NFL betting odds, picks, tips - Which games to avoid, pursue in Week 18 - ESPN

What is worth betting in the NFL in Week 18? And what are the best plays to help you make smart wagering decisions?

Betting analysts Eric Moody, Tyler Fulghum,Seth WalderandAaron Schatz are here to provide their thoughts.

Note: Odds by ESPN BET.

Schatz: I can imagine that Dan Campbell will have his team playing hard even if the Lions are probably ticketed for the No. 3 seed in the NFC. The Lions are eighth in weighted DVOA, with the Vikings 23rd, and the Minnesota quarterback situation is a bit of a mess. The Lions already beat the Vikings in Minnesota a couple of weeks ago, 30-24, and I think they can do it again, so Detroit Lions -3.5 is a bet I'm comfortable taking.

Fulghum: I want to take the Ravens +4 (-115) hosting the Steelers. Although Baltimore has nothing to play for, we know this team has tremendous culture and depth on its roster, as evidenced by its recent outstanding preseason streak of covers. This is a division foe the Ravens know very well. Don't be surprised if they win the game outright. Sometimes, it's just easiest to bet a total when we're unsure of motivation, and I love an under when two poor offenses combine with inclement weather. Patriots/Jets UNDER 30.5 (-110) sure looks appealing to me. A 13-10 final score shouldn't surprise anyone in this situation.

Schatz: Please keep me away from the Rams at the 49ers, the battle of the backups. With both teams sitting starters, nobody has much of an idea of who is playing and how good they are going to be. I suppose there's a little bit of faith that the 49ers' offensive scheme can plug in any quarterback and get something good out of him, but that's already reflected in the line of 49ers -4 so there's no real advantage there.

Fulghum: I would stay away