The bets I’m making this Saturday.

Week 18 of the 2024 NFL schedule brings two further Saturday games, after the abomination that was the week 17 schedule. The Idea of more football always sounds good, but it’s a nightmare to plan a week around.

This week’s Saturday match-ups though, are among the few games this week that have any meaning. The AFC North is still very much alive, with the Ravens and Steelers still able to win the division. Meanwhile, Cincinnati‘s dramatic victory over the Broncos last week leaves them with an outside shot at the playoffs.

Making up for that though, are the Cleveland Browns. Having lost five-straight games heading into this weekend, the Browns have turned to fourth-string quarterback, Bailey Zappe, and placed David Njoku, Jerome Ford, Cedric Tillman and Pierre Strong on IR.

If winning this weekend could be compared to getting caught in the rain, the Browns are inside a tent in their living room, with a raincoat and wellies on and an umbrella up, whilst staring at a humidity reader, on a hot summer’s day.

One last thing before the bets, congrats to all those that tasted success in their fantasy leagues this season. I’ve really enjoyed putting out fantasy content this year and will have plenty more over the off-season and beyond.

Saturday Bets for Week 18

Browns @ Ravens

Saturday, 4.30pm ET

The Ravens really should clinch the the division in the opening game of the week, and will likely be able to rest key players at some point in the second half.

Unfortunately, Bet365 are yet to release quarterback props for Bailey Zappe, so I’ve had to make a late pivot before writing this. I’ve opted for a two-touchdown Baltimore lead at half-time. You could have made a case for this regardless of Cleveland‘s recent IR activity, so I think you can make this bet comfortably.

After that, I’m backing Mark Andrews to be heavily involved as the Ravens look to get the job done with minimal fuss.

Andrews has bagged a touchdown in five-straight games, and has ten scores over his last eleven. He’s also hit this week’s receiving yards prop in four of his last five games.

Baltimore -13.5 at half time 20/21

Mark Andrews over 33.5 receiving yards 10/11

Mark Andrews 1+ touchdown 7/5

Bengals @ Steelers

Saturday, 8pm ET

If the Ravens do somehow leave the door open for Pittsburgh, things would get very interesting for the late kick-off.

The focus will almost certainly be on Joe Burrow and the Bengals, though, as they look to set up a nerve-wracking final day for both Denver and Miami.

Personally, as much as it might mean more for Denver, the Bengals are the only one of those three teams that could genuinely win the Super Bowl. They’re the best of the three teams and I think it would be far more exciting if they were to progress.

Pittsburgh definitely won’t lay down for them though, regardless of the Ravens result, as they have playoff seeding still to play for. The Steelers have lost three-straight though, since beating Cincinnati 44-38 in week 13.

The Bengals haven’t lost since that defeat though, and are currently favored by 2.5, despite being on the road.

Similarly to Mark Andrews, I’ve backed Jaylen Warren to have a good game. Having moved ahead of Najee Harris in recent weeks, Warren will only need a modest game to hit both his rushing and receiving props this week.

Warren has 48 and 71 rushing yards in his last two games, whilst Cincinnati have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards/attempt in the league over their last five games (4.8).

Elsewhere, I’ve backed Andrei Iosivas to hit his receiving yards prop. Whilst not an obvious target for a betting preview, Iosivas has hit this weeks number in six of his last seven games.

Finally, I’ve backed a Russell Wilson interception. Wilson is coming off back-to-back weeks with an interception, whilst the Bengals defense lead the NFL with nine interceptions over their last five games.

Jaylen Warren over 40.5 rushing yards 10/11

Jaylen Warren over 21.5 receiving yards 10/11

Andrei Iosivas over 28.5 receiving yards 10/11

Russell Wilson 1+ interception 20/23

That’s me done for today. I’ll be back tomorrow with Sunday’s betting preview, likely focusing on the teams with something to play for.

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Thank you to everyone that’s read this far, and to anyone that’s been reading my fantasy football and betting work throughout the season. For anyone that was curious, I’m backing Bailey Zappe for 2+ interceptions later, depending on the odds.

Remember to always gamble responsibly.

In-depth stats taken from Pro Football Reference.

Odds taken from Bet365 (UK).

All odds accurate at the time of writing.