Just three underdogs – the Raiders, Cardinals, and Bengals – won outright last week. Week 18 might be more of the same, but there are a few dogs in position to gain a playoff spot with a win. That should provide enough incentive for these moneyline underdogs to win.
It’s the final week of the regular season and these are the top three NFL Week 18 moneyline underdog picks.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The first underdog on the list is the Raiders. They will play at home against AFC West rival the Chargers. The winner gets a playoff berth. The loser goes home.
If you recall, the Raiders 2021 season started at Allegiant Stadium on a Monday night and Las Vegas beat Baltimore in overtime. The Raiders season then took some serious turns – Gruden, Ruggs, etc. – before the past three weeks.
The Raiders have won three in a row, the last two as an underdog. The Chargers have been consistently inconsistent this season. They lost to Houston two weeks ago and pounded Denver last week.
The Chargers won the last game against the Raiders earlier this season. The Raiders defense has been playing very well. They gave up a little over 15 points per game in their last three games. They come through again at home with a win and a playoff berth.
Best Moneyline Pick: RAIDERS +130
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers took care of Cleveland last week in what was likely QB Ben Roethlisberger’s final home game. Can he work the magic again against another division rival?
Big Ben has before. In fact, Pittsburgh has won the last three in a row over the Ravens and seven of the last ten. A win helps the Steelers get closer to a playoff berth though they would still need some help. It wasn’t long ago that Baltimore was 8-3. Then, they lost to Pittsburgh 20-19. The Ravens have lost every game since and are now 8-8.
With the Baltimore QB situation still murky, give the edge to a Pittsburgh defense that poured it on Baker Mayfield last week.
Best Moneyline Pick: STEELERS +205
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Win and you’re in. It’s that simple for the 49ers. The Rams are in the playoffs no matter what. San Francisco has actually owned the Rams lately. The Niners are 9-3 straight up and against the spread against LA in the last 12 games.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t play last week as San Francisco beat Houston, but he is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. The Niners won the first game this season against LA 31-10. Another defensive effort like that will guarantee a win and a playoff spot.
The Niners have won five in a row over the Rams, who have won five straight games. San Francisco has more to play for. They’ll pull the upset.
Best Moneyline Pick: 49ERS +175