Our expert NFL picks for Week 18 of 2023

The panel makes their final picks for the regular season.

Then there was one. We are in the final week of the 2023 regular season, and for a lot of fans they just can’t wait for this to all be over.

Unpredictability and injury marred this season from the opening week, and it never stopped. We saw some of the star’s biggest players suffer injuries and their team fall by the wayside, while simultaneously watch as some organizations rose from the ashes to become contenders. If nothing else this has been one of the most unpredictable rides imaginable, and that carries into Week 18.

There are a lot of teams who have nothing to play for on both ends of the spectrum. The best will be sitting starters in preparation for the playoffs, while the worst are just waiting for the draft to begin. However, there are a few games to really pay attention to as the regular season comes to a close.

• Buccaneers vs. Panthers: It’s win and they’re in for Tampa Bay, but if they lose to Carolina and the Saints win, then New Orleans wins the NFC South.
• Bears vs. Packers: Chicago has the ability to be the ultimate spoiler to their division rivals. A win over Green Bay sinks the Packers’ playoff hopes, where they’ll then need some serious math to find a way in.
• The entire AFC South: This is where everything gets wild. If the Jaguars win, they’re in. If the Colts win, they’re in. If either loses they’re likely out, and if they both lose then the Texans could win the division.
• Dolphins vs. Bills: Buffalo needs to win to punch their playoff ticket. If they don’t then there’s an odds-on chance they miss the playoffs.

Here’s who we’re picking this week.