Happy New Year! 2025 didn’t end on a high note for picks as I lost my last NFL pick on Monday (Rams) and college football pick (Ohio State). Let’s hope 2026 brings a heck of a lot more fortune.
The good news, for those who’ve followed my recent posts, is that in Year 29, I won my league’s fantasy football title for the first time. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’ve won most of the leagues I’ve ever played in except my own. Finally that narrative is done. Now can I find a wife sometime in 2026 (or soon after)?
On to the Week 18 picks:
Last week: 10-6
2025-26 Regular Season: 171-84-1 (67%)
2024-25 Regular Season: 180-92 (66%)
2024-25 Overall: 190-95 (69%)
Tampa Bay has lost 7 of their last 8 games with only a three-point win over a pathetic Cardinals team mixed in. I believe the Buccaneers are more talented but either way, won’t win the division once Atlanta beats New Orleans on Sunday. It’s been an absolute free fall for a team that looked to be head and shoulders above the rest of the division. Todd Bowles needs to be replaced if / when the collapse is final.
Panthers 24, Buccaneers 23
I don’t like picking Sam Darnold in criticial situations, but Seattle’s defense gives them an edge, even on the road. I’ll likely be fading the Seahawks in the postseason, but I think they edge out San Francisco for the NFC’s #1 seed in Week 18. PS – since he led me to my first ECFFL fantasy football title, I have to name a new dog (when I get one hopefully in 2026) McCaffrey, right?
Seahawks 27, 49ers 24
Both of these teams have been red hot – too bad their seasons essentially ended in October. Without their star wide receiver, Chris Olave (blood clot), the Saints are devoid of reliable weapons. I’ll go with the home team for that reason.
Falcons 26, Saints 20
I’m not a conspiracy theorist by nature, but Cleveland beating Pittsburgh last week setting up a very meaningful Week 18 matchup for the AFC North was plenty suspicious. The Browns stink on offense and their defense will get torched by Joe Burrow and company, who if healthy, should have a much improved 2026 season.
Bengals 27, Browns 14
The Philip Rivers story was nice but even he couldn’t stop the Colts free fall. From 8-2 to 8-8…soon to be 8-9…incredible. Remember when I said that Shane Steichen was a shoe-in for Coach of the Year? Horrendous take by me. Nonetheless, Houston rolls and will be plenty dangerous this month.
Texans 26, Colts 10
Unfortunately for Houston, Jacksonville has been red hot and will clinch the AFC South title with an easy win over one of the league’s worst teams. I could definitely see a Jaguars-Texans rubber match for the AFC Championship in three weeks.
Jaguars 29, Titans 14
This game is going to be dreadful to watch. Either J.J. McCarthy against Clayton Tune with the QB matchup will be an eyesore. Green Bay is content to avenge their Week 16 loss to Chicago in the Wild Card round next week so they’re blatantly tanking this week.
Vikings 19, Packers 10
The Giants won last week against the pathetic Raiders but must avoid doing so again this week. Right now they sit 2nd in draft order, tied with three other teams. A win could be very costly. Plus, it’s very Dallas-esque to ball out when the stakes mean nothing.
Cowboys 33, Giants 24
The Jets are another team who must do everything in their power to lose. That won’t be hard, no matter who Buffalo plays or doesn’t play. I still don’t know what to make of the Bills in the postseason considering their lack of homefield advantage.
Bills 23, Jets 13
I want to thank Jared Goff for being so awful last week against the Vikings, helping in part to my fantasy title. The Bears continue to find ways to win games, but I’ll be looking to pick against them when I can either next week or the following week in the playoffs. Their defense isn’t anywhere near championship caliber.
Bears 27, Lions 22
Apparently the Chargers are resigned to playing New England next week and won’t play their starters. Denver crushes them and rolls to the AFC’s #1 seed and a bye next week.
Broncos 26, Chargers 10
The quarterback play in this game is going to be awful. But the Raiders need to lose to secure the top overall pick in April’s draft and they’ll do everything possible not to win. Projecting 25 total points might be high in this game. The game under (36.5 currently) looks like the right side.
Chiefs 16, Raiders 9
Inexplicable first half by the Rams on Monday night but in the end it won’t hurt them. With a 49ers loss and a win over the pathetic Cardinals, L.A. will likely travel to Carolina next week, where they will exact revenge for a regular season loss to the Panthers.
Rams 34, Cardinals 21
New England won’t get the #1 seed so don’t be surprised if they look at the Denver score and rest the starters for the second half. The Patriots will have the game well in hand though as they don’t want to drop a seed line to Jacksonville.
Patriots 28, Dolphins 17
Tanner McKee will thrive in Week 18 and put himself on the map as a potential starter candidate for a rebuilding team’s QB situation. A rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game looked fun on paper in September…but is lousy in reality this weekend.
Eagles 24, Commanders 13
Without DK Metcalf, who the heck will Aaron Rodgers throw it to against the stingy Baltimore secondary? I think this will be the future Hall of Famer’s last game in the NFL. Baltimore should give Derrick Henry as many carries as he can handle and if so, the Ravens will be hosting a playoff game next weekend.
Ravens 23, Steelers 16
Back next week with College Football Playoff semifinal picks + Wild Card Round playoff picks!
Cohen's Corner 