The end of the regular season is upon us. week 18 is the final week for a lot of teams before the playoffs start. Many teams are resting their starters while others are playing for playoff berths and seeding. There are also players that are going for contract incentives, which is typically the best data point for such an uncertain week. No worries, I have gone through the slate today and picked 4 Best Bets for the day and provided some background on each. Let’s make some money!

First things first, the Best Bets:

Best Bets

• Bijan Robinson Rush Yards over 97.5
• Bucky Irving Rush Yards over 88.5
• Courtland Sutton Receiving Yards over 80.5
• T.J Hockenson Receiving Yards over 47.5

Best Bet Background- Bijan Robinson Rush Yards over 97.5

The Falcons are fighting for their playoff lives today. If they do not win, they are out. If they win and Tampa Bay loses, they will be in the dance. Today, they are taking on their division rivals, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are dead last when defending the run. They are allowing 176 rush yards per game. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson has been having a breakout year for the second year running back. He has become the focal point of this offense ever since Michael Penix was named the starting quarterback. 98 is a high mark for Robinson. He is currently averaging 80 yards per game but he has been in a groove recently. he has averaged 100 yards per game over the last 5 games. With a must win situation on hand, the Falcons will need to lean on their run game in order to exploit the glaring weakness of the Panthers defense.

Best Bet Background – Bucky Irving Rush Yards over 88.5

We are staying within the NFC South and going with yet another running back. Rookie Bucky Irving has solidified himself as the top running back in Tampa Bay. He cracked the 1,000 yar mark last week. He has run for over 88 yards in 4 of the last 6 games. He faces a Saints defense that is allowing 139 yards per game, which is 30th in the NFL. The Bucs will be fighting to clinch a playoff berth. It is straight forward for them, they win, and they are in. They lose, and they leave the door open for Atlanta to claim the NFC South title. The Bucs will need to rely on their young running back to add balance to this offense. Look for Bucky to play a large part in today’s game as Tampa tries to extend their season. I would also advise looking at Mike Evans for an anytime TD. He is playing for a TD incentive today as well as trying to extend his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

Best Bet Background – Courtland Sutton Receiving Yards over 80.5

In addition, for playing for the last AFC playoff spot, the Broncos have some players that will be playing for contract bonuses. Sean Payton has historically done his part to call plays in order to max out his players earnings. Today, Courtland Sutton is 82 yards away from a $2 million contract bonus. He is already the team’s number 1 wide receiver but add in the fact that he is within reach of a bonus and that Kansas City is going to be resting their starters, I think Sutton is in store for a very productive day.

Best Bet Background – T.J Hockenson Receiving Yards over 47.5

The primetime matchup between the Lions and Vikings is the perfect way to end the regular season. Both of these teams are 14-2 and the winner will not only win the NFC North but will also clinch the number 1 spot in the playoffs and the wild card bye. In short, there is plenty to play for in this premiere matchup. In looking for a play on this game, one thing stands out. Both of these teams let up a ton of yards through the air. The Vikings are allowing 243 yards per game while Detroit is allowing 250, which ranks them 28th and 31st respectively. So, we are in for a shootout tonight. Plenty of passing to go around on both sides. With that being said, I am looking at Minnesota tight end, T.J Hockenson. Ever since coming back from injury, T.J has only gotten more productive. In 9 games, he is averaging just under 50 yards per game. With all the attention being paid to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Hockenson will be the perfect outlet for Sam Darnold. Add in the fact that the Lions traded Hockenson away and I believe that Hockenson is going to play a large part of tonight’s game. He should achieve over 48 yards fairly easily.