Nat Coombs' NFL Week 18 Tips Including Vikings @ Lions
Nat Coombs is an NFL writer and broadcaster who has been anchoring TV and radio coverage in the UK for over 15 years, working with a range of networks including BBC, TalkSPORT, FIVE, ESPN and Channel 4.
He writes a column for The Times and also hosts his own NFL podcast The Nat Coombs Show, which has been nominated for the best American Football podcast in the Sports Podcast Awards.
Nat has joined The Panel to share his three best tips for the weekend’s NFL action using the best prices from the leading NFL betting sites.
The double on the first two tips would pay just under 7/2 with Betway.
Nat Coombs' NFL Week 18 Predictions:
Saints @ Buccaneers Prediction: Baker Cooking On Gas
Picking Week 18 in the NFL is a close second to surviving 12 rounds with Canelo Alvarez in terms of tricky sporting challenges.
That’s especially true this year with very few games having any bearing on playoff proceedings.
As a result, a raft of second and third stringers are dropping in, thus creating all kinds of confusion as to who and what to pick.
Whilst it’s tempting to breathe some life into some of the dead rubber games by running with, say, Joshua Dobbs lighting up the Arizona secondary, logic prevails and we’ll look at three games that truly matter - on the surface anyway.
First up, the Bucs need to take care of business to ensure a playoff berth, and Baker Mayfield, surely smarting from a Pro-Bowl snub after a sensational season, will do just that.
Firstly, as reported by FOX Sports' Greg Auman, he’s on track for some mega bonuses to the tune of $500k per pop if he maintains his position in the NFC’s Top Five for various passing metrics - so there’s a few million riding on him personally to have a good game.
His number one guy Mike Evans needs 85 yards to tie the great Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1000-yard receiving seasons.
And with a win over a woeful New Orleans side, they’ll lock into the post-season. Expect them to fly out of the traps, and for Baker to air it out.
He’s gone for over 250 yards in seven of his last 10 starts, too, and threw for 325 when the Bucs racked up 51 points on New Orleans earlier in the season.
Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 1: Baker Mayfield 250+ Passing Yards - 4/5 With Betway
Dolphins @ Jets Tips: Go Over In Rodgers' Potential Swansong
Miami are like that guy at the poker table somewhere on the Vegas strip at four in the morning, clutching a few chips, knowing the end is near most likely, but still, just about in the game.
They can make the playoffs if they get the victory over the Jets, and Denver slip up against the Chiefs' second string.
New York, meanwhile, are the like the guy who has burned through three buy-ins, and is fumbling around at the ATM trying to get more funds to stay in the game.
Utter dysfunction, even by their lofty recent standards.
This could be Aaron Rodgers' last game as a Jet - possibly as a pro – based on his cryptic (what other kind are there?) comments this week, and there’s a one last-dance narrative with him and Davante Adams that could play out.
Conversely, Snoop Huntley will need to get it done for Miami, and he should have a pretty healthy cast of tag-team partners, assuming Jaylen Waddle is cleared to play, to help him towards that.
With the total reasonably low, I like the over.
Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 2: Jets Vs Dolphins Over 38.5pts - 20/23 With Betway
Vikings @ Lions Preview: First Half The Way To Go
The game of the week – maybe the season - is the battle for the number one seed between the two best teams in the NFC this season.
Detroit should have had this nailed on weeks ago, but defensive injuries have derailed them a little.
Minnesota have been quietly going about their business, which, with a more high-profile QB and bigger media market, would have had more people salivating about their Super Bowl chances.
Instead, they are oddly underrated for a 14-2 team gunning for top spot.
Detroit’s most recent games have got off to fast starts – logical enough with their offense chiming, underpinned by Dan Campbell's signature aggression.
But their defensive frailties have also been apparent, with each of their last four match-ups – vs San Francisco, Chicago, Buffalo and Green Bay - seeing 27 points or more in the first half.
Sam Darnold making the Pro Bowl is the comeback story of the year, and he’s demonstrated he’s far more than a game manager in this Vikes offense.
Detroit's defense is allowing the most yards per play (7.4) since Week 14, so expect Darnold, JJ and Jordan Addison to cook.
Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 3: Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 3: Lions Vs Vikings Over 24.5 First-Half Points - 10/19 With Betway
Other Betting Trends Worth Considering:
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles:
The Giants have conceded 20+ points in 9 of their last 10 games, while the Eagles have scored 20+ points in each of their 12 games.
Eagles to score over 19.5 points - 10/11 With Betway
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots:
The Bills have scored 20+ points in each of their last 11 games, while the Patriots have conceded 20+ points in each of their last 6 games.
Bills to score over 19.5 points - 20/23 With Betway
Los Angeles Chargers @ Las Vegas Raiders:
Raiders, who have scored 2 FGs in their last 7 1st quarters, have lost the 1st quarter in 6 of their last 7 games, while the Chargers won the 1st quarter last week in New England.
Chargers -0.5 to win the 1st quarter - 21/20 With Betway
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers:
The Packers have scored 25+ points in 5 of their last 6 games, while the Bears have given up 25+ points in 3 of their last 4 games.
Packers to score 25+ points - 20/23 With Betway
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
The Saints have given up points in all 4 quarters in each of their last 3 games and the Buccaneers scored in every quarter last week as well as the first meeting with New Orleans this season.
Buccaneers to score in all 4 quarters - 7/5 With Betway
Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys:
The Cowboys have the worst run defense in the NFL with 24 rushing TDs allowed, the Commanders have scored 24 rushing TDS. Expect a big game from Washington running back Brian Robinson.
Brian Robinson to have over 11.5 carries - 4/5 With Betway
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