The Loop NFL Picks: Week 18

Packers at Vikings (-6½)

Now THIS is a meaningless game, with the Packers locked into the 7 seed and the Vikings locked into playoff absentia. For local fans, this contest won’t be nearly as entertaining to watch as, say, “Minnesota Day Care Center Follies.”
Pick: Vikings by 3

Dolphins at Patriots (-11½)

Former Viking Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation charges after an incident involving his personal chef. Patriots officials are expected to keep playing their accused star receiver every bit as long as they kept playing Aaron Hernandez.
Pick: Patriots by 17

Ravens at Steelers (+3½)

These two AFC North arch-rivals will close out the regular season playing for a division title. There will be mixed emotions because, as President Trump pointed out, Aaron Rodgers really wants to see the Ravens succeed.
Pick: Ravens by 3

Seahawks at 49ers (+1½)

Seattle’s Sam Darnold is now only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to win 13 games in consecutive seasons. That’s especially pungent for Vikings fans, because there’s no guarantee J.J. McCarthy will ever win 13 games.
Pick: 49ers by 3

Cardinals at Rams (-9½)

Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon reportedly believes his job is safe despite the Cardinals’ 3-13 record. The only people more confident that they will not be fired are Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem and RFK Jr.
Pick: Rams by 17

Chargers at Broncos (-7½)

Denver’s almost certain to lock up the AFC’s top seed because Los Angeles is resting quarterback Justin Herbert and most other starters. The Chargers care so little about Sunday’s game that Jim Harbaugh hasn’t even bothered to steal any of the Broncos’ signs.
Pick: Broncos by 10

Browns at Bengals (-6½)

Cleveland’s Myles Garrett is only one sack away from the NFL record of 21½. Former Vikings QB Brett Favre is said to be a bit verklempt that he’s retired and thus would not be able to take a dive for the Browns star’s record-breaker.
Pick: Bengals by 7

Titans at Jaguars (-11½)

Jacksonville is going for only its fifth division title in franchise history. The Jags haven’t appeared in the playoffs since 2023. That happens to be, by the way, the last time Trevor Lawrence trimmed his mane.
Pick: Jaguars by 7

Panthers at Buccaneers (-2½)

Tampa Bay is trying to become only the sixth team with a losing record to make the NFL playoffs. Such a feat is not that uncommon in this country because of how often our elections have been won by losers.
Pick: Panthers by 3

Chiefs at Raiders (+5½)

Former Las Vegas assistant Chip Kelly had been hired as the new offensive coordinator at Northwestern. It should be a step up for Kelly, as the Wildcats have a much more professional offense than the Raiders.
Pick: Chiefs by 7

OTHER GAMES

Colts at Texans (-10½)
Pick: Texans by 7

Jets at Bills (-8½)
Pick: Bills by 21

Lions at Bears (-2½)
Pick: Bears by 3

Saints at Falcons (-2½)
Pick: Falcons by 3

Commanders at Eagles (-8½)
Pick: Eagles by 11

Cowboys at Giants (+5½)
Pick: Cowboys by 7

RECORD

Last week
10-6 straight up
7-9 vs. spread

Season
155-100-1 straight up (.608)
123-133 vs. spread (.480)

All-time (2003-25)
3974-2201-15 straight up (.644)
3034-3012-145 vs spread (.502)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X– @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.