2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 18

NFL picks and score predictions for Week 18 as the regular season comes to an end.

We’re here — the final week of the 2021 NFL season. It’s been quite the wild ride this year, as the longest season in NFL history has delivered plenty of twists and turns. Before we start talking playoffs, though, there’s still one week of regular-season action to get through.

With that in mind, we’ve got you covered with the Week 18 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. As always, I’ll never claim to know what the future holds. As it turns out, odds are high at least a few of my picks will be completely wrong. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience, and careful consideration.

This past week wasn’t quite as strong as the week before, but it definitely could have been worse considering how ridiculous the slate of games was. My Week 17 NFL picks culminated in a 9-7 record, “improving” my overall record on the year to 163-97-1. With one week to go before the season ends, I’m hoping I can end it on a higher note than that.

Just remember that making picks is not a science. Plenty of research goes into it, but there’s no crystal ball — craziness occurs every Sunday. Then again, isn’t that part of the fun of it all?

Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 18. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.

Week 18 Byes: None | All point spreads and odds are courtesy of WynnBet.

Week 18 NFL picks and predictions for every game

Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) at Denver Broncos (7-9)

Saturday, January 8, 4:30PM ET

Heading into Week 18, the Kansas City Chiefs already own the AFC West crown and a spot in the playoffs. However, there’s still more for them to play for. Depending on how other games play out, they’re still in the mix for the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye.

So you better believe the Chiefs will come with everything they’ve got against the Denver Broncos. And based on the way these two teams have been playing the last few weeks, I don’t see any way in which the Broncos give the Chiefs a real run for their money.

Yes, the Denver defense is one of the better units in the NFL. While that’s all good and dandy, it doesn’t mean much when your offense fails to do much of anything with the ball. Since Teddy Bridgewater went down, the Broncos have struggled to score points, which has hindered their ability to compete on a weekly basis. Expect more of the same in Week 18.

Patrick Mahomes does his usual thing, scoring points even against an outstanding Denver D. The Broncos do the best they can to manufacture their own touchdowns, but a surging Kansas City defense steps up and slams the door on the Broncos, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Prediction: Chiefs win 37-16 | Spread: Chiefs (-10)