NFL Week 18 game picks, schedule guide, playoff picture, bold predictions, odds, injuries and more

The Week 18 NFL schedule for the 2021 season is stacked with great matchups, and we got you covered with what you need to know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters bring us the biggest keys to every game, a bold prediction for each matchup and, of course, final score picks.

Additionally, ESPN Stats & Information provides a big stat to know, playoff picture and/or draft position implications and a betting nugget for each contest, and our Football Power Index (FPI) goes inside the numbers with a matchup rating (on a scale of 1 to 100) and a game projection. Everything you want to know is here in one spot to help you get ready for a loaded weekend of NFL football.

Let’s get into the full Week 18 slate, including two Saturday games on ESPN/ABC, an AFC North showdown between two teams trying to stay alive in the playoff hunt, a matchup between the playoff-seeking 49ers and the division title-seeking Rams, and a win-and-in AFC West meeting between the Chargers and Raiders on Sunday night. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)

Jump to a matchup:
KC-DEN | DAL-PHI | CIN-CLE
GB-DET | PIT-BAL | CHI-MIN
IND-JAX | TEN-HOU | WSH-NYG
SF-LAR | SEA-ARI | NE-MIA
CAR-TB | NYJ-BUF | NO-ATL
LAC-LV

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC
Matchup rating: 72.1 | Spread: KC -11.5 (45)

What to watch for: How much do these Broncos have left to give? The Chiefs’ current win streak against Denver stands at 12, the Broncos have been eliminated from the postseason for the sixth consecutive year, the Chiefs need a win to keep their playoff bye hopes alive and significant change is coming to the Broncos’ roster in the coming weeks. Denver’s character will be tested, and it could really use a big offensive day. — Jeff Legwold

Bold prediction: Broncos quarterback Drew Lock will not exceed his career QBR of 24.7 against the Chiefs. He has not played well in his three career games against Kansas City, with two touchdowns, five interceptions and a completion…