Underdog Fantasy – the best and easiest way to play daily fantasy sports. While you might know them best for Best Ball Mania. They have daily drafts for every sport imaginable, even the defensive side of the NFL. Check out my NFL Week 18 Underdog Fantasy Pick ‘Em for Defense. Go here for NFL parlay picks.
NFL Week 18: Underdog Fantasy Pick ‘Em -Defense
TJ Edwards Lower Than 7.5 Tackles + Assists
The Chicago Bears have been eliminated from the playoffs but can still play a pivotal part in deciding the Green Bay Packers playoff fate. With jobs potentially on the line, this Chicago Bears team should show up in full force to try and defeat their NFC North rivals. However, when it comes to TJ Edwards, the production just hasn’t been there of late.
He opened the season, clearing this total in his first six games and 10 of the first 11 games of the season. Edwards hasn’t hit higher than 7.5 tackles in the Bears’ last five games, including just two combined tackles last week. Just like you’d ride the hot hand, it’s time to ride the cold streak as Edwards misses this mark again this week.
Jaquan Brisker Higher Than 6.5 Tackles + Assists
While his teammate might not reach the higher of his number, Brisker just might for the Bears defensive backfield. Against the Detroit Lions in Week 14, Brisker was flying all around the field, grabbing 13 solo tackles and four assists for a season-high 17 combined tackles showing you just what he can do.
With Jordan Love and the Packers offense moving the ball consistently as the season progresses, it should keep Brisker and his backfield mates busy in this Week 18 matchup.
Tyrann Mathieu Higher Than 4.5 Tackles + Assists
The NFC South title is still on the line. Both the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons in this game still have a shot at the division title, along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So, it’s all systems go for the players on both these teams in Week 18.
The Honey Badger has played a big part in leading this defense in 2023, and they’ll look to him to do so against the Atlanta Falcons again this week. Mathieu has gone higher than 4.5 tackles in the Saints’ last two games and eight games this season.
In their Week 12 matchup with the Falcons, Mathieu fell just a half tackle short with three solo tackles and one assist. Big players show up in big games, and The Honey Badger should do so for his defense in Week 18.
“It’s about celebrating your people,”
The story of Tyrann Mathieu, the 2023 #Saints Man of the Year ⚜️@Mathieu_Era | #WPMOYChallenge pic.twitter.com/rGRYouP6LU
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 28, 2023
Calais Campbell Higher Than 3.5 Tackles + Assists
Sticking with the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints game, we’ll go to the other side of the field and take a look at the Atlanta defense. Same story here where we expect big players to show up in big spots.
The 37-year-old 2008 second-round draft pick has still been putting up production 16 years into his career. In all but two games this season, Campbell has gotten at least three combined tackles, breaking that mark in six games. In their Week 12 matchup Campbell came through with five combined tackles.
Andrew Van Ginkel Higher Than .5 Sacks Spicy Play (1.25x)
The nightcap in South Beach should be a good one. The Buffalo Bills head to visit the Miami Dolphins to finish settling the AFC playoff picture. When these teams played back in Week 4, the Bills laid a 48-20 smackdown on the Dolphins. In that game, Van Ginkle sacked Josh Allen twice.
Two weeks ago, in a close battle with the Dallas Cowboys, Van Ginkel got to Dak Prescott for 1.5 sacks. Getting pressure on Josh Allen and forcing him into mistakes will be key for a Miami defense missing Bradley Chubb and Xavien Howard. Van Ginkel will be called upon to chase Allen around and hopefully bring him down for at least half a sack.
