Published on: January 2, 2026, 11:11 AM.
Updated on: January 2, 2026, 11:14 AM.
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson ready to lead against the Steelers this Sunday
- Seahawks slight favorites in crucial NFC matchup with 49ers
- Patriots’ Mike Vrabel favored for Coach of the Year, according to DraftKings’ Avello
Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has dispelled any concerns about his back issue affecting his participation in Sunday’s match against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Carolina Panthers will face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tomorrow at 4:40 PM EST, while the Ravens travel to Pittsburgh to clash with the Steelers Sunday night at 8:20 PM EST. These games are crucial, as the winning team secures a playoff spot while the losing team is eliminated.
Jackson reassured the media that he remains committed to the Ravens, despite speculation about his future after this season. “I’m 100 percent ready to go,” he said. “Feeling great… excited to be out there with my team. I’ve been focusing on treatment. There’s always external chatter in the NFL. My priority is winning.”
Week 18 Betting Lines
The Denver Broncos will host the LA Chargers this Sunday at 4:25 PM EST, alongside the Jacksonville Jaguars welcoming the Tennessee Titans at 1 PM EST and the New England Patriots taking on the Miami Dolphins at 4:25 PM EST—all competing for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
This weekend, the Seattle Seahawks are set to visit the San Francisco 49ers for a pivotal game at 8 PM EST, which could determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
According to DraftKings, the Ravens are listed as -185 moneyline favorites, with the Steelers at +154. The Seahawks are -125, the 49ers +105. The Jaguars are heavily favored at -900 against the Titans +600, while the Broncos are -1000 and the Chargers +650. The Buccaneers are at -155, with the Panthers +130. The Patriots are significant favorites at -625, with the Dolphins at +455.
Vrabel Leading in Coach of the Year Odds
As the NFL regular season draws to a close, we sought insights from DraftKings’ Sportsbook Director Johnny Avello regarding unexpected developments this season in terms of betting.
“There’s always something surprising in sports every week,” Avello remarked. “Looking at how this season concludes, the Rams were expected to dominate the NFC West, yet here we are with Seattle and San Francisco battling for the division crown while the final week determines playoff placements.”
“Reflecting on the season,” stated Avello, “I couldn’t foresee the struggles faced by the Baltimore Ravens, especially when I thought Pittsburgh would achieve 9-10 wins. Now, we have four divisions still in contention, including Jacksonville.”
Maye Emerges as MVP Candidate
“One of the surprises has to be Drake Maye. We initially had him at 50-1 to win MVP, but he’s risen to the top with stellar performances over the last week,” Avello added. After throwing five touchdown passes in a single game, he’s now the front-runner, reshaping the MVP race, especially after Matthew Stafford had a rough outing.
Maye is currently positioned at -295 on DraftKings, while Stafford is at +225.
Bucs Favored Over Panthers
Coach Mike Vrabel of the Patriots stands as the leading candidate for Coach of the Year, currently at -170, closely followed by Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers at +170.
“Shanahan had various postseason possibilities, whereas the trajectory for Vrabel’s team was unpredictable,” Avello noted. “No one anticipated him piloting an MVP candidate to win the AFC East and potentially clinch the No. 1 seed. That’s quite an achievement, making it tough for Shanahan to surpass.”
Among the most wagered games at BetMGM are Seahawks vs. 49ers, Panthers vs. Buccaneers, Ravens vs. Steelers, Lions vs. Bears, and Chargers vs. Broncos. The most popular spreads include 49ers +1.5, Panthers +3, Bears -3, Ravens -3.5, and Bills -6.5.