Buckle up, NFL bettors. Week 18 could take you on a wild ride this weekend.

Bleacher Report's NFL expert panel, which includes analysts Brad Gagnon, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski, and Maurice Moton, along with editors Wes O'Donnell, Ian Hanford, and Vince Michelino from B/R Betting Strategy, needed extra time to filter through coachspeak to figure out which playoff teams may sit starters or limit workloads for key players, a huge factor in several matchups.

You also have to wonder if overwhelming favorites in games with playoff implications will pull starters early to preserve key playmakers for Wild Card Weekend.

Our crew sorted through all the potential motives to break down the last full slate of the regular season.

As you can see in the standings below, our panelists have a lot at stake. O'Donnell is clinging on to a four-game lead for first place. Behind him, there's a five-game difference between second and sixth place.

Here's the leaderboard with last week's records in parentheses, followed by our experts' analysis of the games.

ATS Standings

1. O'Donnell: 140-110-6 (8-6-2)

2. Hanford: 136-114-6 (6-8-2)

3. Sobleski: 135-115-6 (8-6-2)

4. Moton: 133-117-6 (9-5-2)

5. Davenport: 132-118-6 (10-4-2)

6. Michelino: 131-119-6 (5-9-2)

7. Knox: 129-121-6 (8-6-2)

8. Gagnon 123-127-6 (9-5-2)

Consensus picks: 119-92-2 (7-4-2)

Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Jan. 1, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.

Buffalo Bills (13-3) at New England Patriots (3-13)

DK Line: Buffalo -3

The Buffalo Bills are locked into the AFC's No. 2 seed for the playoffs, so it makes sense that they're only favored by a field goal over the New England Patriots.

Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters he will use a "blend" of starters and backups.

Josh Allen and most of the Bills' offensive starters may not play in the second half or into the second quarter.

Remember, the Patriots only lost by a field goal to the Bills in Buffalo two weeks ago. That said, New England head coach Jerod Mayo spoke about the possibility of resting players to minimize the risk of injury.

Because of the uncertainty regarding player workloads, this game is a tough call, but O'Donnell made a case to back the Patriots.

"The Bills will pull Josh Allen very quickly after what should be no more than a ceremonial start. At the time of this writing, we don't know if the Patriots will sit Drake Maye to protect him and/or better their chances of locking up the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. Maybe the teams agree to play to a tie. I don't know.

"You can't tell the 22 guys on the field each snap not to do their jobs, though, and I'm just going to take the points and hope for the best here."

Predictions

Davenport: Bills

Gagnon: Patriots

Hanford: Patriots

Knox: Patriots

Michelino: Bills

Moton: Patriots

O'Donnell: Patriots

Sobleski: Patriots

ATS Consensus: Patriots +3

Score Prediction: Patriots 22, Bills 17

Chicago Bears (4-12) at Green Bay Packers (11-5)

DK Line: Green Bay -10

Depending on the outcome of the Washington Commanders' matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers could be the NFC's No. 6 or No. 7 seed.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur shared the team's goal following a Week 17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings: "Win every game."

While LaFleur's message speaks to giving maximum effort, his words don't indicate that the starters will play a full workload this week.

In Week 11, the Packers beat the Bears 20-19 thanks to defensive lineman Karl Brooks' field-goal block with time expiring in regulation.

Chicago has lost 10 straight games and should be hungry for a win to snap that losing streak. Gagnon expects the Bears to keep the score close at Lambeau Field.

"It's a big number considering that we don't know exactly how seriously the Packers will take this game," Gagnon said. "The Bears lose a lot, and in a multitude of unique ways, but they don't get blown out too often. They'll hang with nothing to lose."

Predictions

Davenport: Packers

Gagnon: Bears

Hanford: Packers

Knox: Packers

Michelino: Bears

Moton: Bears

O'Donnell: Packers

Sobleski: Bears

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Packers 24, Bears 16

New York Giants (3-13) at Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)

DK Line: Philadelphia -3

The Philadelphia Eagles know how close Saquon Barkley is to breaking Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record, but head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters the team will rest him and other starters.

Barkley only needed 101 yards to become the record holder, but he could still win his first rushing title. He leads the league with 2,005 yards on the ground, 222 yards ahead of Baltimore Ravens' Derrick Henry.

Locked into the No. 2 seed with the intent to rest Barkley, the Eagles are only slight home favorites over the three-win Giants, who are coming off a victory.

Still, O'Donnell sided with the Eagles.

"Initially authoring analysis of potentially the most poetic of poetic justices on the former Giants running back in position to break the rushing record against his old team, I'm now forced to simply write this: Don't pick the Giants," O'Donnell said.

"A week ago, Big Blue played its way out the No. 1 overall pick with a Drew Lock-led performance that not even he could've dreamt of in his wildest dreams. Big Blue isn't a good enough team to perform at that level again. I can't bring myself to back Brian Daboll's club at less than a touchdown let alone a field goal, regardless of which players Philly trots out there."

Predictions

Davenport: Eagles

Gagnon: Eagles

Hanford: Eagles

Knox: Eagles

Michelino: Giants

Moton: Giants

O'Donnell: Eagles

Sobleski: Eagles

ATS Consensus: Eagles -3

Score Prediction: Eagles 20, Giants 14

New Orleans Saints (5-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

DK Line: Tampa Bay -14

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers control their playoff destiny. This week, they have a win-and-in situation. If the Buccaneers win, they would claim their fourth consecutive NFC South title. If the Buccaneers lose, they would need the Atlanta Falcons to also lose their game against the Carolina Panthers to clinch a postseason berth.

Unless quarterback Derek Carr, running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave all return from injuries for this game, the Buccaneers have the firepower to outscore the Saints' Spencer Rattler-led offense by a significant margin.

The Saints have averaged 11 points in Rattler's five starts. In Week 6, he started against the Buccaneers, and Tampa Bay won 51-27.

Knox would back the Buccaneers even if the Saints were to get their key offensive playmakers back this week.

"There's a chance that the Saints will have Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave back for their Week 18 spoiler attempt against Tampa Bay. I'm not sure it'll matter much. The initial spark that Darren Rizzi seemed to provide has dissipated over the last two weeks, and New Orleans has the feel of a team ready to just get the season over with.

"The Buccaneers need a win to secure the NFC South, and I'd expect them to put on a show not unlike last week's 48-point explosion against the Panthers. Offensive reinforcements won't help a struggling defense that surrendered 51 points when the Bucs visited in Week 6. I expect Tampa to get out to an early lead and keep its foot on the gas for all four quarters.

"The Buccaneers won't face the Falcons—who beat them twice this season—again until 2025. However, they can avenge those losses by winning this one and driving a final dagger into Atlanta's season."

Predictions

Davenport: Buccaneers

Gagnon: Buccaneers

Hanford: Buccaneers

Knox: Buccaneers

Michelino: Buccaneers

Moton: Buccaneers

O'Donnell: Buccaneers

Sobleski: Buccaneers

ATS Consensus: Buccaneers -14

Score Prediction: Buccaneers 38, Saints 7

Houston Texans (9-7) at Tennessee Titans (3-13)

DK Line: Houston -1

Last week, the Baltimore Ravens embarrassed the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, crushing them 31-2.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans may give his starters a chance to build positive momentum before the team hosts a wild-card playoff matchup.

"Our last outing on the field was not good enough," Ryans said to reporters. "It was not representative of who we are. Defensively, offensively, just not a good representation of our team entirely. So we've got to go out and play better football."

Based on Ryans' comments, the Texans' starters may see extended time on the field, even though Houston is locked into the AFC's No. 4 seed.

Whether the Texans play their starters or backups for most of the game, Moton thinks they'll put together a dominant performance.

"Heading into Week 18, the Texans look like the weakest team headed to the playoffs," Moton said. "Last week, the Texans scored two points, and they've averaged just 16 points over their last four games.

"Houston needs a good showing for some positive momentum. Even if the coaching staff pulls starters as the game goes on, the Texans will likely put together a spirited performance to get back on the right track before their wild-card matchup.

"Texans starters and backups will use the regular-season finale as a confidence builder as the Titans look forward to picking either Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft."

Predictions

Davenport: Texans

Gagnon: Titans

Hanford: Titans

Knox: Titans

Michelino: Titans

Moton: Texans

O'Donnell: Texans

Sobleski: Texans

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Texans 26, Titans 13

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) at Indianapolis Colts (7-9)

DK Line: Indianapolis -5

The Indianapolis Colts took a shocking loss to the New York Giants last week, giving up 45 points to a team that had not scored more than 20 points since Week 9.

If Big Blue can run up and down the field on the Colts' 27th-ranked defense, the Jacksonville Jaguars may be able to do the same with wideout Brian Thomas Jr., who leads all rookies in receiving yards (1,178) and touchdowns (10). Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne could also have success on the ground against Indianapolis' 26th-ranked run defense.

On the other hand, Sobleski believes the Colts will show some pride by performing much better in their home season finale.

"The Colts were embarrassed last week against the New York Giants and saw any hope of making the postseason slip through the team's fingers. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley admitted as much. Jobs are now on the line. Indianapolis needs a strong showing against the Jaguars.

"Snapping a three-game skid against a division rival may not be enough to save anyone, but the Colts have clearly reached a crossroads where owner Jim Irsay could go in any direction. General manager Chris Ballard, members of the coaching staff and plenty of the roster need this victory to try and somewhat calm the waters. Desperation is a powerful incentive."

Predictions

Davenport: Jaguars

Gagnon: Colts

Hanford: Colts

Knox: Colts

Michelino: Colts

Moton: Colts

O'Donnell: Colts

Sobleski: Colts

ATS Consensus: Colts -5

Score Prediction: Colts 30, Jaguars 21

Carolina Panthers (4-12) at Atlanta Falcons (8-8)

DK Line: Atlanta -8.5

In Week 17, the Atlanta Falcons lost control of their playoff destiny in a loss to the Washington Commanders. Now, they need a win and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss to claim the NFC South title.

The Falcons will likely monitor the scoreboard for an upset in Tampa Bay, but Moton picked them to cover with the thought that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make strides before going into the offseason.

"The Falcons will probably miss out on the playoffs, though rookie Michael Penix Jr. can finish the season on a positive note in his third career start," Moton said.

"In two games as a starter, Penix has shown progress. Last week, he threw his first touchdown pass and gave his team a chance to beat the Washington Commanders on the final drive of regulation.

"The Falcons have already made it clear they will 'move forward' with Penix, so regardless of the outcome between the Buccaneers and Saints, the team probably wants to see him let it rip to see what he needs to work on during the offseason.

"Penix should be able to move the ball through the air against the Panthers, who allow the most passing touchdowns and are tied for fourth in yards allowed per pass attempt."

Predictions

Davenport: Panthers

Gagnon: Panthers

Hanford: Panthers

Knox: Falcons

Michelino: Falcons

Moton: Falcons

O'Donnell: Panthers

Sobleski: Panthers

ATS Consensus: Panthers +8.5

Score Prediction: Falcons 27, Panthers 23

Washington Commanders (11-5) at Dallas Cowboys (7-9)

DK Line: Washington -4

If the Washington Commanders beat the Dallas Cowboys, they would clinch the No. 6 seed and lock in a postseason matchup with the Los Angeles Rams or Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Washington may not need to go full throttle for four quarters to cover this spread. Last week, the Cowboys only scored seven points without wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who will be out with a shoulder injury.

Gagnon doesn't see how the Cowboys will slow down the Commanders offense. He sided with Washington to cover against a team that's run out of gas on offense and struggling on defense.

"That Washington offense is peaking right now, and I don't think Dallas has the defensive ability or the drive to slow down a Commanders team that looks as though it'll take this one seriously."

Predictions

Davenport: Commanders

Gagnon: Commanders

Hanford: Commanders

Knox: Commanders

Michelino: Commanders

Moton: Commanders

O'Donnell: Commanders

Sobleski: Commanders

ATS Consensus: Commanders -4

Score Prediction: Commanders 31, Cowboys 10

Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) at Denver Broncos (9-7)

DK Line: Denver -10

Like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC, the Denver Broncos have a win-and-in playoff scenario, though it's for a wild-card spot.

The Broncos have failed to clinch a playoff slot in consecutive weeks, losing to the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals on the road. They will return home for another shot at a postseason berth.

The Broncos are 5-2 ATS at home, and the Kansas City Chiefs, who have secured the AFC's No. 1 seed, will rest starters during this matchup.

Davenport expects Denver to win, but he backed Kansas City to cover the double-digit spread.

"For clarity's sake, I don't expect the JV Chiefs to actually win on the road against a Broncos team that needs a win to make the postseason. The Denver defense is legit, and Bo Nix has been better than expected. And the Chiefs will be trotting out a lineup that looks like the third quarter of a preseason game.

"But as backup quarterbacks go, Carson Wentz isn't a bad one, and these Broncos aren't exactly proven winners. If the Broncos appear to have the game in hand, they're likely to do exactly what the Chiefs are doing and rest starters. That leaves the back door standing wide open. Kansas City will slink through it, even if it means only finishing 15-2.

"Losers."

Predictions

Davenport: Chiefs

Gagnon: Broncos

Hanford: Chiefs

Knox: Chiefs

Michelino: Broncos

Moton: Broncos

O'Donnell: Broncos

Sobleski: Broncos

ATS Consensus: Broncos -10

Score Prediction: Broncos 28, Chiefs 17

Miami Dolphins (8-8) at New York Jets (4-12)

DK Line: Miami -1.5

The Miami Dolphins could clinch a playoff berth if they beat the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. Since both games kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET, the Dolphins will likely give their best effort regardless of what's happening in Denver.

The Dolphins may have to win this game with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, though. Tua Tagovailoa missed Miami's previous game because of a hip injury.

Davenport isn't concerned about the Dolphins' quarterback situation with a near-pick-em spread because he sees the Jets continuing to self-destruct in this matchup.

"This all boils down to one very simple fact—this spread isn't nearly big enough to justify taking the ongoing trainwreck that is the 2024 New York Jets—and that's with Tua Tagovailoa's status for Week 18 uncertain at best," Davenport said.

"Granted, beating the Cleveland Clowns isn't exactly a Herculean feat right now, but Miami handled its business last week on the road while the Jets were getting blown out in a game where Aaron Rodgers got the hook.

"The Dolphins have something to play for, even if the best-case ending is getting destroyed in the Wild Card Round by Buffalo. For the Jets, this debacle of a season can't end soon enough. That difference will show on Sunday."

Predictions

Davenport: Dolphins

Gagnon: Dolphins

Hanford: Jets

Knox: Dolphins

Michelino: Dolphins

Moton: Dolphins

O'Donnell: Dolphins

Sobleski: Dolphins

ATS Consensus: Dolphins -1.5

Score Prediction: Dolphins 21, Jets 17

Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) at Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)

DK Line: Los Angeles -6

The Los Angeles Chargers may be playing for the No. 5 seed in this game. If the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Chargers can leapfrog them to play the lowest of the AFC division leaders, which may be enough incentive for head coach Jim Harbaugh to play his starters for an entire game.

The Las Vegas Raiders have won back-to-back contests, but Moton isn't buying into the Silver and Black's winning streak as a sign that it can compete with a playoff contender.

"The Raiders have won consecutive games against the Jaguars and Saints, two teams currently within the top 10 of the 2025 draft order," Moton pointed out. If the Chargers play their starters, Los Angeles will bring Las Vegas back to earth.

"The Chargers beat the Raiders 22-10 in the season opener. Since then, the Raiders have lost Davante Adams via trade and Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins to injuries. Meanwhile, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has built a strong rapport with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

"Even if the Chargers gradually pull their starters during the game, they can cover with Harbaugh pushing his players to finish the season on the upswing.

"The Raiders will again look like a bottom-tier squad against a playoff-caliber opponent. Chargers win by more than a touchdown."

Predictions

Davenport: Chargers

Gagnon: Chargers

Hanford: Chargers

Knox: Chargers

Michelino: Chargers

Moton: Chargers

O'Donnell: Chargers

Sobleski: Raiders

ATS Consensus: Chargers -6

Score Prediction: Chargers 27, Raiders 17

Seattle Seahawks (9-7) at Los Angeles Rams (10-6)

DK Line: Seattle -5

The Los Angeles Rams have already won the NFC West title because they own the tiebreaker via strength of victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks are out of the playoff race.

Still, Los Angeles may want to avoid the Detroit Lions or Minnesota Vikings in the No. 4 vs. No. 5 wild-card matchup. If the Rams lose and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints, they would drop to the No. 4 seed.

That said, Rams head coach Sean McVay discussed the risk versus the reward in playing his starters and chasing a higher seed.

"You don't minimize the importance of every single game. But relative to what's at risk, what's at reward in terms of either or, and being able to maybe get some guys that are—you know, the toll that a season takes—get them back, refreshed, rejuvenated. Typically, we've erred on the side of leaning a little bit more towards that and I would imagine as we continue to finalize our plans, that's probably the direction we'll go."

Moton thinks the Seahawks, specifically quarterback Geno Smith, have more incentive than the Rams to play at their best in this NFC West battle.

"McVay doesn't seem concerned about his team's Wild Card Round opponent and hinted that he may rest starters as a precaution," Moton said.

"The Seahawks haven't won double-digit games in a season since 2020. Considering their offensive inconsistencies this year, they may have more motivation than the Rams to play at an optimal level with their first-stringers on the field for the entire game.

"Lastly, Geno Smith has no guaranteed money left on his contract beyond this season. He may try to boost his mediocre passing numbers before negotiating for a new deal in the offseason.

"Smith throws for 300-plus yards in one of the Seahawks' best offensive outings of the season, leading his team to victory by a touchdown."

Predictions

Davenport: Rams

Gagnon: Seahawks

Hanford: Seahawks

Knox: Seahawks

Michelino: Seahawks

Moton: Seahawks

O'Donnell: Seahawks

Sobleski: Rams

ATS Consensus: Seahawks -5

Score Prediction: Seahawks 26, Rams 14

San Francisco 49ers (6-10) at Arizona Cardinals (7-9)

DK Line: Arizona -4

These teams sputtered in the second half of the season.

The Arizona Cardinals lost five of six games following their Week 11 bye.

The San Francisco 49ers have lost six of their previous seven outings, and they've fallen apart because of injuries. Last Monday, quarterback Brock Purdy exited the game because of an elbow injury. He won't play in this contest, which means Joshua Dobbs could fill in for him.

Knox expects the Cardinals to play well at home as the injury-riddled 49ers stumble into the offseason.

"This is a meaningless game, which is largely the only kind the Cardinals seem to show up for. It also looks like it'll be Joshua Dobbs behind center for the 49ers. San Francisco seemed to be eager to go out on a high note—the 49ers certainly appeared motivated against Detroit on Monday—but I'm afraid Monday was this team's last hurrah.

"Arizona is a respectable 5-3 at home this season and has played competitively against divisional opponents not named Seattle. I don't know that the 49ers' injury-depleted roster can keep pace, and I expect them to end their Super Bowl hangover by sleepwalking through another loss."

Predictions

Davenport: Cardinals

Gagnon: Cardinals

Hanford: Cardinals

Knox: Cardinals

Michelino: Cardinals

Moton: Cardinals

O'Donnell: Cardinals

Sobleski: 49ers

ATS Consensus: Cardinals -4

Score Prediction: Cardinals 26, 49ers 20

Minnesota Vikings (14-2) at Detroit Lions (14-2)

DK Line: Detroit -2.5

This week's Sunday Night Football matchup will feature two 14-win teams competing for the NFC North division title and the No. 1 seed.

In Week 7, the Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-29, the fourth victory in an 11-game win streak that was finally snapped in a six-point loss to the Bills on Dec. 15.

Last Monday, the Lions beat the San Francisco 49ers to go undefeated on the road this season, but they gave up 34 points. Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and tight end George Kittle racked up 112-plus receiving yards against Detroit's 31st-ranked pass defense. All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson and two-time Pro Bowler (and former Lions tight end) T.J. Hockenson could produce similar or gaudier receiving numbers.

Also, bettors should remember that both Lions' losses were at home, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Bills.

However, Hanford believes the Lions will sweep their season series with the Vikings.

"This is a tough one. These teams have been on a mission all season, and I believe in both sides. Sam Darnold and the Vikings have shocked most and are perhaps the most overlooked 14-2 team that I can remember, but this is the game Dan Campbell's team has prepared for all year.

"And there's a lot on the line as the winner will get the NFC's No. 1 seed and the loser falls to No. 5. Seeding isn't always critical, but CBS Sports' Doug Clawson noted the fifth seed has made only three Super Bowls since 1978.

"Seeing as the Lions are still my NFC Super Bowl favorite, I'll side with them to lock up the top seed and put the odds of making the big game further in their favor. Jared Goff has been in these big moments before, and Ben Johnson's bag of tricks is deep. Lions by a field goal."

Predictions

Davenport: Lions

Gagnon: Vikings

Hanford: Lions

Knox: Vikings

Michelino: Lions

Moton: Vikings

O'Donnell: Lions

Sobleski: Lions

ATS Consensus: Lions -2.5

Score Prediction: Lions 37, Vikings 34

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Cleveland Browns (3-13) at Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

DraftKings Line: Baltimore -17.5

Result: Ravens 35, Browns 10 (Baltimore covers)

At first glance, this line will catch your eye because it's a massive number, and you would think that any underdog with an ounce of pride can cover this spread.

However, the Baltimore Ravens can clinch the AFC North title with a victory, and the Cleveland Browns haven't scored more than seven points in three consecutive games. Cleveland has scored just one touchdown since it benched quarterback Jameis Winston for Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

The Browns will start fourth-string quarterback Bailey Zappe over Thompson-Robinson on Saturday.

Despite the Browns' inept offense, Sobleski sided with them to cover a three-possession spread.

"Baltimore will be going into preservation mode at some point during this contest in hopes of not getting anyone injured just prior to the playoffs starting," Sobleski said.

"The thought process here is simple: Expect the Ravens to get up big early, as to secure a division title, then cruise to victory. But the Browns do have some pride and should be able to score points late to make the game look closer than it actually was. This pick is a backdoor play all day long."

Predictions

Davenport: Ravens

Gagnon: Ravens

Hanford: Ravens

Knox: Ravens

Michelino: Browns

Moton: Ravens

O'Donnell: Ravens

Sobleski: Browns

ATS Consensus: Ravens -17.5

Score Prediction: Ravens 33, Browns 6

Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

DK Line: Cincinnati -1.5

Result: Bengals 19, Steelers 17 (Cincinnati covers)

In the second game of the Saturday doubleheader, the Cincinnati Bengals will try to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win, while the Pittsburgh Steelers can lock in the No. 3 or No. 5 seed, depending on the outcome of the Baltimore Ravens matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

Because of the playoff implications for both teams, a near pick'em line looks appropriate for a contest between division rivals.

In Week 13, the Steelers beat the Bengals in Cincinnati, but they have lost three consecutive games, averaging 13.3 points in that span. Since their Week 12 bye, the Bengals have averaged 31.2 points.

Hanford picked the Bengals because their offense may be too much for the Steelers to handle, even with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. possibly returning healthy from a one-game absence.

"I expect the Steelers to play all of their starters no matter what the result of the Ravens game is, but I don't see those starters playing well enough to beat a motivated Bengals team," Hanford said.

"Joe Burrow might be the NFL MVP if he played for a better team. The Steelers defense looks shaky, and the offense looks more like what I expected to see from Russell Wilson this season.

"Cincinnati will need some help from Miami and Denver to get to the playoffs no matter the result of this one, but Burrow and company do their part and earn a win on the road."

Predictions

Davenport: Bengals

Gagnon: Bengals

Hanford: Bengals

Knox: Bengals

Michelino: Bengals

Moton: Bengals

O'Donnell: Steelers

Sobleski: Bengals

ATS Consensus: Bengals -1.5

Score Prediction: Bengals 31, Steelers 27