Upside Play's NFL Pick Em' Finals (Week 18)

Pick Em' Rankings going into week 18:

#1 Zach: 56-41 (57.7%)

#2 Ryan: 53-42 (55.7%)

#3 James: 52-44 (54.1%)

#4 Maher: 47-46 (50.5%)

#5 Patrick: 48-47 (50.5%)

#6 Vince: 46-51 (47.4%)

#7 Nick: 41-52 (44%)

San Francisco 49ers (9-7) @ Los Angeles Rams (12-4)

Lines: LAR -4.5 // O/U 44.5

Vince: 49ers

Maher: Rams

Ryan: 49ers

Zach: Rams

James: 49ers

Patrick: 49ers

Nick: Rams

We’re in for another NFC West classic as the 49ers have their backs against the walls against the division leading Rams on the road. San Francisco have been dominant over the Rams the past few years but with more trouble in the secondary due to covid and either an injured Jimmy or a rookie QB with 2 games under his belt under center this could be a massive uphill battle. The YAC attack has been crucial for SF and getting the trio of Deebo, Aiyuk, and Kittle going in space will be crucial. The Rams have been on an absolute tear, winning their last 5 games with a +55 point differential during that run. Matt Stafford has elevated this offense and has them playoff ready, first they’ll have to take on the 49ers this Sunday.

New Orleans Saints (8-7) @ Atlanta Falcons (7-9)

Lines: NO -3.5 // O/U 40.0

Vince: Falcons

Maher: Falcons

Ryan: Falcons

Zach: Saints

James: Falcone

Patrick: Falcons

Nick: Falcons

The Saints are fighting for the last NFC playoff spot with the 49ers and go up against a team that has been mathematically eliminated. Bad news for them is that that team is their division rival Falcons who I’m sure would love to play spoiler to the team they beat earlier in the season. The Saints have had a reliable defense all year as they’ve allowed an average of less than 20 points per game. Atlanta has beat up on some bad teams this year but they have a former MVP under center and some weapons in Pitts, Patterson, and Gage that can catch fire. Taysom Hill vs. Matt Ryan in the dome for a playoff spot will be a fantastic watch this weekend.

Dallas Cowboys (11-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)

Lines: DAL -4.0 // 43.5

Vince: Eagles

Maher: Cowboys

Ryan: Cowboys

Zach: Cowboys

James: Eagles

Patrick: Eagles

Nick: Cowboys -4.0

There's mixed reporting on who will be on the field for the 11-5 Cowboys this week as there isn’t a ton of movement but if the cards land right they might end up getting a game at home in the playoffs, which I would consider important. Micah Parsons has played at an insane level in his rookie year revamping this defense with a true playmaker presence. The Cowboys are tied for the most turnovers in the league and have thrived off these big plays. Philly has also already clinched a playoff spot and could also potentially leave some guys off the field as they can’t move up or down much. Jalen Hurts has had a fantastic second half, utilizing their fantastic play in the trenches and turning it into W’s. It’s going to be a treat to see the Eagles in the postseason again.

Los Angeles Chargers (9-7) @ Las Vegas Raiders (9-7)

Lines: LAC -3.0 // O/U 50.0

Vince: Raiders

Maher: Chargers -3

Ryan: Chargers -3

Zach: Chargers-3

James: Chargers

Patrick: Chargers -3

Nick: Chargers

After all of the controversy and off field problems this season the Raiders somehow find themselves in a win and get in a situation against their division rival at home. This unscriptable 2021 season could have a happy ending as we gear up for a potential shootout. Derek Carr and this offense have been thriving in crisis mode as they’ve won 3 straight games without their biggest receiving threat Darren Waller. Justin Herbert and the Chargers were considered one of the better teams in the AFC after their three game streak over the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns early in the season. Since then they’ve been hard to gauge and have struggled heavily on the road. This is right up there for game of the week consideration and is officially on primetime.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

Lines: BAL -3.5 // O/U 41.0

Vince: Steelers

Maher: Steelers

Ryan: Ravens

Zach: Ravens

James: Ravens 3.5

Patrick: Ravens

Nick: Ravens

Both of these teams still have a good motive to play like the playoffs are on the line this weekend because technically they are, both will just need a good amount of help outside of a W. Heinz Field just said goodbye to their veteran QB as he will go head to head with Ravens backup Tyler Huntley in this season finale. TJ Watt has been a man amongst boys all year as he is the clear DPOY and has only played in 14 games. Baltimore can look forward to a fresh start as they have been hit with injuries more than any other squad this year. This AFC North battle is guaranteed to be physical regardless.