Betting on the NFL gets more intriguing in week 18, with two key matchups set to determine division winners and lock in the two remaining playoff spots.
Most playoff spots are decided, and many teams have already been eliminated. However, week 18 still offers unique betting opportunities as teams try to affect rivals’ postseason positioning, and two slots are still up for grabs.
Below we will examine the two matchups that will complete the NFL playoff bracket and review 2026 Super Bowl odds before the postseason begins.
NFC South – Panthers or Buccaneers
The Carolina Panthers are on the cusp of their first playoff appearance since 2017. However, they must fight off their NFC South rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to secure a postseason spot. The Panthers just beat the Bucs in week 16, winning by a field goal in the last two minutes.
The Buccaneers are currently on a four-game losing streak after close losses to the Saints, Falcons, Panthers, and Dolphins, but remain favored to defeat the Panthers in week 18.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
- Spread: Panthers +3.0 (-110) / Buccaneers -3.0 (-110)
- Moneyline: Panthers +140 / Buccaneers -165
- Total: O43.0 (-110) / U43.0 (-110)
AFC North – Steelers Or Ravens
In the AFC, the Steelers are in a similar situation after losing to the Cleveland Browns in week 17. A win over the Browns would have secured their division title and a playoff spot. Now, they must beat the Ravens to secure a postseason berth.
The Ravens lost to the Steelers in week 16 (27-22). The game was not as close as the final score suggests. The Ravens are favored to win in week 18 despite the Steelers dominating the division for most of the year.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers*
- Spread: Ravens -3.5 (-105) / Steelers +3.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Ravens -195 / Steelers +165
- Total: O41.5 (-105) / U41.5 (-115)
Betting On Super Bowl LX Futures
With the postseason fast approaching, NFL playoff odds are starting to dominate the conversation. Bettors are zeroing in on everything from weekly game lines to long‑shot Super Bowl futures, plus a growing menu of props and specialty markets.
It’s the point in the season when every matchup feels bigger, every number matters a little more, and value can disappear in a heartbeat. If you’ve been eyeing a futures ticket, this is the moment to lock it in before the market shifts again after week 18.
Super Bowl LX 2026 Winner
- Los Angeles Rams +500
- Seattle Seahawks +650
- Philadelphia Eagles +900
- San Francisco 49ers +900
- Buffalo Bills +1000
- Denver Broncos +1000
- New England Patriots +1000
- Houston Texans +1400
- Jacksonville Jaguars +1400
- Baltimore Ravens +2000
*Resources:
