Media by Associated Press – Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) pauses as Damar Hamlin is examined by medical staff during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
The NFL season has reached its final week of the regular season. The stakes will be higher for some teams while others are playing out the string. With that in mind, here’s a look at four players who will score a touchdown in Week 18.
Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns, -109
Chubb, who averages 4.5 yards per carry in eight career games against the Steelers, is again having one of the best seasons of any NFL running back. Chubb is second in the league with 1,448 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. With quarterback Deshaun Watson struggling to find his footing after a lengthy delay due to legal troubles, Cleveland leans on its running game.
During the Browns’ first matchup with Pittsburgh on Sept. 22, 2022, Chubb was counted on to carry the load. Chubb rushed for 113 yards on 23 carries and scored a touchdown. While T.J. Watt has returned for Pittsburgh’s defense, the Steelers are still vulnerable to the run.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings, -124
Minnesota can’t grab the top seed in the NFC but can still finish as the No. 2 seed if San Francisco stumbles. Playing against a Bears’ defense that is in shambles, the Vikings should be able to put up points and grab a win. Cook was a major factor in Minnesota’s win over Chicago earlier this season.
Cook scored twice during Minnesota’s Oct. 9 win. He carried the ball 18 times for 94 yards. Cook should get more opportunities in a good matchup for the Vikings. Chicago has the second-worst defense in the league against the run. The Bears allow 158.3 yards per game.
Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals +225
The Bengals’ No. 3 wide receiver has carved out a solid role for himself in Cincinnati’s red-hot offense. Boyd also has always been a reliable target for the Bengals against Baltimore over the years. In 13 appearances vs. Baltimore, Boyd averages 3.6 catches per game.
This game no longer has the pressure of being for an AFC North title, as the NFL canceling the Bengals-Bills game gave Cincinnati the title by default. However, Baltimore is trending downward, and Cincinnati’s offense should find a bunch of scoring opportunities. Boyd will haul in at least one touchdown pass.
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills, +133
The Bills always enjoy having a chance to stick it to the Patriots after years of taking beatings from their rival. But this weekend may be especially important for Buffalo to get back into rhythm after having a game canceled last week after the injury to Damar Hamlin.
The Bills’ offense, as always, is led by its big, physical quarterback Josh Allen. Allen is once again second on the team in rushing yards. He has 746 on 115 carries this season, including a long run of 44 yards. Allen has also scored seven times on the ground.
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