NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 18, 2024 – Late Games

NFL Picks (Preseason 2024): 6-6 (-$375)
NFL Picks (Week 1, 2024): 6-10 (+$325)
NFL Picks (Week 2, 2024): 6-9-1 (-$1,395)
NFL Picks (Week 3, 2024): 10-6 (+$55)
NFL Picks (Week 4, 2024): 10-4-2 (-$5)
NFL Picks (Week 5, 2024): 4-10 (-$1,110)
NFL Picks (Week 6, 2024): 7-6-1 (-$555)
NFL Picks (Week 7, 2024): 6-9 (-$660)
NFL Picks (Week 8, 2024): 10-5-1 (+$1,405)
NFL Picks (Week 9, 2024): 7-7-1 (-$975)
NFL Picks (Week 10, 2024): 6-7-1 (-$1,275)
NFL Picks (Week 11, 2024): 11-3 (+$2,020)
NFL Picks (Week 12, 2024): 6-6-1 (-$1,370)
NFL Picks (Week 13, 2024): 11-4-1 (+$2,395)
NFL Picks (Week 14, 2024): 3-10 (-$2,620)
NFL Picks (Week 15, 2024): 8-7-1 (+$930)
NFL Picks (Week 16, 2024): 7-8-1 (+$310)
NFL Picks (Week 17, 2024): 10-6 (+$150)
2024 NFL Picks: 134-123-10 (-$2,750)

NFL Picks (2023): 143-141-10 (-$6,860)
NFL Picks (2022): 154-134-8 (+$9,860)
NFL Picks (2021): 144-137-2 (-$5,365)
NFL Picks (2020): 138-124-7 (+$9,350)
NFL Picks (2019): 148-128-9 (+$1,200)
NFL Picks (2018): 140-134-12 (+$845)
NFL Picks (2017): 137-147-10 (-$4,300)
NFL Picks (2016): 148-127-10 (+$780)
NFL Picks (2015): 133-138-10 (-$3,215)
NFL Picks (2014): 143-133-7 (-$1,885)
NFL Picks (2013): 144-131-8 (+$7,825)
NFL Picks (2012): 130-145-8 (-$7,445)
NFL Picks (2011): 137-133-12 (-$1,335)
NFL Picks (2010): 144-131-8 (+$5,880)
NFL Picks (2009): 151-124-9 (+$4,235)
NFL Picks (2008): 136-125-6 (+$6,105)
NFL Picks (2007): 162-135-10 (+$3,585)
If you don’t quite understand the line, total or anything else, go to my Sports Betting FAQ.

---

Go to Week 18 NFL Picks – Early Games

The Matchup. Edge: None.

If you want to create NFL Mock Drafts and NBA Mock Drafts, we have you covered as well. Check out the Mock Draft Builder. Some mocks on here have gotten more than 6,000 views!

Some featured NFL Mock Drafts in the MDB:

Jate Nones NFL Mock Draft

MalloryGlickman33 NFL Mock Draft

MIAMI OFFENSE: It’s currently unknown if Tua Tagovailoa will play. Miami’s quarterback missed Sunday’s game with a hip injury. He wasn’t needed versus the Browns, but his presence will be required for the Dolphins to have a good chance of beating the Jets.

Given the regression of the Miami offensive line, stemming from last offseason’s departures, the Dolphins have transformed from a team that constantly took deep shots downfield to a pair of dynamic receivers to a team that dinks and dunks. Tagovailoa gets the ball into the hands of his dynamic play-makers as quickly as possible and allows them to do all the work.

This sets up poorly for the Jets because they are among the league leaders in missed tackles this year, which should surprise no one. The only teams that have missed more tackles this season are the Colts and the Raiders.

NEW YORK OFFENSE: It’s almost hard to believe now, but Aaron Rodgers had been playing better entering last week’s game. Beginning with the first meeting against the Dolphins, Rodgers had some quality performances, beating the Jaguars and nearly taking down the Dolphins and Rams. This positivity came to an end last week when the Bills thoroughly embarrassed the Jets, who scored no points until garbage time when Rodgers was benched.

Rodgers will get one final start with the Jets. I suspect it’ll be better than it was last week. The Dolphins are in the bottom 10 of pressure rate, so they won’t be able to expose the issues on the offensive line like the Bills just did.

Also, Miami is below average against the run, ranking 18th in that department. The Jets will be able to successfully deploy Breece Hall this week after he failed to generate anything in the blowout defeat versus Buffalo.

RECAP: Here’s our third Aurora Snowmo game of the week. The Dolphins need to win to have a chance to reach the playoffs. Everyone expects them to prevail, especially after the complete and utter embarrassment from the Jets in their blowout loss against the Bills.

This is a perfect opportunity to fade a must-win team. The Dolphins have some major issues, especially with Tagovailoa enduring a hip injury. Meanwhile, the Jets are definitely live to win. They nearly beat Miami the first time they played them. In fact, the Jets had a big lead and blew it in the second half, ultimately losing in overtime.

This can be classified as the Jets’ Super Bowl. They’d love nothing more than to knock out a divisional rival out of the playoffs. They must also want to make amends for Sunday’s blowout loss to the Bills.

As far as this spread is concerned, I’m hoping we get a +3 with the Jets if it’s announced that Tagovailoa will play. If Tagovailoa is out, however, that would remove the Aurora Snowmo effect because the Dolphins would no longer be expected to win.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: Tua Tagovailoa was limited in Wednesday’s practice. It was nice that he practiced at all, but he missed last week’s game after being limited during all three practices, so we didn’t really learn anything from the injury report.

The Motivation. Edge: Jets.

Aurora Snowmo Game No. 3.

The Spread. Edge: None.

WalterFootball.com Calculated Spread: Dolphins -3.

Westgate Advance Point Spread: N/A.

Computer Model: Dolphins -1.

The Vegas. Edge: Jets.

Public on the Dolphins, sharps on the Jets.

Percentage of money on Miami: 66% (9,000 bets)

The Trends. Edge: Jets.

History: Dolphins have won 12 of the last 14 meetings.

Aaron Rodgers is 133-98 ATS since 2009.

Aaron Rodgers is 31-24 ATS as an underdog.

Aaron Rodgers is 42-28 ATS after a loss (14-8 ATS as a favorite of 7.5+).

Aaron Rodgers is 5-4 ATS as a home underdog.

Opening Line: Dolphins -2.5.

Opening Total: 41.5.

Weather: .

The Matchup. Edge: Broncos.

If you’re looking to bet legally, you can get the best sportsbook promos where you’ll get hundreds of dollars in free wagers if you sign up using the links on this page.

BENCHED STARTERS: The Chiefs have clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, so they won’t be playing their starters very much. I expect Patrick Mahomes and the starters to be on the field for a drive or two because Mahomes loves playing in meaningless games, including the preseason. However, he won’t be on the field for the entire first half. It’ll be Carson Wentz and the scrubs the rest of the way.

The Broncos should have their way with the Kansas City backups. Wentz is a high-quality reserve, but he won’t stand a chance against Denver’s defense without the services of Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and the other receivers. Meanwhile, Denver’s offense should be able to score easily against a defense missing its top players.

RECAP: This is our fourth Aurora Snowmo game of the week, but this one is different. I’ve noticed over the years that teams in must-win situations don’t choke if they’re playing against a team resting its starters because there’s too much of a talent disparity between the Aurora Snowmo team and the backups on the resting squad. The Chiefs reserves will only be able to do so much against the desperate Broncos.

I suspect Denver will cover this spread, which looks rather large. However, it won’t seem very large when the Broncos are up 17-3 in the second quarter.

Because we’re forced to pay a premium on the Broncos covering in a must-win, I’ll pass on betting this game.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: It’s interesting that this line fell off +11. There’s at least a bit of sharp action interested in backing the Chiefs.

The Motivation. Edge: Chiefs.

Aurora Snowmo Game No. 4.

The Spread. Edge: None.

WalterFootball.com Calculated Spread: Broncos -13.5.

Westgate Advance Point Spread: N/A.

Computer Model: N/A.

The Vegas. Edge: Broncos.

All the action on the Chiefs.

Percentage of money on Kansas City: 78% (12,000 bets)

The Trends. Edge: Broncos.

History: Chiefs have won 17 of the last 18 meetings.

Sean Payton is 9-3 SU vs. Andy Reid when coaching a winning team.

Sean Payton is 14-6 ATS in same-season revenge games.

Opening Line: Broncos -6.5.

Opening Total: 39.5.

Weather: .

The Matchup. Edge: Chargers.

I told you about my two books, How the 2020 MVP Was Stolen and a Safety and a Field Goal! Well, I’ve written a third book that was released this past spring! It’s called Jerks of the College Years. If you like Jerks of the Week, you’ll like Jerks of the College Years, as it’s a collection of weirdos I wrote about during my time at Penn State.

You can support the site by buying this book and spreading the word!

SAN ANGELES OFFENSE: The Chargers may not play their starters in this game. If they do, they won’t have an issue scoring on the Raiders. This is not same Las Vegas defense we saw at the beginning of the year that had Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Malcolm Koonce. All three are on injured reserve.

Justin Herbert had a completely clean pocket against the Patriots last week. Justin Herbert had all day to throw on Saturday, and that will continue to be the case. The Raiders have issues in their secondary that Herbert will be able to exploit.

Herbert will also be able to lean on J.K. Dobbins, who made his return from injury last week. The Raiders are just in the middle of the pack when it comes to stopping the run.

LAS VEGAS OFFENSE: Strong tackle play is a prerequisite for playing against the Chargers. This is obvious because the Chargers have two elite pass rushers on the edge. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack made life miserable for Drake Maye last week.

The Raiders have one great tackle in Kolton Miller, but his bookend won’t be able to block well in this game. D.J. Glaze is a stout run blocker, but his pass protection skills aren’t there yet. He doesn’t stand much of a chance in this game.

Las Vegas might have a chance to run on the Chargers, who have struggled against the run without Denzel Perryman. However, there’s a chance that Perryman may return this week if the Chargers believe that they need to win this game.

RECAP: The Chargers may play their starters depending on what happens on Saturday. If the Steelers lose to the Bengals, the Chargers will have a chance to capture the No. 5 seed by winning this game. Conversely, if the Steelers beat the Bengals, the Chargers will be stuck in the No. 6 seed, so they would likely sit their starters in that scenario.

This is a pick we can revisit on Saturday night. If the Steelers lose, I’ll be on the Chargers, though I imagine the line would move up. If the Steelers win, I’ll be on the Raiders, though I imagine the line would move down.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: Ladd McConkey was DNP with a toe injury on Wednesday. If this is even the slightest bit concerning, the Chargers could rest him. That would not be ideal if you’re asking the Chargers to cover a decent-sized number on the road.

The Motivation. Edge: None.

No edge found.

The Spread. Edge: None.

WalterFootball.com Calculated Spread: Chargers -1.5.

Westgate Advance Point Spread: N/A.

Computer Model: N/A.

The Vegas. Edge: Raiders.

All the money on the Chargers.

Percentage of money on San Angeles: 91% (7,000 bets)

The Trends. Edge: Raiders.

History: Raiders have won 6 of the last 10 meetings.

Raiders are 38-56 ATS after a win since 2009.

Raiders are 5-14 ATS in the final week of the season since 2003.

Opening Line: Chargers -3.5.

Opening Total: 42.5.

Weather: .

The Matchup. Edge: Seahawks.

A reminder that Jerks of the Week for this week is up, so just click the link. This week’s jerks entry is called Christian’s Bad Touch Uncle.

BENCHED STARTERS: The Rams have clinched the NFC West, so their starters won’t play. Sean McVay said as much on Tuesday.

There is incentive for the Seahawks, however. Geno Smith has $6 million in contact escalators on the line. Thus, he and his teammates will have something at stake.

RECAP: We know that the Rams won’t play their starters. This is not something they usually do, and McVay confirmed this during a Tuesday interview.

With that in mind, the Seahawks have to be the play. As mentioned earlier, there is some incentive for Seattle to play hard even though the team was just eliminated. Despite this, the spread is rather low. If the Rams sit their starters, this line should be upwards toward a touchdown.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: Ugh. I thought about locking in Seahawks -3, and it rose to -5.5. I then thought about locking in -5.5, and it rose to -6.5. I may finally lock this in soon!

The Motivation. Edge: Seahawks.

The Rams are resting their starters.

The Spread. Edge: Seahawks.

WalterFootball.com Calculated Spread: Seahawks -13.5.

Westgate Advance Point Spread: N/A.

Computer Model: N/A.

The Vegas. Edge: Seahawks.

Tons of action on the Rams.

Percentage of money on Los Angeles: 78% (7,000 bets)

The Trends. Edge: Rams.

History: Rams have won 15 of the last 22 meetings.

Opening Line: Rams -2.5.

Opening Total: 42.

Weather: Dome.

The Matchup. Edge: None.

I’m using this section to promote things from friends and readers of the Web site. If you want something promoted, shoot me an e-mail.

My friend Drew passed away three weeks ago after a battle with cancer. He was a great guy and a huge Eagles fan. He was very much into fantasy football; he was commissioner of one of my fantasy leagues for two decades. He’s survived by his wife and three young kids (ages 12, 10, 6), who will grow up without their father. If you can, please consider donating to the family to help them through this difficult time. Here’s the GoFundMe page for Drew if you’re able to give any support.

SAN FRANCISCO OFFENSE: Brock Purdy could not be stopped on Monday night, at least in the first half. The 49ers moved the ball up and down the field on the hapless Detroit defense. Despite missing three offensive linemen, Purdy completed almost all of his passes until the middle of the third quarter.

The 49ers obviously have plenty of offensive talent, but what we may have seen was their offense simply taking advantage of one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The Lions have no pass rush, so Purdy had all the time he needed to find open receivers. The Cardinals put a ton of pressure on Matthew Stafford last Saturday night, so perhaps they’ll have more success putting pressure on Joshua Dobbs, who will start in place of Purdy because of Purdy’s injured wrist.

It’s unlikely that the 49ers will have much luck running the ball either. Arizona surrendered a huge game to Chuba Hubbard two weeks ago, but dealt with the flu. The Cardinals put the clamps on Kyren Williams last week, so they should be able to bottle up Isaac Guerendo.

ARIZONA OFFENSE: While the 49ers offense was electric on Monday night, the defense was just as bad. They had no chance of stopping the Lions, though that is a difficult task.

The 49ers, like the Lions, have so many defensive injuries. They haven’t been able to stop tight ends this year, which is obviously a big problem against the Cardinals. Trey McBride finally scored a touchdown last week, so perhaps the floodgates will be open for his scoring potential.

San Francisco also had problems stopping Kyler Murray as a scrambler in the first meeting. With injuries at linebacker, this will continue to be the case. Murray played very well against the Rams last week, so he should continue to thrive in this matchup.

RECAP: I think there’s way too much of a spread overreaction to Purdy’s injury. The 49ers were -1 with Purdy, and they’re now +4 after the injury. There’s no way there’s a five-point difference between Purdy and Dobbs.

I like backing reserve quarterbacks against defenses ranked outside of the top 12. That happens to be the case with the Cardinals, who are 23rd in defensive EPA. Dobbs is a solid backup, and he has plenty of offensive firepower around him to thrive.

I’ll take the solid value with the 49ers at +4. Hopefully this spread continues to rise, and we get even more value at +6.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: I’m not going to bet the 49ers. They went all out against the Lions, so they could be deflated. They also have a ton of injuries, even beyond Brock Purdy. Nick Bosa and George Kittle are in danger of missing this game as well.

The Motivation. Edge: None.

No edge found.

The Spread. Edge: None.

WalterFootball.com Calculated Spread: Cardinals -2.5.

Westgate Advance Point Spread: N/A.

Computer Model: Cardinals -5.

The Vegas. Edge: None.

Equal action.

Percentage of money on Arizona: 51% (3,000 bets)

The Trends. Edge: None.

History: 49ers have won 4 of the last 5 meetings.

Opening Line: 49ers -1.5.

Opening Total: 46.5.

Weather: None.

The Matchup. Edge: None.

This week on ESPN, we’re going to have awful announcers calling the shots instead the great preseason homers like Kevin Reilly, Ron Wolfley and Don Tollefson, inept ESPN guys Emmitt, Herman Edwards, and aloof people like Jay Cutler. Here’s what it would sound like if some of these dudes (and some special guests) were calling this game:

Reilly: Welcome to the city of Detroit, home of the M&M. Guys, this is BS. Forgive me Mother for swearing, but I demanded to the network heads that I broadcast a game involving my Philadelphia Eagles, but they told me that it wasn’t an important game. BS, BS, BS! Every game involving my Philadelphia Eagles means something, even when we’re inevitably 16-0 one year and then are playing the worst team in the league. All that matters is my Philadelphia Eagles, and nothing else matters, including you idiots here with me! Hmph!

Emmitt: Thanks, Valvalis. I think your problem are you talking to the head. You should try talking to the network tail. As the old folk say, “Tail never flail.” I do my thesis at Florida Go Gata State on coin flopping and I determine that tail have a 70 percent chance of succeed. I think this cause me to go broke betting coin flop in the Super Game. And now I in gambler anonimals with Mike King, Tom Junior, and Carol Stone, but please do not repeated the name because it anonimals.

Reilly: Emmitt, my New Daddy once tried to sign me up for Mama’s Boys Anonymous, and in the first meeting they told me that I need to work on making my own macaroni and cheese even though I’m only 73 years old. Can you believe the nerve of these fascists!?

Tollefson: Reilly, whoever told you this deserves to be hanged by their nuts. No man should ever make his own macaroni and cheese. Any real man captures a woman, locks her in the cellar until she’s willing to do what she’s told, and then has her make macaroni and cheese for you while naked.

Reilly: Tolly, the only flaw in this plan is that I would have to look at a woman naked, which would only get me grounded and have my Nick Foles bobbleheads taken away from me by Mother. I’d be grounded for years because of this stupid woman! Speaking of stupid woman, Charissa Thompson is with another foreign leader tonight! Foreign leaders are constantly joining Charissa to argue for their country hosting international games after Roger Goodell stated that he wants to double the number of international games. Charissa, take it away!

Charissa Thompson: Thanks, Mike. According to our studio playoff expert, the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants both have a 93.09 percent chance of making the playoffs, and believe me, I’ve double checked his math because I take my job very seriously. We’re now joined by another world leader. This is a woman for a change, and she’s looking at me as if she wants to kill me. Ma’am, what gives?

Hillary Clinton: Thank you, thank you, it’s great for you to be with me, thank you, of course, you’re speaking to the rightful president who won 2016, but Russia and Macedonia interfered with the election, otherwise I would have won easily. And yes, football games should be held in this country because that’s what my handlers told me to say. Oh, and let me please note that I noticed that we do have an African American broadcaster here tonight, so I wanted to announce that I brought watermelon and fried chicken with me in my purse. I carry these items around with me all the time so people can know that I, as a white woman, and rightful president, can fully understand the plight of the African American.

Charissa Thompson: Did you say something about a flight? I know, girlfriend, I can’t wait to get out of here. This is so boring.

Hillary Clinton: Did you just refer to me as boring? I, Hillary Clinton, defender of all minorities, will never be called boring. That’s it! THAT’S IT! You’ll see if you make it out of this night alive, Charissa! You’ll be another name added to the list! REEEEEEEE!!!

Reilly: Hillary, why don’t you have any macaroni and cheese in your bag for me? It’s really not fair that you don’t. Camel Toe Harry, can you make me some macaroni and cheese?

Kamala Harris: First, let me say this: I grew up in a middle-class family. In my middle-class family, we did not have macaroni and cheese. That’s how middle class we were. My middle-class father would only be able to provide caviar and lobster and Kobe beef for us. Imagine the disappointment I had when I didn’t get Michael Jordan beef. We had to settle for Kobe beef, but I never complained. And now, this middle-class girl is on her way to the presidency. She’s also on her way to Kevin Reilly’s bed because he knows all of these network heads. Kevin Reilly, how about we go to the hotel across the street and let me ride you all the way to the top?

Donald Trump: Excuse me, excuse me, Kamala is finally acknowledging that not only was she poor in real life, but she also has poor character because only a total loser and a total disgrace would eat caviar, lobster and Kobe Beef, which is the worst food anyone has ever eaten or will eat, or so I’ve been told, but there’s no doubt that Trump eats the best food, which is the finest burgers and the finest French fries and those beautiful, golden arches, those big, beautiful golden arches, known as McDonald’s, which is a place Trump worked one time, Trump did better than the regular workers making the burgers and the fries, and the Chicken McNuggets, Trump did those better than anyone has ever done, or will ever do, and everyone agrees.

Wolfley: DONALD, YOU MAY BE THE SECOND-BEST MCDONALD’S WORKER OF ALL TIME, BUT NOT THE BEST BECAUSE MY SECOND COUSIN, A WATER BALLOON WHO BECOMES A FIRE BALLOON WITH PICKLES FOR ARMS AND PHONE BOOTHS FOR FEET ON FULL MOONS, IS THE BEST MCDONALD’S WORKER OF ALL TIME.

Reilly: Shut up, guys! New Daddy, can you please tell Camel Toe Harry that I don’t want to have sexual- New Daddy, why are you dressed in a panda bear costume?

Jay Cutler: Do I sense sexual harassment in the workplace? Who lives in the east neath the willow tree? Sexual harassment, panda.

Reilly: No way, New Daddy is Sexual Harassment Panda!? So cool!

Charles Davis: Kevin, sounds like you’re talking about the Island of Misfit Mascots, Kevin. You started with Sexual Harassment Panda, Kevin. How about Willy the “Don’t Stare Directly at the Sun” Worm? Care to share about the Happy the “Don’t Do Stuff That Might Irritate Your Inner Ear” Badger? Let’s talk about Jimmy the “Don’t Hold ono a Large Magnet While Someone Else Uses a Fan Nearby” Falcon, Kevin. We can get to Oinky the “Run Around with Scissors” Pig, Kevin, because you remind me of that as a piggy who oinks, Kevin.

Reilly: F**K YOU, CHARLES DAVIS, THE JOKE IS ONCE AGAIN ON YOU BECAUSE YOU’RE THE ONE WHO LOOKS LIKE A PIG, AND YOU’RE JUST JEALOUS THAT NEW DADDY IS A FAMOUS MASCOT, SO SUCK IT, CHARLES DAVIS! We’ll be back after this!

DETROIT OFFENSE: The Lions have major defensive problems, but their offense can score on anyone. Having said that, it’ll be more difficult than usual versus Minnesota because the offense is based so much on the running game. The Vikings are stout versus the run.

Despite the Lions not being able to get much out of Jahmyr Gibbs, they’ll be able to score on Minnesota. The Vikings have issues in their secondary, particularly against slot receivers and tight ends. This is where Jared Goff attacks, as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta figure to thrive.

The Vikings will be doing everything in their power to rattle Goff. That’ll be difficult to do. The Vikings blitz at the highest rate in the NFL, but Goff is excellent versus the blitz. He has 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions when blitzed this year.

MINNESOTA OFFENSE: As mentioned, the Lions have big problems stopping opposing offenses right now. Their defense has been ravaged by injuries, and they’ve looked utterly poor in two of their previous three games against the Bills and 49ers. The Buffalo outcome was fairly predictable, but it was shocking how bad Detroit’s defense was against a 49ers team missing three offensive linemen.

Brock Purdy was nearly flawless against the Lions on Monday night until the end of the third quarter. Sam Darnold was also stellar this past week, so he should be able to pick up where Purdy left off against this Detroit defense. Darnold’s weaponry is even better than what Purdy possesses.

The weakness of the Minnesota offense continues to be the left tackle situation, as Christian Darrisaw’s absence will play a factor at some point. However, that doesn’t appear to be this week, as Detroit’s pass rush has diminished by all of the injuries to the front seven.

RECAP: I would have been on the Lions, no questions asked, a week ago. Now, I’m not so sure. Detroit’s defense has taken such a hit by all the injuries. Not being able to stop the Bills was one thing, but Detroit’s inability to keep Purdy in check was another.

I’ve downgraded the Lions from Group A to Group B. If they were still in Group A, I would have made this line between -4.5 and -5.5. With the Lions in Group, a spread of -2 or so makes sense.

Because we’re getting a +3, I’m inclined to pick the Vikings. It’s close though; if this spread were -2.5 or less, I think I’d side with the Lions, so I can’t say I’m very confident in this pick.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS: The Lions have been beaten down, but they’ve at least gotten some good news by designating Alex Anzalone to return from injured reserve. He may not play this week, but it’s great that he’s almost ready to suit up again.

The Motivation. Edge: None.

No edge found.

The Spread. Edge: None.

WalterFootball.com Calculated Spread: Lions -2.

Westgate Advance Point Spread: N/A.

Computer Model: Lions -4.

The Vegas. Edge: None.

Equal action.

Percentage of money on Minnesota: 59% (18,000 bets)

The Trends. Edge: Lions.

History: Vikings have won 9 of the last 14 meetings (Lions won last 4 meetings).

Vikings are 12-30 ATS in their road finale since 1980.

Opening Line: Lions -2.5.

Opening Total: 52.5.

Weather: Dome.