It’s by far the hardest week of football to forecast in the NFL when it comes to betting: Week 18, in which the playoff picture is pretty darn clear, but there are still some of scenarios in which those still alive can make it to the postseason.
That means some teams have something to play for, whether it’s for a higher playoff seed, a division title or just making it to the postseason. Then there are those who have a game that doesn’t matter to them either way.
And it’s that latter group we want to focus on to help you out. Here’s a guide to all the teams who could be sitting their starters in Week 18, which will no doubt affect spreads on their games.
(NOTE: We’ll update this as more information comes in):
[Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 22: Kenny Pickett #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Washington Commanders d2q at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
They’re the No. 2 seed in the NFC no matter what, so we’ll see, but maybe expect them to bench their starters. Does that mean Saquon Barkley doesn’t go for Eric Dickerson’s record?
Nick Sirianni on playing #Eagles starters next week in meaningless season finale vs. the Giants:
"Still not there." Said he hasn't spoken to players yet because he gave them Monday off.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 30, 2024
UPDATE: Nope! They’re benching Jalen Hurts and Barkley.
Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leaves the field after a game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
They’re probably benching their starters, but expect to see Josh Allen make a cameo. From The Democrat & Chronicle:
“In Josh’s case, one of the things that we know is very, very important to him is his consecutive starts streak,” McDermott said Monday. “And it’s important to him for a great reason; he wants to be out there with his teammates. And so he will be out there for a very, very short-lived amount of time and then he’ll be off rather quickly.”
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks up after a play during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
They’re the No. 4 seed in the AFC, but seems like starters will play some of the contest against the Titans? This one’s a little cloudy at the moment.
DeMeco Ryans on managing reps for starters vs the Titans mentions “everybody has to be ready to go” & “we’ll see how the game goes”
Seems like most starters will get some reps to get a bad taste out of their mouths after BAL loss. What do you think we should do? pic.twitter.com/0Yd8GOCZr9
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) December 30, 2024
Dec 19, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh congratulates players after a score in the second half against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
TBD. They have to wait to see what happens on Saturday to see if they have a shot at moving up in the AFC Wild Card rankings. Stay tuned.
Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A win and they’ve got the No. 3 seed, but it’s not a MUST win to host a playoff game. So Sean McVay will rest starters, with Jimmy Garoppolo starting at QB.
