When you think of player props in Week 18, you might think about contract incentives and how to use those to choose the right bets. However, sportsbooks are smart and usually increase the lines for players with contract incentives, so in my mind, it’s not even worth betting on them. Instead, I’ve turned to three players who I believe have an edge in their Week 18 game. Also, make sure to check out all of our NFL Week 18 picks.
Mike Evans (TB) Over 61.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
There are a lot of Week 18 games that don’t hold much significance. However, Sunday’s game in North Carolina is an exception. The Buccaneers can clinch the NFC South with a win over the 2-14 Panthers. That means Baker Mayfield and the Bucs can’t coast into the playoffs just yet. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rachaad White and Mike Evans sit in the second half of this game if the Bucs are winning by a decent amount, but first, the Bucs have to get a big lead. I’m expecting Evans to play a large part in that since he’s Mayfield’s favorite target. Plus, Evans has recorded at least 62 receiving yards in 9 games this season. Mayfield and Evans should lead the way with the division title on the line.
Check out our Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers predictions
Jared Goff (DET) Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (-110)
The Lions have clinched the NFC North and a playoff berth, but Dan Campbell isn’t satisfied yet. Detroit has a chance to move into the #2 seed if it wins and the Eagles and Cowboys both lose. It seems like a far-fetched dream, but Campbell has announced that he won’t sit his starters. That means the Lions are going to have Jared Goff under center, and I’m expecting him to be the one to lead Detroit to the win. With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs available to throw to, Goff has recorded 2 or more passing touchdowns in 5 of the last 8 games. Gibbs and David Montgomery might not rush as much as normal which should give Goff plenty of passing opportunities.
James Conner (ARI) Over 70.5 Rushing Yards (-130)
At the beginning of the season, James Conner wasn’t getting the same amount of carries as he had in the previous year. I was surprised to see that since Kyler Murray was out, but weirdly enough, Conner has seen his touches go back to normal ever since Murray returned. In Arizona’s last 4 games, Conner is averaging 19.25 carries and 91 rushing yards per game. Although the Cardinals have nothing to play for, they could play spoiler for the Seahawks. Seattle is still trying to find a way into the playoffs and it starts with a win in Week 18. If Murray and Conner can keep the game competitive in the first half, there should be plenty of opportunities for Conner to run in the second half.
Check out our Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals predictions
