NFL WEEK 18 PICKS: 49ers set to capture NFC top seed

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The Niners have their share of defensive issues, but the Seahawks offence has steadily been on the decline over the past while.

Published Jan 02, 2026 • Last updated 57 minutes ago • 3 minute read

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs against Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. AP PhotoArticle content

The lines are from Covers.com and the home teams are in CAPs.

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TAMPA BAY -2.5 over Carolina

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Both of these teams are pretty bad and really shouldn’t make the playoffs. But in the putrid NFC South, we’ll take the ultimate funny scenario where the Panthers win and somehow still make the playoffs.

SAN FRANCISCO +1.5 over Seattle

The Niners have their share of defensive issues, but the Seahawks offence has steadily been on the decline over the past while and Sam Darnold’s history in pressure situations is shaky at best.

MINNESOTA -7.5 over Green Bay

The Packers have nothing to play for and can’t afford to even think about risking any key players given their injury situation.

Tennessee +13 over JACKSONVILLE

The Titans have quietly shown improvement in recent weeks, with the pressure seemingly off Cam Ward. Getting almost two touchdowns is enough to back them again.

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HOUSTON -10.5 over Indianapolis

The Philip Rivers return was a wonderful story, but that’s over and done with. Rookie Riley Leonard is going to get a trial by fire against the Texans defence.

Dallas -3.5 over NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants aren’t going to win another game and further blow their draft placement. The Cowboys should pile up a ton of points on offence.

CINCINNATI -7.5 over Cleveland

The Bengals are peaking at the right time, it’s just a shame that they don’t really have much to play for other than pride. Bonus: Myles Garrett gets the sack record in the loss.

ATLANTA -3.5 over New Orleans

The Saints have been decent with Tyler Shough showing some talent down the stretch, but he won’t have top receiver Chris Olave here. The Falcons get some revenge, in the process sending Carolina to the playoffs.

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Miami +10.5 over NEW ENGLAND

The Pats have been hit with some big off-field distractions this week and should be focusing on getting healthy for the playoffs rather than blowing out the Dolphins.

Arizona +7.5 over L.A. RAMS

There’s something going on with the Rams and, with aging and banged up stars, they could be better off resting them here.

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Detroit +3 over CHICAGO

The Bears do have a bit of seeding to play for, but aren’t likely to be going all out against a Lions team looking to end their season on a high note.

PHILADELPHIA -4 over Washington

If it wasn’t Josh Johnson starting again for the Commanders, they could’ve been the pick here, but Washington is hopeless with the journeyman.

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BUFFALO -7 over New York Jets

We could see the Bills rest some of their stars, but are you really certain the Jets will be able to capitalize on that?

Kansas City -5.5 over LAS VEGAS

Is this Travis Kelce’s last game? That’s the only real reason to watch this one which should be a real slog win for the Chiefs against a Raiders team that has quit.

Patriots’ Stefon Diggs charged with felony strangulation on day Cowboys cut brother Trevon

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DENVER -12.5 over L.A. Chargers

The Chargers already have thrown up the white flag and we’re not going to believe that Trey Lance is going to score any sort of upset playing alongside the backups.

PITTSBURGH +3.5 over Baltimore

They’ve already beaten the Ravens in Baltimore and how get more than a field goal at home against a team that’s likely starting a hobbled Lamar Jackson.

Last week: 5-10-1

Season: 116-132-8

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NFL WEEK 18 PICKS: 49ers set to capture NFC top seed

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