spread. The article uses specific examples like the Ravens vs. Browns and Bengals vs. Steelers matchups to illustrate these points.
Getty Images New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.taking place: teams locked into playoff berths resting star players or multiple starters … teams that need to win to make the playoffs and others who are trying to climb the seeding ladder to avoid a dangerous wild-card matchup … Many of the games include at least one of these factors and we’ll point them out as we go along.
But here are a few general things to keep in mind: — Not all “tanking” teams lose. In the past two weeks, the Raiders and Giants have given up the No. 1-overall pick with victories. — Not all “resting” teams lose. According to research by Steve Makinen of VSiN, over the past 13 years, locked-in playoff teams sitting key starters in the final week are 13-23 outright but 20-14-2 against the spread. Consider that before laying double digits to the 15-1 Chiefs.Ravens clinch the AFC North and No. 3 seed with a win, but would also get it with a Steelers loss later in the day. Not sure how hard John Harbaugh will push for a blowout. Once the lead gets to two touchdowns — or if Lamar Jackson takes a hit — will he prefer to speed up the ending? The Browns don’t figure to offer much resistance, particularly if Myles Garrett is out, but a final score such as 31-13 doesn’t cover this number.This is one of my favorite Week 18 scenarios — a team playing for survival vs. one that’s already in the playoffs and is trying to improve seeding. Bengals need a win then have the Broncos and Dolphins lose Sunday. That’s a lot to ask, but we might be witnessing the start of a miracle run by a Bengals team that was 4-8 after a 44-38 home loss to the Steelers.Joe Burrow celebrates after his the Bengals’ 30-24 overtime win over the Bengals on Dec. 28 at Paycor Stadium.with 2,005 yards instead of letting him take aim at Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 in 198
NFL Week 18 Playoffs Betting Strategy Tanking Resting Players
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