NFL Week 18 Survivor Pick Rankings: Best Bets To Win Straight Up In Season Finale

Correctly predicting straight-up winners in the final week of the NFL season is a unique challenge. Plenty of teams have nothing left to play for, while a few Super Bowl contenders could rest their best players in preparation for the playoffs.

Here’s a ranking of the top-10 survivor pool picks for Week 18:

1) Indianapolis Colts (at Jacksonville Jaguars)

The Jaguars are 2-29 in their last 31 games, entering the season finale on an eight-game losing streak. Indianapolis won’t overlook Jacksonville since a win clinches a playoff berth for the Colts.

2) Tennessee Titans (at Houston Texans)

The Texans were fortunate to upset the Titans in Week 11, taking advantage of four Ryan Tannehill interceptions as Houston was outgained by 230 yards. Expect a much different result Sunday when a win would give Tennessee the AFC's top seed and a first-round playoff bye.

3) Kansas City Chiefs (at Denver Broncos)

The Chiefs still have their eyes on home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs. Kansas City has a 12-game winning streak against Denver, including a 22-9 victory in Week 13.

4) Buffalo Bills (vs. New York Jets)

The Bills should easily beat the Jets on their way to an AFC East title. Buffalo defeated New York 45-17 earlier this season. Buffalo has won eight of its last nine games against teams that are outside of the Week 18 playoff picture.

5) Cincinnati Bengals (at Cleveland Browns)

The Bengals still have a shot at the No. 1 seed, while the Browns have nothing on the line. Cleveland is 1-6 against teams in the Week 18 playoff picture.

6) Arizona Cardinals (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

The Seahawks needed a win over the Lions in Week 17 to improve their record to 6-10. The Cardinals are still vying for the NFC West title. Arizona beat Seattle 23-13 in Week 11 when Colt McCoy started in place of an injured Kyler Murray.

7) Los Angeles Chargers (at Las Vegas Raiders)

A playoff spot will likely be on the line when these AFC West rivals meet Sunday night. The Chargers beat the Raiders 28-14 early in the season, and L.A. remains the better team. Las Vegas was falling out of the playoff race before beating a couple of backup quarterbacks to get back above .500.

8) New Orleans Saints (at Atlanta Falcons)

The Saints need a win to keep their playoff chances alive, while the Falcons are already eliminated. New Orleans has given up no more than 10 points in three of its last four games.

9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Carolina Panthers)

It’s unknown how long Tampa Bay’s starters will play since the Bucs have already won the division but can’t get a bye. Even one or two quarters of Tom Brady should be enough to beat the struggling Panthers.

10) Minnesota Vikings (vs. Chicago Bears)

As long as Kirk Cousins returns from the COVID list and starts, Minnesota should end the season with a win. It’s been 12 weeks since the Bears beat a team that has fewer than 10 losses.