Free NFL Picks Week 18

The last week of the NFL regular season is the most challenging for oddsmakers and sports bettors when making free NFL picks. Assessing stats and NFL betting public perception won't cut in when making lines for wacky Week 18. The best teams in the league may have to be underdogs as they've already clinched the division and a No. 1 or 2 playoff slot.

That means this is the start of a two-week bye so they may not care at all about even playing in Week 18. Bad teams playing their final home games may have to be given respect with a line as they may bring about a terrific effort, a final thanks to the fans in an otherwise dismal season.

Looking for NFL computer picks? Wunderdog has you covered this NFL season

Some coaches announce quarterbacks and other star players won't play or will only go the first half. It's a dizzying NFL Sunday unlike any other.

Why Use NFL Week 18 Picks

Expect the unexpected in Week 18, which means if you want to wager on the games, information and expert advice are essential. Teams that have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive will play hard, but does that guarantee a great performance? It does not.

Checking the history of the team and quarterbacks in big games can predict a lot. Adding NFL Week 18 picks to your handicapping study helps get you prepared for, such as "play this game" or "pass" and the reasons why.

Remember, passing on a game you're not sure about can be excellent money management. Money not lost is money still in your betting bankroll for next week.

Remember to take look at the NFL week 17 picks from last week.

Betting Value in NFL Week 18 Picks

A coach's history can identify wagering value in the regular-season finale. One Week 18, the coach of a No. 1 seed that had nothing to play for put his starters play all the way through three full quarters.

His reasoning was that he didn't like the team's performance the previous week and didn't want to go into a playoff game off a poor performance with two weeks of rest.

Gathering a list of what players and head coaches are saying is another initial step toward identifying line value. Finally, assess the actual numbers to see if the game is too difficult to call, or did the oddsmakers undervalued or overvalued a team.

Wunderdog NFL Week 18 Picks

I know how NFL betting picks can shift each week as a documented professional who's been successful at this for over two decades. Week 18 is a handicapping challenge, not for beginners or the faint of heart.

My releases have a detailed analysis on where the weak lines are and the in-depth reasons why. Whether it's sides, NFL underdogs, totals, moneylines & NFL parlays, or shifts around key numbers, I'll be on it - and you can too.

Free NFL Week 18 Picks vs. Premium Picks

Free NFL Week 18 Picks Pros:

• Absorbing the correct mechanics of sports handicapping
• Free plays and free advice means no cost to you
• Exclusive insight into who the Vegas pros are backing and why

Free NFL Week 18 Pick Cons:

• Not all websites reveal their winning/losing track records
• The information they have singled out might not correlate to the oddsmaker number
• Too many plays released can clutter your thinking and hurt your bankroll with improper money management

Premium NFL Week 18 Pick Pros:

• Top selections are coming from an experienced and documented pro bettor
• They do all the work which is a big plus when you're too busy
• Plays need to come with what amount to wager on for long-term success

Premium NFL Week 18 Pick Cons:

• Costs can add up cutting into your pockets and the whole point is to increase that betting bankroll
• Beware extremely skeptical of excess hype and "games that can't lose"
• You may not be able to find the history of the capper or website reputation

How To Win With Free NFL Week 18 Picks

If you wager simply for the fun of it you can analyze and bet any way you like. But for me, there's only one bottom line and that is winning consistently. Beating the odds with your own cash requires complete examination of games on the field and lines at the sports books.

Taking advantage of plays put together by an established, documented professional will help build your betting knowledge base and your bankroll.

Free NFL Week 18 Betting Strategy

In the regular-season finale, some coaches will admit they're sitting star players or the starters will make a brief appearance, usually meaning the first quarter. You can throw it all the NFL regular season stats at that point as they're irrelevant.

This means looking at what kind of opponent they're facing, where the game is being played, and what the coach's history is in meaningless games, such as preseason and Week 18.

The wagering value could lie with the total in a low-scoring game if a star QB is sitting and the backups are not very good or inexperienced.

Undervalued versus Overvalued Teams

Did the oddsmakers undervalue or overvalue any teams based on the situation and the lines? If a star quarterback isn't playing, the oddsmakers will drop several points in Week 18 than they would have during weeks 1-17.

On the other hand, if the backup QB is a capable veteran, the offense might not experience that much of a drop in performance. In addition, coaches that are playing their backups means they're less interested in a win and more focused on staying healthy and heading to the postseason.

That can mean the opponent is undervalued if they're playing their starters the whole way.

Home Dogs

Home dogs or ones that are pick 'em can offer excellent betting value in Week 18. A home team with a 4-12 record could be a home dog to a 7-8 team that has already been knocked out of the playoffs.

A home dog that is finishing up a losing season and going to be on vacation after the game may go all-out to win out of pride and to try and get a victory for the faithful paying customers. A losing team ending the season on a winning note is a very powerful motivation for a strong effort.

Free NFL Week 18 Picks Subscription

Signing up for my free gives you instant access to essential winning wagering insight at no risk or cost. My releases have complete analysis along with proper money management advice. Why try to do it all yourself when you can have an established, pro on your side?

You can access these releases via a subscription to upgrade your handicapping skills. This will allow you to get more enjoyment out of watching and winning on your favorite sports.