NFL Football Today: Odds for Games on Saturday, Jan. 3, and Sunday, Jan. 4

The NFL‘s regular-season Week 18 is arriving with plenty of excitement and a slate packed with high-octane matchups that may make your heart skip a beat. As the final weekend before the playoffs unfolds across Saturday, January 3, 2026, and Sunday, January 4, odds models and research give offer a spread-by-spread love letter to the matchups that have fans excited. There’s no Monday Night Football game in Week 18, as the NFL gets ready for the NFL playoffs, which begin on January 10.

Think of this as your official guide to Week 18 games on TV and who’s a slight favorite, who’s a runaway choice and which games are so close you might need to bit your nails down to nothing while watching.

NFL Football Week 18 on TV: Odds for Week 18 on Saturday, January 3 and Sunday, January 4

Saturday: NFC South & West

Panthers at Buccaneers – Bucs –3, O/U 43.5
It’s Saturday afternoon kickoff, and the Carolina Panthers are heading into Tampa Bay like it’s nobody’s business. The Bucs are listed as 3-point favorites, according to Fox Sports, with a total of 43½ points. This line suggests a slight edge for Tampa, but nothing too bold.

Seahawks at 49ers – Seahawks –1.5, O/U 47.5
Later that night, the NFC West rivals lock eyes. Seattle is just a 1½-point favorite over San Francisco, telling us this one could be really tight. The total is hovering near 48, according to research from Fox Sports. These two teams have history and the market expects another close dance.

Sunday: A Full Slate of Games

Early Afternoon Kickoffs

Saints at Falcons – Falcons –3
A Southern classic where the Falcons enter as modest favorites. Models see this as a slight edge, and even though both are out of the playoffs, it’s still a contest worth watching.

Browns at Bengals – Bengals –7.5
Cincinnati is favored by a touchdown, suggesting confidence. The Bengals are solid here in the analytics, projected to win and cover with authority, according to research from CBS Sports.

Packers at Vikings – Vikings –6.5
Up in chilly Minnesota, the Vikings are nearly a touchdown favorite at home, according to CBS Sports. They’re already out of the playoffs, but the Packers have punched their ticket in, so it’s not one of the more important weekend games.

Cowboys at Giants – Cowboys –5.5
This one is a classic NFC East meeting. Dallas holds the edge, but only by a few points, according to CBS Sports.

Titans at Jaguars – Jaguars –12.5
Jacksonville is a big favorite here, by more than a touchdown according to research from CSB Sports, suggesting confidence.

Colts at Texans – Texans –10.5
Houston’s double-digit edge is another sign of playoff stakes pushing teams toward decisive performances.

Late Afternoon & Evening Games

Jets at Bills – Bills favorite -7.5
Buffalo enters as a clear favorite, according to Fox Sports, and early projections see the Bills as a strong choice to win with authority.

Lions at Bears – Bears favorite -3
Chicago’s spread shows a modest nod of confidence at home. This game could be tight, although it’s meaningless for the playoff-less Lions.

Chargers at Broncos – Broncos favorite -12.5
Denver is favored here by a lot. The Broncos getting the edge tells us the oddsmakers see them as a solid pick here.

Chiefs at Raiders – Chiefs –5.5
Travis Kelce and company come in as favorites, though not runaway choices. They’ve had a rough season and aren’t in the playoffs, but Las Vegas’ season has been worse.

Cardinals at Rams – Rams –7.5
Los Angeles is favored with confidence, according to Fox Sports, with a spread that suggests the Rams might sweep into town with roses and take the lead.

Dolphins at Patriots – Patriots –10.5
New England holds a double-digit lead on paper, a firm statement in the odds.

Commanders at Eagles – Eagles –8
Philadelphia’s spread suggests a strong favorite status. They’re confident and competent, as always.

Ravens at Steelers (Sunday Night Football) – Ravens –3.5, O/U 40.5
Prime-time brings the AFC North battle, and Baltimore is favored by a field goal and a half. This is the official slow dance of Week 18.

The NFL Playoffs Are Almost Here

Odds are never set in stone, but these models from CBS Sports and Fox Sports show where games are trending for Week 18. By Sunday night’s prime time, we’ll know which favorites held firm, which underdogs resurrected themselves and which teams are heading into the playoffs with momentum.

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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

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